A year of change, measured in real lives.
In 2025, Swisscontact’s work across Eastern Europe translated into tangible change for people, enterprises and local economies.
Behind each number is a broader shift: education linked more closely to employment, businesses connected to markets, and systems beginning to function differently.
in additional income generated by 4,923 smallholders and SMEs (49% led by women), as well as by 5,774 individuals (32% belonged to particularly marginalised groups) who, thanks to skills development, have found new or better employment or started their own businesses.
jobs created or saved. Thereof 712 in existing businesses and 1,846 through self-employment.
smallholders and SMEs gained access to improved products and services, out of those 49% were led by women.
people 32% of whom belonged to particularly marginalised groups, have completed programmes in skills development, entrepreneurship, and labour market insertion.
enterprises/graduates accessing financial services.
mobilized through financial services.
implementation partners (public and private sector).
estimated contributions of public and private sector partners.
In 2025, Swisscontact implemented nineteen projects across Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, North Macedonia, Serbia, Ukraine and Georgia, managing CHF 14 million through partnerships with public and private actors and a regional team of 140. Behind those figures sits measurable change. Our work generated CHF 7.3 million in additional income for 4,923 smallholders and SMEs, almost half of them led by women, alongside 5,774 individuals who found new or better employment or started their own businesses. In total, 2,558 jobs were created or saved.
In 2025, 268 implementation partners contributed to this work, reflecting a way of working built on shared ownership and lasting change. The task ahead is not only to respond to the shifts reshaping Eastern Europe, but to help shape them, strengthening the systems, partnerships and opportunities that will define the region's future.