Swisscontact – the development organization of the Swiss private sector – provides support to entrepreneurial individuals in developing and transition economies. By helping develop vocational training programs, assisting the small and medium enterprise (SME) sector, and undertaking projects to improve the environment, Swisscontact empowers people to improve their living conditions and gradually free themselves from poverty.

As the development organization of the Swiss private sector, Swisscontact supports economic development in over 25 countries in Asia, Africa, Eastern Europe and Latin America. This is done by helping individuals create opportunities for themselves and maximize their potential, thus taking control of their own lives and destinies. Swisscontact is convinced that private sector involvement in development initiatives is a crucial element of a successful fight against poverty. Skilled employees and entrepreneurial small-business owners are critical for the sustainable economic development of a country. Through consulting and vocational training, in close collaboration with proficient local partners, we help people improve their professional skills and employment readiness, give them access to input and output markets, and help create the basic conditions for sustainable economic growth. We give people the motivation and skills to change their own lives for the better, effectively helping others to help themselves.

Since 1959

Swisscontact was created in 1959 by leaders from the economic, scientific, and political sectors in Switzer-land. It is not affiliated with any political party or religion. Over 500 people work for Swisscontact world-wide to achieve sustainable social, economic, and environmental development. An additional 600 retired professionals make up the «Senior Expert Corps», volunteering their knowledge and experience for SMEs in developing and transition countries.