The Canadian government today announced a significant five-million-dollar, five-year partnership with FINCA Canada, aiming to bolster youth economic opportunities across East Africa.
Secretary of State for International Development, the Honourable Randeep Sarai, unveiled this crucial initiative during his official visit to Dodoma, Tanzania, on Monday, July 21, 2025. The project, titled “Increasing Economic Opportunities for Youth in Uganda and Tanzania,” specifically focuses on strengthening socio-economic inclusion for vulnerable young women.
Through vital technical and vocational education, coupled with crucial skills development, young people will gain market-relevant competencies for future careers.
Secretary Sarai emphasized Canada’s proud, longstanding eight-year partnership with FINCA Canada, now directly supporting marginalized youth in the region.
Youth socio-economic inclusion is paramount for East Africa’s sustainable development and economic growth, considering young people form over 70 percent of the population.
Despite these large numbers, youth unemployment remains significantly high, notably impacting young women with rates 50 percent higher than their male counterparts.
FINCA Canada will collaborate extensively with local organizations and businesses in both Uganda and Tanzania to ensure sustainable job skills training. The program will provide essential business skills development, crucial mentorship, and directly connect young entrepreneurs with successful community businesses.
It will also offer vital financial education, accessible financial services, and necessary capital to help aspiring young entrepreneurs establish or grow their businesses. Over the next five years, this robust partnership expects to support more than 40,000 youth and facilitate the creation of approximately 20,000 new jobs.