Ambassador’s Remarks at the Launching of the Acceleration Plan
for 50 Small Businesses
Palais du Peuple on July 14th, 2022
Excellencies Mr. Ilyas Moussa Dawaleh, Minister of Economy and Finance and International Cooperation; Madame Mariam Hamadou , Minister Delegate in charge of the Digital Economy and Innovation,
Distinguished guests; ladies and gentlemen,
It is a pleasure to be here with you today to officially launch 50 new small businesses. This activity is part of the government of Djibouti’s response to help create and rebuild jobs lost to the devastating effects of COVID-19. The US government provided 2.5 million dollars in a partnership with UNDP to create the Rising Djibouti project which implements activities to benefit Djiboutians whose livelihoods were impacted by COVID and to identify new employment opportunities.
Rising Djibouti supports existing vulnerable small and medium sized businesses affected by the COVID-19 crisis to rebuild as well as identify and establish new income and jobs and to generate new opportunities. The 50 businesses showcased here today received training and coaching during their incubation phase. They will receive additional support, such as registration or renewal of their business licenses, tax payment assistance, development of business and financial plans, and customer and marketing strategies.
These 50 businesses are proof that there are opportunities and possibilities for more local small businesses to grow and thrive. They will increase youth employment, a priority of the government of Djibouti and stimulate the entrepreneurial and creative spirit of Djiboutians.
The Government of the United States of America remains committed to partnering with the Government of Djibouti to support the country’s socio-economic recovery and contribute towards the process of building back a stronger economy.
This launch marks the beginning of an important journey for these businesses. Join me in wishing them success as they continue to grow and develop. I look forward to seeing the results of your efforts.
In conclusion, allow me to once again thank all of our partners, a special mention to our Implementing Partner the UNDP, my team at USAID and the Minister of Economy and Finance.
Congratulations to the small businesses.
Thank you
