Creating shared prosperity with host communities.

Africa Oil maintains a long-term commitment to supporting small business growth and economic development in Turkana County, one of the poorest areas in Kenya. Through the Turkana Catalyst Initiative (TCI), the Foundation provides training and financing to help early-stage businesses benefit from resource development and diversify client bases. Since the program’s 2018 launch, participants have generated over $5 million USD in revenue, supported 700 jobs and contributed to $1.03 million in local household income.

To help community members secure skilled employment opportunities, the Foundation provided multi-year technical assistance and developed a long-term sustainability plan for the Lodwar Vocational Technical Centre in Turkana. The Centre now offers 10 accredited programs to over 200 students annually. The program included the launch of a catering facility that offers a valuable training environment and a reliable revenue stream for the Centre. In 2019, the restaurant became a fully self-sustained operation.

In Ethiopia, Africa Oil created a new program to promote economic development, youth employment and entrepreneurship. Partnering with the International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (ICIPE), the Foundation supports capacity building in beekeeping and silkworm farming enterprises and promotes market linkages to create economic opportunities for youth.