Economic development
Job creation
Help small businesses grow and hire young people.
Illustrative photo: Ali Mkumbwa / Unsplash
Objective for the 2026 funding round
Create 150 lasting jobs by helping small businesses grow and hire, and by placing young people in apprenticeships.
Who it reaches: Young people without work, and small businesses ready to grow.
Target$77,916
Funding for this cause closes in
From $100: a month's wage subsidy for a young apprentice.
The need
Africa has the world's youngest population, and many young people can't find work. Growing small businesses that already employ people is one of the quickest ways to create jobs.
Why give to this cause
- Young people across Africa need jobs; small businesses create most of them.
- Supporting a growing business creates jobs that last.
- We track how many jobs are still filled after a year.
What your gift does
- $100a month's wage subsidy for a young apprentice
- $800equipment that lets a workshop take on a new worker
- $5,000a growth grant for a business committing to hire five people
Where your donation goes
The planned budget for this cause. Every quarter, the field report shows what was actually spent against each line.
- Business growth grantsEquipment and working capital for growing businesses.40%$320 of $800
- Apprenticeship stipendsPaying apprentices while they learn a trade.25%$200 of $800
- Skills trainingTechnical and workplace skills.17%$136 of $800
- Business supportAdvice on hiring, finance and markets.8%$64 of $800
- Monitoring and reportingJobs created and still filled after a year.10%$80 of $800
How we do it
- 1
Established small businesses apply with a hiring plan.
- 2
Grants buy equipment or fund apprenticeships, tied to jobs created.
- 3
Payroll records confirm the jobs are real and lasting.
- 4
Businesses get mentoring from experienced entrepreneurs.
The impact your gift will have
- Young people get steady jobs in growing local businesses.
- Businesses expand, creating more work over time.
- Wages support families and the local economy.
What we measure and report
Targets for the 2026 funding round. Results against each one are published in the quarterly field report sent to every donor to this cause.
| Measure | Target |
|---|---|
| Jobs created | 150 |
| Jobs still filled after 12 months | 80% |
| New hires under age 30 | 70% |
| Businesses supported | 30 |
Join in the cause today
Make an impactful change in Africa.
Donate to job creationFund job creation
Your gift goes to this programme. You'll get an email receipt now and the field report every quarter.
Funding for this cause closes in
Choose an amount
- $100a month's wage subsidy for a young apprentice
- $800equipment that lets a workshop take on a new worker
- $5,000a growth grant for a business committing to hire five people
Gifts start at $50. Choose your own amount on the next page.
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DonateQuestions donors ask
How can I help end poverty in Africa?
Supporting families to earn is one of the most lasting ways to help. Choose Microfinance, Agriculture, Job creation or Entrepreneurship training and give online. Choose a cause, enter your amount in US dollars and pay securely by Visa, Mastercard, Apple Pay or cryptocurrency (Bitcoin, Ethereum, USDT and 100+ coins). You get an email receipt straight away and a field report every quarter.
How does microfinance help families in Africa?
Families borrow to buy stock, seed or tools, repay the loan and the money is lent again, so each gift helps several families over time.
Can I sponsor a family in Africa?
Our economic development and children's causes support whole households: income, food, school and savings. Choose the cause that fits, and you get a quarterly report on what it achieved.