Building a Happy Community Through a Vibrant Entrepreneurship Ecosystem
In the Maldives, our youth – 35% of our population, are brimming with potential but face daunting challenges in finding fulfilling, well-paying jobs.
With a youth unemployment rate of 14.93% and one in five young people (aged 15–24) not in education, employment, or training (NEET), many graduates and those with poor O-level or A-level results feel stuck. The tourism-driven economy offers limited opportunities, and systemic barriers like skill mismatches and gender disparities make the path even tougher, especially for young women.
This isn’t just an economic issue. It’s a barrier to the happiness and resilience of our communities.
As someone passionate about fostering happy, thriving communities, I believe the solution lies in empowering our youth to create their own opportunities through a robust entrepreneurship ecosystem. Programs like the Maldives Enhancing Employability and Resilience of Youth (MEERY) Project and Getset have sparked hope, supporting 4,800 businesses and creating 24 new ventures, including eight led by women. But these efforts need to evolve into a connected, inclusive ecosystem to truly transform lives.
Imagine a Maldives where every young person, from Malé to the atolls, has access to:
🌟 Funding: Microloans, grants, and venture capital to turn ideas into reality, inspired by models like the IFC’s $50M investment in the Bank of Maldives.
🌟 Mentorship: Guidance from inspiring leaders like Hilal Agil, who transitioned from tech to social entrepreneurship, to nurture practical skills and confidence.
🌟 Supportive Policies: Streamlined regulations and incentives to make starting a business easier, as seen in successful ecosystems like Indonesia’s.
🌟 Community Spirit: A culture of innovation and collaboration, amplified by events like the National Skills and Career Expo, which engaged 4,000 youth, and initiatives like Ufaaveri Aailaa that promote resilience and joy.
🌟 Digital Access: Virtual incubators and online training to ensure no one, especially women and atoll-based youth, is left behind.
A thriving entrepreneurship ecosystem isn’t just about jobs, it’s about empowering our youth to shape their futures, diversify our economy, and build happier communities. By connecting resources, fostering inclusion, and celebrating innovation, we can turn frustration into opportunity and ensure every young Maldivian feels valued and empowered.
Let’s come together to build this ecosystem and create a Maldives where our youth thrive, not just survive. 💙 What steps can you take to support our young entrepreneurs?
#MaldivesYouth #Entrepreneurship #HappyCommunities #InnovationForAll
Smile and Let Smile 