The Hailemariam & Roman Foundation (HRF), in collaboration with the South Ethiopia Region, convened a Market Linkage Forum in Jinka Town to strengthen market opportunities for youth-led enterprises established under the Youth Self-Employment in South Ethiopia (YES) Project in South Omo and Ari Zones.
The forum, held on June 22, 2026, brought together government institutions, private-sector actors, financial institutions, and development partners to explore practical solutions to improve market access, strengthen business partnerships, and enhance value addition for youth-owned enterprises.
Since its launch in 2024, the YES Project has reached more than 31,000 young women and men, enabling over 18,000 to establish businesses in the livestock, agro-processing, and eco-tourism sectors. The project has also facilitated ETB 20 million in financing and provided productive assets to 1,400 enterprises, benefiting 14,600 young people.
Building on these achievements, participants discussed strategies to create sustainable market systems that support business growth for young people and reaffirmed their commitment to enhancing the competitiveness and long-term sustainability of youth-led enterprises across the South Omo and Ari Zones.
The YES Project is a partnership between the Hailemariam & Roman Foundation and the Mastercard Foundation to improve and diversify income opportunities for disadvantaged young women and men in the South Omo and Ari Zones.
