Enactus is launching a multinational youth engagement program to prepare nearly 25,000 future entrepreneurs and employees in regions experiencing negative economic impact  resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic. This program is funded by the Standard Chartered Foundation. It is part of Futuremakers by Standard Chartered, a global initiative by Standard Chartered Bank to tackle inequality by promoting economic inclusion for disadvantaged young people, including those impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

In 2022 the program expands to Brazil and the United States. Existing markets include France, Ghana, Ireland, Poland, South Africa, South Korea, and Zimbabwe.

In its first year, Enactus students worked with 25,972 beneficiaries, 171 of whom found jobs and 1,195 started businesses. All were from underserved groups or were economically disadvantaged as a result of COVID-19.

Zimbabwean entrepreneur Blessing Chakanyanza launched a confectionary business after acquiring entrepreneurial skills through the Enactus Futuremakers program in the city of Mutare. By selling pies at his high-density suburb of Sakubva that sits along the border of Zimbabwe and Mozambique, Chakanyanza generates revenue that contributes toward the income that sustains his family. He is grateful to the training that motivated him to kickstart his business and hopes to develop additional skills to expand his baking operations.

“We are thrilled to launch this programme together with Enactus,” said Natasha Kwakwa, Global Head, Global Impact at Standard Chartered Bank. “Enactus shares our ambition to provide young people with greater economic opportunities so they are empowered to create a better future for themselves and their communities.”

“We are proud to partner with the Standard Chartered Foundation to tackle inequality by promoting greater economic inclusion for disadvantaged young people, including those impacted by the economic effects of COVID-19,” said Enactus President and CEO Robyn Fehrman.