Increasing Market Employability (IME)


North Macedonia’s economy is characterised by persistently slow growth rates as a result of low productivity due to outdated practices and scarce labour force due to high emigration. To address this, Switzerland, through its Increasing Market Employability project, supports small and medium-sized enterprises in sustainable agribusiness and tourism to become more competitive and environmentally sustainable by improving their products and services, while creating decent employment. The duration of the project is extended until 31.12.2026.

Paese/Regione Tema Periodo Budget
Macedonia del Nord
Impiego & sviluppo economico
Sviluppo delle piccole e medie imprese (PMI)
Creazione di occupazione
Sviluppe rurale
01.09.2024 - 31.12.2026
CHF  2’700’100
Contesto The economy of North Macedonia struggles to create decent employment, to meet European quality and environmental standards and to be competitive at the European markets. This contributes to the significant emigration, especially among youth (15-29) and people from the regions. Nevertheless, if constraints in the local market systems are addressed, some sectors (sustainable agribusiness and tourism) have good prospects for accelerated growth, resulting in the generation of decent employment and higher income.
Obiettivi Small and medium-sized enterprises in agribusiness and tourism are more competitive, providing decent employment and contributing to the country’s green transition.
Gruppi target

The end beneficiaries are people living in the regions outside the capital, in particular youth (15-29). The project enhances their opportunity for decent employment and increased income.

The project targets small and medium-sized enterprises (producers and service providers) in sustainable agribusiness and sustainable tourism and stakeholders that contribute to a more conducive business environment i.e. associations, economic chambers, government agencies, business service providers, financial service providers, etc.

Effetti a medio termine

Outcome 1: Small and medium-sized enterprises in agribusiness and tourism adopt green practices, improve the quality and quantity of their products, and have better access to markets.

Outcome 2: Market system actors in agribusiness and tourism jointly address sectorial challenges and improve their business environments.

Risultati

Risultati principali attesi:  

  • Suppliers are well integrated in the value chains of anchor companies, ensuring products and services demanded by European and other markets
  • Companies apply environmental standards required by European and other markets
  • Market system stakeholders advocate for and engage in public-private dialogue on economic and green transition reforms
  • Stakeholder alliances developed to address market system challenges
  • Existing, new, and/or improved funding mechanisms are identified to enable business development


Risultati fasi precedenti:   IME Phases 1 and 2 contributed to 5,300+ jobs (direct and indirect), out of which 51% filled by youth (15-29) and 41% by women. The companies in the selected sectors generated income of nearly CHF 20 mio. The most significant results were achieved in the agribusiness and the sustainable tourism sectors, hence the exit phase includes them, in particular focusing on agribusiness.


Direzione/Ufficio responsabile DSC
Partner del progetto Partner contrattuale
ONG internazionale o straniera
  • Other international or foreign NGO North
  • Palladium Europe B.V.


Coordinamento con altri progetti e attori

SDC: Modernization for Sustainability and Decent Jobs, Education for Employment, Groundwater Management Use and Protection Programme, Parliament Support Programme, Enhancing Municipal Councils, Strengthening Municipal Resilience

SECO: SIPPO, Swiss Entrepreneurship Programme

USAID, EU Delegation, SIDA, EBRD, The World Bank Group

Ministry of Agriculture Forestry and Water Economy, Ministry of Culture and Tourism, Ministry of Economy and Labour, National Development Bank, etc.

Budget Fase in corso Budget Svizzera CHF    2’700’100 Budget svizzero attualmente già speso CHF    700’000 Progetto totale dalla prima fase Budget Svizzera CHF   13’780’147 Budget inclusi partner del progetto CHF   16’686’100
Fasi del progetto Fase 3 01.09.2024 - 31.12.2026   (Fase in corso) Fase 2 01.08.2019 - 30.06.2024   (Completed) Fase 1 01.11.2013 - 31.07.2019   (Completed)