YMCA Ethiopia Taps Private Sector to Expand Youth Employment Pipeline

YMCA Ethiopia Taps Private Sector to Expand Youth Employment Pipeline

June 23, 2026
By Mintesinot Nigussie

The Ethiopian Young Men's Christian Association (YMCA Ethiopia) has partnered with Kabod Marketing Solution and Addis Ababa University to provide skills training and employment opportunities for more than 500 young people during the upcoming summer season, as part of efforts to address youth unemployment.

The initiative seeks to strengthen the transition from training to employment by combining the resources of a civil society organisation, academia and the private sector. The three institutions signed a memorandum of understanding at YMCA Ethiopia's national office in Addis Ababa on Tuesday.

The programme will focus on equipping participants with market-oriented skills while creating pathways to employment opportunities. Organisers said the collaboration is designed to respond to the growing challenge of youth unemployment, which remains one of Ethiopia's most pressing socio-economic concerns.

Addis Ababa University will serve as a key partner in the programme, supporting the delivery of youth-focused activities aimed at enhancing employability and workforce readiness.

YMCA Ethiopia said the partnership forms part of its wider effort to expand opportunities for young people through skills development, knowledge transfer and access to jobs. The organisation has been working to establish partnerships that connect youth training programmes with labour market demands.

Operating through 12 branch offices across the country, YMCA Ethiopia runs programmes focused on community wellbeing, employment creation, environmental protection and social inclusion. The organisation said youth employment has become an increasing area of focus as it seeks to help young Ethiopians acquire practical skills and access economic opportunities.

YMCA Ethiopia has been active in youth development for more than 75 years, delivering training programmes and community-based initiatives in various cities across the country.

Kabod Marketing Solution, which provides sales consultancy services in the real estate sector, is expected to contribute industry expertise and help create employment opportunities for programme participants.

Source: FSX Business News