North Macedonia

Like other countries in the Western Balkans, North Macedonia has a big youth unemployment problem. Helvetas’ efforts focus on job market development and vocational education and training. We also advocate for the preservation of biodiversity in the east part of North Macedonia.

Capital

Skopje
Area

25,713 km²
Poverty rate*

1% of the population live under the poverty line of $1.90 per day
UN DEVELOPMENT INDEX*

Rank: 78 out of 193
Population

1,836,713
People supported per year

4,000
Thematic focus

Climate & Disaster Resilience
Education and Vocational Skills
Voice, Inclusion & Cohesion

* Source: UN Data

Beekeeping

Biodiversity values in Bregalnica basin

The Western Balkans are booming. Despite the economic growth, however, youth unemployment remains a widespread problem, running as high as 50% in large parts of North Macedonia. Dim future prospects induce many young Macedonians to seek work abroad, which only exacerbates the situation they leave behind because companies can’t find skilled workers.

Employment for young people

This is why Helvetas supports cross-border labor market development in the Western Balkans (Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo and North Macedonia) to create jobs for young people in particular. We focus our efforts not only on stimulating the private sector, but also on boosting job-hunting services such as online employment portals. We are also heavily involved in vocational training in Macedonia, where Helvetas has been active since 2003. Vocational schools and other education providers join forces with companies to develop and implement practically oriented curricula.

Biodiversity and conservation

Helvetas is also involved in a program for conservation and biodiversity in the region around the Bregalnica River. We are promoting ecologically sustainable agriculture and soft agritourism, thereby creating jobs while safeguarding a unique natural landscape with a variety of flora and fauna.

Visit the website of Helvetas in North Macedonia.