Casablanca, 11th March, 2026 – The Citi Foundation and Education For Employment (EFE) have announced a new collaboration aimed at supporting underserved young people across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). The Citi Foundation is supporting EFE with a USD 500,000 grant through its 2025 Global Innovation Challenge, and EFE’s program will equip, over two years, young people aged 18 to 35 with market-relevant skills for the digital and green economies, helping them to secure meaningful employment through the AJYAL: Future-Ready Youth Employment and Skills Program.

Youth unemployment in the MENA region remains among the highest worldwide, with 25 per cent of those under 35 out of work, nearly double the global average. Paradoxically, many employers in the digital and green sectors, struggle to fill roles due to a lack of qualified candidates. "This program goes beyond preparing young people for jobs; it prepares them for the future," said Houda Barakate, CEO of EFE-Maroc. "Through AJYAL’s tailored training, mentorship and AI-enabled job matching, we are breaking down barriers and connecting youth to opportunities that can transform their

lives and communities."

The initiative aims to ensure that almost 200 young Moroccans will be connected to the world of work, ultimately reaching over 700 participants across the MENA region. The program will focus on digital and green skills, employability and entrepreneurship, while using technology and market-led approaches to connect participants with high-demand roles.

Taoufik Rabbaa, Citibank Maghreb CEO commented “At Citi Morocco, we firmly believe that investing in youth employability is investing in the long-term resilience and competitiveness of our economy. Our longstanding support to EFE reflects our commitment to equipping young Moroccans with the practical, digital and green skills required by today’s evolving job market.” This new grant builds on more than a decade of collaboration between the Citi Foundation and EFE, which has already helped

thousands of young people access dignified and fulfilling work. By investing in low-income youth, both organizations are strongly supporting innovation, economic growth and long-term opportunity in the region.

"Across the MENA region, employers are seeking skills that education systems alone cannot always provide," Laila Slassi, President of EFE Morocco. "This partnership strengthens EFE's regional approach by aligning training with labor market demand and supporting inclusive growth through access to quality employment."

The program, running for two years, combines mentorship, peer learning and a supportive community to deliver lasting benefits for participants and their communities. Thanks to the initiative, young people will develop the skills required to thrive in the evolving digital and green economies.

For more information about EFE’s work supported by the Citi Foundation, and to follow the progress of this initiative, visit efemaroc.org and follow EFE-Maroc on social media

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