A woman wearing an orange construction uniform
Molatelo Boloka works on a pipe installation project in Ga-Kibi, South Africa, that will enable residents to have access to water. After struggling financially in a difficult job market, Boloka joined FHI 360’s Intensive Economic Strengthening program, where she completed a 12-month program that helped her break into the male-dominated construction industry. Photo credit: Nocwaka Sinxadi for FHI 360

Economic opportunity

Challenges like poverty, underemployment and financial instability jeopardize safety and well-being for communities around the world. FHI 360 helps people — particularly women, young people and other historically marginalized groups — create better futures for themselves and contribute to strong economies.

As a partner in economic development, FHI 360 provides businesses, government partners, and communities with technical support, tailored labor market analysis, and data-driven guidance. From workforce development to economic inclusion to green jobs, we collaborate across areas of expertise to develop economic solutions that protect the planet and promote opportunities for all to thrive.

Together with our local partners, we’re strengthening livelihoods and economies so people everywhere can lead full and healthy lives.

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Our economic opportunity work 

Workforce development

Through our global programs in workforce development, FHI 360 applies a systemic approach to addressing the job challenges faced by many resource-constrained countries.

Employment and entrepreneurship

FHI 360 implements training and encourages market linkages so that individuals can take on business ventures. We foster an enabling environment in which entrepreneurs can succeed.

Green livelihoods

To strengthen communities’ capacity to manage their own resources, FHI 360 champions green livelihoods, particularly for historically marginalized populations.

Financial inclusion

We work with local partners to help low-income families and enterprises gain more access to financial services.

Economic opportunity in the U.S.

In the U.S., we work to advance equity and economic opportunity through our programs in workforce development, apprenticeships and justice. 

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Finding a job when unemployment is over 30%

Molatelo Boloka was struggling to get by amid South Africa’s high unemployment rate. She, along with over 6,700 other women, took part in an intensive economic strengthening program that helped her get a job.
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