'Start-up Pakistan’ Initiative launched to foster growth startups and small businesses
KfW Development Bank and the Aga Khan Foundation (AKF), in partnership with
the Aga Khan Rural Support Programme (AKRSP) and Accelerate Prosperity (AP),
have launched the “Start-up Pakistan” initiative to foster the growth of
startups and small businesses in Pakistan. The project, funded by Germany’s
Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), will expand
Accelerate Prosperity’s model to new regions like Punjab, focusing on sectors
including education, health, tourism, and the green economy, with an emphasis
on digitization and sustainability.
The initiative also aims to build a robust entrepreneurial ecosystem,
enhance investment readiness, and provide capacity-building support across the
country.
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and State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) collaborate to empower women
Mr. Azfar Manzoor, Special Secretary for the Ministry of Information
Technology, underscored the government's commitment to creating job
opportunities for Pakistan's youth, stressing the importance of small
businesses for economic growth. Dr. Sebastian Paust of the German Embassy
highlighted the need for a supportive business environment for startups to
thrive.
The launch ceremony gathered government officials, private sector leaders,
financial institutions, and development organizations, with a shared vision of
fostering an inclusive and resilient economy. The initiative is expected to
create over 2,500 direct jobs and support 1,500 entrepreneurs, with a focus on
empowering women and youth. This effort aligns with the UN’s Sustainable
Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth)
and SDG 5 (Gender Equality).
Source: Pakistan Observer