Introduction to Daayitwa Rural Enterprise Acceleration Program
Due to severe lack of good employment opportunities, approximately 7 lakhs youths ventured abroad for foreign employment in the fiscal year 2022/23. Nepal confronts challenges of unemployment and high inflation rate of 7.26% in 2022/23 hindering economic stimulation. While the country's resources and human capital are limited in addressing unemployment, it is essential to implement targeted economic reforms that address unique post-pandemic challenges.
The entrepreneurial sector in Nepal has the capacity to become the backbone of inclusive growth by creating employment opportunities. Yet, despite their potential to reach marginalized and excluded communities, micro and small enterprises in municipal areas have not received adequate attention compared to their macro counterparts. Established in 2013, Daayitwa’s Rural Enterprise Acceleration Program (REAP) identifies growth-oriented rural women and youth entrepreneurs, enables those entrepreneurs to exploit local innovations, connects enterprises with financial institutions, and bolsters the municipal enterprise ecosystem.
