In recent weeks many young entrepreneurs have met with businesses in Dili. Through the Business Networking Program organised by UNDP Knua Juventude Fila-Liman (KJFL), youths feel inspired by learning about successful business in Timor-Leste to start or expand their businesses.

During April UNDP organized a field trip to Gracia chicken farm, Fish Hatchery Gift -Tilapia (Nila) and organic vegetable Farm in Ermera Municipality, 25km south of Dili. The field visit aimed to provide youth with an authentic experience that would teach them about doing business in different areas.

Ms. Octavia da Costa, Manager of Gracia Farm welcomed the youth in Railaco and guided them to her business location. She briefed them about the history of the company and talked about the overall technical process of chicken farming, starting from preparing the site, importing chicks, feeding, waste management, harvesting of eggs, and packing and distribution to the market. 

Ms. da Costa said “We produce around 40,000 eggs per day, but this is still insufficient to respond to the Timor-Leste market. We still see many eggs are imported from overseas. We are working hard to minimize imports by increasing our production, however we need more resources including an increased labor force.”

The visits continued to Fish Hatchery Gift-Tilapia (Nila) and Organic Vegetable Farm in Fatuquero Village, Gleno where the youth received similar briefings.  Prior to this visit, UNDP invited successful business to share their experiences through an informal gathering at KJFL. Through events like these, youth can obtain responses to their questions and have an opportunity to build their network with managers and technical staff through development of their business plans.

Participating businesses included Timor Global (coffee and agro-forestry), AIBA (agro-forestry products), Loja Agrikultura (horticulture) and Gracia Farm Railaco (chicken farm) who are now connected to young entrepreneurs through KJFL.

Since being established in August 2017, KJFL has recorded at least 1,500 youth benefitting from KJFL activities, including 20 youth who are now entrepreneurs, and eight who are now employed.  In addition, over 10 youth groups are engaged with KJFL. KJFL appreciates the high level ofsupport received from partners, donors, businesses and individuals.

UNDP in Timor-Leste is committed to continue empowering youth and supporting them to create their own jobs – particularly in the areas of agriculture, horticulture and tourism to support private sector development in Timor-Leste.