Think Creative Spring 2024

Field Notes

West Africa // USAID Trade & Investment Hub Generating new jobs

m Economic Growth Trade Hub

The Trade Hub has supported the expansion of private sector operations, diversified product offerings and added 26,179 jobs in FY2023, which ultimately boosted employment in West Africa by nearly 66,000 positions since 2020— exceeding its original targets.

A Côte d’Ivoire learning event highlighted the significance of co-investment partnerships and shared lessons for economic growth to boost regional trade, gender inclusion and access to finance. With USAID’s West Africa Trade & Investment Hub’s grants of $2.66 million in Côte d’Ivoire, local partners facilitated $35.8 million in private investments, created 940 jobs and generated $17 million in export sales. At the Dec. 14 event, U.S. Ambassador Jessica Davis Ba commended the Trade Hub’s grantees for achieving locally led, sustainable growth driven by the private sector. Bar ama Baro USAID’s Bar ama Baro (“Teach or Learn” in English), which is helping create safe learning spaces for students, has expanded into new districts in early February. Around 1,200 students have enrolled in seven schools managed by 40 teachers and six head teachers. USAID’s Bar ama Baro strategically supports government and community actors in designing and delivering comprehensive, non formal education to marginalized students. Engagement Activity The four-year USAID Ethiopia Civic Engagement Activity officially launched Dec. 11 in Addis Ababa. The initiative aims to support local and grassroots civic actors in achieving inclusive, peaceful and responsive governance. USAID/ Ethiopia Mission Director Scott Hocklander highlighted the activity’s relevance and importance addressing a diverse audience of domestic and international officials and non-governmental organizations.

65,946 jobs added since 2020

26,179 jobs added in 2023

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] 8,901 women

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] 34,949 women

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m Education

11,781 youth

32,489 youth

Syria // Al Rashad Community policing builds public’s trust

4 female police centers refurbished

m Governance Ethiopia Civic

Al Rashad program Highlights

37,705 security officers trained

150 miles of streetlights installed

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policies adopted by internal security forces

Al Rashad increased public trust in the local police and improved responsiveness to citizens’ needs in Northeast Syria—a significant change in the mentality fostered under the Assad regime and ISIS—through community policing strategies and building the capacity of law enforcement. The three-year U.S. State Department program concluded in 2023.

Infographics by Amanda Smallwood

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