PUBLIC-PRIVATE DEVELOPMENT PARTNERSHIP
From Local Pilots to Systemic Recovery
Over the years of work in Ukraine, Helvetas has built a strong portfolio of projects focused on the economic recovery of war-affected regions. Through our efforts, hundreds of businesses have been able to resume operations, create new jobs, and contribute to Ukraine’s recovery.
Moving beyond individual pilots, Helvetas now applies systemic, internationally recognized approaches – including the Market Systems Development — to design solutions that drive sustainable and scalable impact.
The MSD approach helps address root causes of labour market challenges — from outdated training systems to gender barriers and weak coordination among actors. By changing the «rules of the game», Helvetas supports systemic reforms that open opportunities for vulnerable groups, including IDPs, veterans, women, and people with disabilities.
This initiative complements Helvetas’ ongoing Labour Market Assessment, which gathers insights from over 55,000 businesses and studies women’s employment trends — providing an evidence base for policies that drive inclusive recovery.
Digital Opportunities for Entrepreneurs Recovery
Helvetas leverages digital technologies to expand opportunities for Ukrainian entrepreneurs.
In partnership with the Government of Ukraine and the Diia.Business platform, we enable access to digital tools, advisory resources, and practical guidance for starting and growing businesses.
Together with the Entrepreneurship and Export Promotion Office, Helvetas has developed three practical tools that strengthen Ukraine’s business ecosystem:
- A Dashboard of Export Potential of Ukraineʼs Regions – helping businesses identify international markets and diversify exports.
- A Catalogue of Export Support Tools – consolidating available resources for exporters.
- A Digital Solutions Marketplace for Businesses – an online platform connecting SMEs with IT products and services for finance, marketing, logistics, cybersecurity, and e-commerce.
Partnerships in Action
Ukraine faces the largest housing deficit in its history – as of 2025, the total housing need is 600 million m², with 13% of housing stock destroyed or damaged.
In the coming months Helvetas will begin work with the Swiss construction company Divario AG to build more than 300 Swiss-designed prefabricated modular homes for war-affected families, combining green design, social impact, and local production that creates 50 new jobs.
In parallel, Helvetas, together with the National Housing Institute, is researching the modular construction market in Ukraine to develop a scalable recovery model for the government, based on data and the outcomes of a practical pilot.
