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For a sustainable and equitable future

Headquartered in Zurich, Swisscontact is the independent, business-oriented foundation for international development cooperation. Founded in 1959 by leading Swiss companies, Swisscontact has promoted skills development and entrepreneurship to make a sustainable contribution to economic growth in developing and emerging countries.

Who we are

  • Founded in 1959 by leading Swiss companies and civil society.
  • Global Reach: active in 41 countries, managing 131 projects.
  • Team: ~1,200 staff, of which 95% are local employees.
  • Annual turnover: CHF 105 million, with approximately 20% private funding.

We combine Swiss values such as quality, partnership, and efficiency with international experience and local roots.

What drives us

Our vision is an inclusive, sustainable economy where everyone has access to income, education, and opportunities. We align our work with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Our focus areas:

Skills and employment
Enterprise development
Green transition

How we work

Swisscontact pursues a holistic approach, empowering local organisations and partners to achieve lasting impact. Through cooperation with international and local businesses, we foster fair working conditions and transparent communication. Our projects are managed with a standardised monitoring and results measurement system, and we continuously develop new learning methods, thereby strengthening our collective knowledge.

Our Partners

We work closely with international donors, public institutions, companies, and foundations. Our projects are efficient, scalable, and sustainable, forming long-term development strategies.

Would you like to get involved and support our work?

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