Gastfrau Olga mit Ukrainischen Flüchtlingen | © ACTED/Israel Fuguemann

Moldova

Moldova is one of the poorest countries in Europe. Since 2018, Helvetas has been committed to providing fair opportunities in Moldova. The aim of the SDC project Helvetas is implementing is to stimulate the country's market systems and create more economic opportunities for the population. Following the outbreak of the Ukraine war in February 2022, Helvetas expanded its support in the country and has since also been providing humanitarian aid for Ukrainian refugees. Helvetas also supports Moldovan host families who are taking in refugees and are themselves affected by poverty.
© ACTED/Israel Fuguemann
  • Capital
    Chisinau
  • Area
    33,846 km²
  • UN DEVELOPMENT INDEX*
    Rank: 112 out of 188
  • Population
    3,550,000
  • Thematic focus
    Vocational Skills Development
    Market Systems Development
    Gender & Social Equity
    Agriculture and Nutrition
    Youth
* Source: UN Data

Since independence in 1991, the country has pursued political, economic and social transition towards establishing democratic institutions, introducing a market economy and building a nation. It has made significant progress in reducing poverty and promoting inclusive growth.

At the same time Moldova's economic growth is still mostly fueled by consumption and money that numerous Moldovans living abroad send to their families back home. Only about 40% of the population is employed.

Strengthening markets and job seekers for a functioning economy

The SDC project that Helvetas is implementing in Moldova (Optim) aims to stimulate market systems in the country and thus create better economic opportunities for the population. Our focus is on agriculture, a large sector of the economy with many jobs but very low wages, and on the information and communication technology (ICT) sector, which offers high salaries but has a shortage of qualified employees.

In agriculture, we work within agribusiness, which includes the agricultural sector and the economic activities upstream and downstream. The aim is to make all components in the system more competitive. This should create more higher-quality and better-paid jobs for young people. We also want to strengthen the ICT sector and improve ICT training throughout the country so that graduates have better qualifications when they enter the workforce.

Helvetas helps people in Moldova affected by the Ukraine war

The war is catastrophic for the people in Ukraine and is also heavily affecting neighboring countries. Helvetas is helping refugees within Ukraine and in its southern neighbor Moldova. In relation to its population, Moldova has taken in more refugees than any other country. The pressure on the local population and the authorities is accordingly great.

Shortly after the outbreak of war, we worked with our partner organization Acted to organize bus transports from the Ukrainian-Moldovan border to the capital, Chisinau, and to reception centers. We distribute SIM cards and provide internet access so that arriving refugees can communicate with their relatives, organize their onward journey, and allow their children to take part in the virtual lessons offered by some Ukrainian schools.

Most of the Ukrainian refugees arriving in Moldova are accommodated in private homes. The situation of Moldovan host families who have taken in refugees is becoming increasingly precarious due to rising prices. Helvetas – with the support of Swiss Solidarity and the SDC –provides financial assistance to those host families who themselves live on a low income or are particularly vulnerable (for example, households headed by women or those with physically and/or mentally impaired members).

Helvetas is one of the few international organizations to have been present in Moldova for a long time. We intend to combine acute emergency aid with medium-term development work as soon as possible; one of the plans is to integrate refugees into the local labor market.

«Girls and boys graduate from Moldova’s schools and universities at the same level. However, because of the traditional childcare function women are less likely to be employed at higher skilled positions and are paid less than men. Addressing gender equity is one of our priorities in Moldova.»

Elene Tkhlashidze, MSD Advisor / MRM Lead, Moldova

Our Projects in Moldova

 If you would like to know more about our work in Eastern Europe, click on each project for details.

© Svetlana Costiuc (SVET Photography)
Moldova Private Sector Development

Strong Markets for Empowered Moldova

© Helvetas / Arben Llapashtica
Armenia, Albania, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Georgia, Kosovo, Moldova, North Macedonia, Serbia, Ukraine, Montenegro Education and Vocational Skills

Building Economies Where All Can Prosper

HELVETAS MOLDOVA
Helvetas Eastern Europe Unit
Maulbeerstr. 10
3010 Bern
Switzerland

Phone:+41 31 385 10 10
E-Mail: easterneurope@helvetas.org

Our Topics

Education and Vocational Skills

Lack of education perpetuates inequality because poor countries cannot compete economically without a skilled workforce.

Private Sector Development

Youth need access to reliable, fairly paid jobs to break the cycle of poverty. Helvetas creates partnerships and promotes policies that build more inclusive economies.

Youth

Young people are a tremendous asset, but also a possible threat when denied access to labor markets, services and decision-making. Almost every second unemployed person is aged between 15 and 24.