Strengthening the Honduran business fabric through EURO EMPLEO
Starting or growing a business is a persistent challenge in Honduras. The business environment is plagued by structural barriers, including informality, low productivity, and low innovation. The disconnect between professional training and real market needs limits access to qualified talent. In addition, institutional fragility and political instability generate uncertainty, hindering the sustainable development of businesses.
For more than five years, the Competitiveness, Innovation, and Health team has worked to strengthen quality employment and business development in Honduras by implementing the EURO EMPLEO program. After addressing key challenges such as promoting entrepreneurship and strengthening institutions, the following achievements stand out.
Eight agroforestry value chains, including those for cocoa, honey, tilapia, and handicrafts, have been strengthened. More than 1,300 producers have been advised to diversify their supply and improve their production and marketing processes. A financial inclusion model has been designed, enabling more than 14,000 rural microcredits. The development and use of biofertilizers has been promoted through the training of over 1,100 producers, which has encouraged employment and green businesses. Additionally, 107 startups from various sectors, including educational technology, digital health, agribusiness, e-commerce, logistics, renewable energy, creative services, fashion, tourism, advanced manufacturing, financial inclusion, and environmental solutions, have received training in business models, digital marketing, financial project management, and technological development.
At the institutional level, the National Employment Policy has been redefined, and an action plan and financing framework have been developed. The transition to a green economy has been promoted through the creation of the National Strategy for Wildlife Conservation and by training over 300 public and private sector representatives to implement it.
Vocational training has also been modernized to align with the demands of the labor market. A comprehensive digital platform has been developed and 56 virtual courses have been designed. Additionally, 70 instructors have been trained in digital competencies.
Thanks to EURO EMPLEO, start-ups, rural economic units and local actors now have better conditions to compete, innovate and grow. As a legacy, a digital repository was created with all the products developed, available on the official website of the Honduran Ministry of Labour and Social Security: https://euroempleo.trabajo.gob.hn
