The Largest Apparel Factory in Southern Kyrgyzstan

In 2014, Makbura Aidaralieva decided to move to Russia to secure a poverty-free life for her family. Like thousands of …

Colombia_PAR_GESI close out story

How Do We Reconcile a Post-Conflict Colombia? Boosting Economic Inclusion

By Katherine Ko, Daniel Sumner, and Melissa Matlock Decades of conflict may have divided Colombian communities, but a 2016 peace deal between …

How a Virtual Business-to-Business Meeting Introduced a Zambian Farming Enterprise to New Buyers

Salima Lungu launched her business, C&S Agro, in 2011 in the Chibombo District of Zambia. Now, a decade later, she …

ACDI/VOCA to Lead USAID Activity Supporting Serbian Enterprises

We are pleased to announce the U.S. Agency for International Development has selected ACDI/VOCA to implement the Small and Medium …

Innovating Primary Education and Creating Jobs in Southern Kyrgyzstan

Aidana Alibaeva worked abroad for 10 years as a Chinese language interpreter. She was always inspired by her grandparents, who …

Kyrgyzstan-F2F-stock shot of bazaar

Remote Volunteer Helps Students with Entrepreneurial Dreams in the Kyrgyz Republic

Paul Fisher has consulted for small businesses, served on negotiating committees representing both management and union interest, and taught accounting …

Zambia_EDGE_vol_post-stock image

Q&A with Volunteer Providing Business Development Support to SMEs in Zambia

Lusekelo Mwafulilwa is a financial accountant who is partially qualified by the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants. A resident of …

Zambia EDGE SME training

USAID Supports Local Entrepreneurs in Zambia to Advise Other Business-Owners and Create Outgrower Scheme

The USAID Zambia Enterprise Development and Growth Enhanced (EDGE) Activity believes that training farmers — combined with extensive one-on-one coaching …

Kenya-LMS-REAP program participant

Supporting Sustainable Livelihoods in Northern Kenya

After losing his job, Emmanuel Ibei decided to take on the humbling position of helping his wife run her kiosk …

Zambia-EDGE-stock photo-young women with cell phones

Q&A with Bangladesh-Based Volunteer Supporting Entrepreneurs in Zambia

Ahmed Towsif is an entrepreneur based in Dhaka, Bangladesh, and a first-time volunteer with ACDI/VOCA. We talked to Ahmed about …

Dairy Facility Adapts and Grows to Feed Families in Kyrgyzstan’s Issyk-Kul Region

Ak-Jalga was founded in 1964. Today, it is the largest dairy processing facility in the Issyk-Kul Region, processing up to …

Female-Owned Apparel Factory Creates 70+ Jobs in Southern Kyrgyzstan

Nazirbek Toktonazarov had only graduated high school when he decided to leave his parents and move to Russia. Like thousands …