From Contestant to Entrepreneur: The Wood Industry Convention Provides Opportunities for Kosovo’s Youth

Drilon Rexhepi, a student at the University of Applied Sciences in Ferizaj, was determined to make a name for himself in the field of architecture and design. In 2016, his hard work paid off when he won first place in the Best Student Design Competition at the USAID supported Kosovo Wood Industry Convention. Six years later, at the fifth edition of the Wood Industry Convention, Drilon participated as the CEO of his own wood processing company, EFD, as one of 21 convention exhibitors.

Organized by the Kosovo Association of Wood Processors, with support from USAID, the convention serves as a networking platform for students, manufacturers, international buyers, and other industry stakeholders, showcasing the latest designs and products of local producers. The Best Student Design Contest has become a key component of the convention, with  interest in participating in the competition increasing every year. During the most recent convention, held in December 2022, 40 students presented their work. 

Through Drilon’s participation in past editions of the convention, he identified an unmet need in the market for various metal elements to complement wooden furniture made by local producers. To meet this demand, in addition to manufacturing his own line of wooden furniture, Drilon started producing metal elements, which were previously imported, for Kosovo’s wood industry. Local wood processing companies are using these elements in their furniture, which are then exported to international markets.

Drilon's story is a testament to the opportunity provided by the annual Wood Industry Convention and Best Student Design Contest for youth to learn about market needs and the latest industry trends, engage in knowledge sharing, and access opportunities to connect with industry leaders. The USAID Kosovo Compete Activity supported the fifth edition of Wood Industry Convention with the aim of promoting Kosovo’s wood processing sector and creating linkages among companies, the workforce, and institutions, and increasing exports and the competitiveness of the industry.