Youth Empowerment Forum (YEF) Markets Programme Overview

The Youth Empowerment Forum (YEF) Markets Programme is an economic empowerment initiative designed to create access to markets for young entrepreneurs, creatives, and small-scale producers. The programme provides structured platforms where youth can showcase, sell, and grow their products and services while building practical business skills and sustainable income streams.

The YEF Markets Programme recognises access to markets as one of the biggest barriers facing youth-led enterprises and informal traders, particularly in underserved communities. By bridging this gap, the programme supports youth participation in local economies and value chains.

Youth and Community Market Platforms

YEF establishes and supports community-based markets, pop-up markets, and themed market events that prioritise youth-owned businesses, creatives, and cooperatives. These markets provide affordable, safe, and visible trading spaces for participants.

Market platforms support:

• Youth entrepreneurs and informal traders

• Creative and cultural products

• Food, crafts, fashion, and services

• Community and township economies

Entrepreneurship and Business Skills Development

The programme integrates hands-on business training to strengthen participants’ capacity to operate and grow their enterprises. Participants receive support in pricing, customer service, basic financial management, branding, and compliance.

Creative and Local Value Chains

The YEF Markets Programme promotes local production, cultural expression, and community value chains by connecting producers, creatives, and consumers. This strengthens local economies while preserving cultural identity and encouraging ethical and inclusive trade.

Digital and Hybrid Market Access

To expand reach beyond physical markets, the programme introduces participants to digital and hybrid market models, including online marketplaces, social media selling, and digital payment systems. This allows youth businesses to access broader audiences and new income opportunities.

Community Engagement and Economic Inclusion

Markets are designed as community spaces that encourage social interaction, collaboration, and economic participation. The programme prioritises inclusion of women, youth, and marginalised groups.

Advocacy for Youth Economic Participation

YEF advocates for improved access to trading spaces, fair regulations, and supportive local economic policies for youth-led enterprises. The programme engages municipalities, partners, and stakeholders to strengthen youth economic inclusion and entrepreneurship ecosystems.