Stories
April 21, 2025 • 3 min read
In the Abim District, Uganda, Jackie Akech is paving the way for young entrepreneurs. As chairperson of the Yoo Len Youth Farmers and Savings Group, she has guided her peers from a small savings group into an agricultural powerhouse. With support from GOAL’s Markets for Youth programme, funded by Mastercard Foundation, Jackie and her group have gained essential skills in financial administration and business acumen to improve their livelihoods.
Progress Through Discipline
Recognising the potential in the Abim District’s agricultural sector, the Yoo Leng Youth Farmers and Savings Group came together to collect funds that could be used to kickstart their agricultural ambitions. As chairperson of the group, Jackie Akech knew that discipline and hard work were the key to their success. Driven by this principle, Jackie fostered a culture of accountability within the group, promoting the values of respect, active listening, and timekeeping to ensure their success. The group’s unwavering commitment to saving and strict participation rules led to a drop from 30 at the group’s conception in 2017, to just 25, as only the most committed members remained. Reflecting on the sacrifices required for success, Jackie affirms ‘Success begins with discipline.
Growth Through Partnership
Originally, the group’s activities focused solely on savings, with members contributing between UGX 8,000 and UGX 10,000 (approximately €1.99) a month. At the end of each year, interest from the group’s loans was distributed among members. However, the income generated from these savings was minimal and proved insufficient to fund their envisioned business ventures.
That’s when Jackie was connected with GOAL’s Markets for Youth programme, in partnership with Mastercard Foundation. The programme connected the group with various private sector partners who provided essential skills training and resources. Agromax, an agricultural skilling company, trained the group in modern farming techniques, while Shalom Ventures- a mechanisation company equipped them with knowledge of tractor operation and maintenance. Additionally, a civil society partner, the Multi-Community Based Development Initiative (MUCOBADI), trained them in business startup, management, and group dynamics.
Equipped with these skills, the group secured a loan of UGX 10,000,000 (approximately €2,492.), which they could use to kick-start their business ventures. Jackie used UGX 1,000,000 (approximately €249.20) from the loan to establish a cereal aggregation and beekeeping business, alongside cultivating tomatoes and eggplants. Today, she earns an average of UGX 300,000 per month (approximately €74.76), with even higher returns during the harvest season. Her newfound financial independence has enabled her to provide for her three children and begin constructing a permanent home. Speaking about the benefit of the programme in inspiring her business ventures, she said, “The training and the group motivated me to start something, and I’m glad I did.”
Strength Through Collaboration
Reflecting on the experience, Jackie acknowledges the difficulties that can arise when collaborating with peers. However, for Jackie, the process proved rewarding as it allowed Jackie and the Youth Farmer’s Group to find success through collaboration. Reflecting on this achievement, Jackie said “Sometimes we don’t agree on a few things, but we always find a way which benefits all of us. The group enabled us to get private sector services including finances.”
About Markets For Youth
Uganda has one of the youngest populations in the world, with 75% of its population under the age of 30. The country faces one of the highest youth unemployment rates in Sub-Saharan Africa. The limited employment opportunities make it challenging for Uganda’s youth to find meaningful work and improve their economic standing, which could help lift them out of poverty.
The Markets for Youth programme is dedicated to addressing youth unemployment in Uganda and providing pathways for young people to escape poverty.
Funded by the Mastercard Foundation, GOAL is working to increase access to employment in Uganda’s agricultural sector. The programme also empowers 70,000 women, 30,000 refugees, and 15,000 people living with disabilities to launch sustainable, resilient agribusinesses through partnerships with the private sector and civil society.
Learn more about the Markets for Youth programme
