Compete is a five-year activity that works to promote resilient, self-sustaining market systems and improve the private sector’s competitiveness in local, regional and global markets. Compete stimulates enterprise growth, promotes job creation, and fosters greater market penetration. It focuses on three key export-oriented sectors: wood processing, food processing, and Information and Communications Technologies (ICT). This activity contributes to USAID’s overall goal of increasing opportunities for inclusive democratic and economic participation.
Activities
- Improve coordination and communication between Kosovo-based suppliers and export buyers to help local companies penetrate the export market and increase export sales.
- Facilitate access to finance for Kosovo exporters by introducing tailored financial products to the market that will help companies expand their businesses.
- Assist Kosovo businesses to become more efficient, productive, and better prepared to compete in international markets by adopting lean manufacturing processes, strong corporate governance, relevant certifications, end-market services, and other best practices.
- Develop skills within the targeted sectors by improving training and non-formal education, encouraging companies to upgrade workforce skills, and promoting careers among women and youth.
- Support private sector associations to provide services for improved competitiveness of local products and services.
Key Results to Date
- 372 enterprises directly engaged to strengthen their competitiveness.
- $9.8M in new exports generated.
- 84 market linkages facilitated/created between Kosovo partners and international buyers.
- Supported the establishment of the Export Window at the Kosovo Credit Guarantee Fund (KCGF), which has since issued 20 loan guarantees worth EUR 1.96 million.
- Supported the introduction of leasing options so machinery is more affordable and accessible for wood processors.
- 616 participants completed workshops/trainings/bootcamps/on the job coaching.
- 222 people trained in new skills in wood and food processing.
- 104 people found employment after training.
- $18.3M investments leveraged as a result of USG assistance.
Additional Information
Project Funding
U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID/Kosovo)
Duration
August 2020 – August 2025
Implementing Partner
DT Global Inc
Total Funding
$16,478,811
Key Counterparts
Private sector, associations, service providers, finance providers.
Where We Work
Nationwide
Contact
Flora Arifi, Project Management Specialist
USAID/Kosovo
DT Global for USAID Kosovo