In classrooms, coffeehouses and community spaces around the Middle East, North Africa (MENA) and Türkiye, a new generation is preparing for the future – searching for jobs, preparing for interviews, and taking the first steps towards their dream careers. But with youth unemployment soaring, opportunities can feel out of reach for many young people today.  

That’s why The Starbucks Foundation and Alshaya Group are investing US$6 million into equipping 250,000 young people across MENA and Türkiye with the skills they need to thrive.

As the largest initiative of its kind in the Middle East and Türkiye, the new three-year ‘EmpowerME’ program will be transformational for young people across the region. Created in partnership with non-profits INJAZ Al-Arab/JA MENA –  part of JA (Junior Achievement) Worldwide – and Habitat Association, EmpowerME will operate across 12 markets, reaching thousands of young people in communities where there are Starbucks stores.

From how to manage their finances once that first pay cheque arrives, to how to communicate like a true leader, EmpowerME is about helping young people to open doors to a better future. The program pays particular attention to uplifting youth around specific needs, such as young women, refugees and those from underprivileged backgrounds.

A growing skills gap

Over the last few years, many countries across the MENA region have encountered a glaring problem: a shortage of skilled workers.

Today there are 108 million young people in MENA – making up about 28% of the region’s population. This is the largest wave of young people entering adulthood in the region’s history[i]. And with that comes a challenge: by 2050, the region will need to create a staggering 300 million new jobs to keep up[ii].

With youth unemployment already reaching troubling figures, young people need help developing skills that will open doors. But around 70% of the current workforce in the region lacks the skills they need to succeed[iii]. It’s not just about technical skills, either. In Türkiye, one study found nearly 40% of companies said candidates lacked important soft skills – like communication, teamwork and problem-solving[iv].

“The skills gap in the Middle East and North Africa is one of the highest in the world and despite significant effort by regional governments and the private sector, youth unemployment persists,” explains Akef Aqrabawi, President & CEO of INJAZ Al-Arab/JA MENA.

As part of the world’s largest and fastest-growing business education organization, INJAZ Al-Arab is working to close this gap. Every year, more than 22,000 corporate volunteers bring their real-world expertise into classrooms, helping prepare university and high school students for the realities of the workplace. The organisation reaches an incredible 1.2 million students every year and now they’re hoping to reach even more through strategic partnerships, like EmpowerME.

Empowering tomorrow’s leaders

Success starts with having access to opportunities and the confidence to embrace new challenges. EmpowerME hopes to open doors for young people, both by equipping them with practical skills and by building confidence.

As INJAZ Al-Arab’s Akef Aqrabaw explains, “from job shadowing and mentoring opportunities to skill-building classes and financial literacy training, our partnership will help youth in MENA to hone their skillset and mindset to start their careers, manage their finances, achieve their aspirations, and build thriving communities.”

It’s not just about getting a job – it’s about having the skills to build a better future. After all, today’s young people are tomorrow’s leaders.

Bora Caldu, Chair of the Executive Committee of Habitat Association, explains: “through this new partnership we will always stand by young people as they turn their dreams into reality, because we know that young people are not only the leaders of tomorrow but also the partners of today.” 

In December, in partnership with Habitat Association – a non-governmental organisation made up of thousands of volunteers – we hosted our first youth summit in Istanbul, Türkiye. Over 100 young people travelled from all over the country to take part in an exciting day of inspirational talks, practical workshops, and creative discussions. The attendees left with a commitment to share what they learned with their peers back home as volunteer project ambassadors, multiplying the program’s reach. 

“This is another step in supporting a brighter future for young people in the region, helping them build successful careers and thrive in their communities,” Brian Niccol, chairman and ceo of Starbucks explains, “The Starbucks Foundation and the Alshaya Group have partnered for over a decade to uplift young people and communities in the Middle East and we’re proud to continue making a positive impact together.”

Alshaya has been operating Starbucks in MENA and Türkiye since 1999, employing 19,000 Green Apron Partners across nearly 2,000 stores. Beyond offering jobs, they’re investing in upskilling the region’s youth, ensuring the next generation is ready for whatever the future holds.

“Partnering with global youth organisations is critical to support the needs of youth and helping them realise their full potential,” says Mohammed Alshaya, Executive Chairman, of Alshaya Group.

At its core, EmpowerME is about more than just learning new skills – it’s about giving young people the confidence and tools to turn their dreams into reality. By investing in the next generation, we’re helping them shape a brighter future for themselves and their communities.

---

[i] Source: World Economic Forum: A new generation of Arabs are changing the status quo
[ii] Source: World Bank: Jobs Undone: Reshaping the Role of Governments Toward Markets and Workers in the Middle East and North Africa
[iii] Source: Atlantic Council: Modernizing MENA education: How to close the career success gap
[iv] Source: Re:Coded: Employer Needs Assessment by Re:Coded and ImpactHub Istanbul