Economic Empowerment is about enabling people in need to become economically independent so they can lead self-determined lives. Despite economic growth in Eastern Africa, poverty rates remain very high, with rural populations and the younger generation in major cities particularly affected. Our work in this focus area is based on two initiatives: enterprise development and vocational training.

Globally, an estimated 1.6 billion people live in substandard housing. This has a significant impact not only on their safety and health, but also on their economic opportunities and social integration.

The Hilti Foundation has been working with Hand in Hand International for three years in implementing powerful education models to create small enterprises in rural East Africa. The goal is to create sustainable income and long-term jobs for the local people so they can afford a better live by themselves.