On Monday, November 9, 2026, James Monazard, Minister of Commerce and Industry, launched an entrepreneurship training program for beneficiaries of the Economic Integration Program for Young Graduates of Technical Schools (PIEJDET) an initiative aptly named Zouti pou Demen (Tools for Tomorrow).

This two-day session aims to strengthen the entrepreneurial skills of young professionals, facilitate their economic integration, and foster the creation of small businesses in Haiti. Through this initiative, the Ministry seeks to provide a concrete response to the challenges faced by many graduates of technical and vocational institutions who, despite possessing the necessary skills, often lack the resources and equipment required to practice their trade. The project thus aims to transform their professional qualifications into genuine economic opportunities.

During the launch ceremony, Panel Paulémont, Director General of the Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MCI), emphasized the importance of this training in the process of empowering young people. He noted that the provision of toolkits must be accompanied by appropriate guidance, enabling beneficiaries to master the fundamental principles of business management. "Our ambition is to empower every young graduate to transform their expertise into a viable economic activity, to become self-reliant, and, in turn, to create jobs that contribute to Haiti’s development."

For his part, Stanley Bastien, National Coordinator of PIEJDET, described the session as an essential component of the support framework provided to the beneficiaries. He explained that the goal is to equip them to transition from technical proficiency to the independent management of a sustainable economic activity. He also urged the beneficiaries to demonstrate diligence and commitment so that they might derive the greatest possible benefit from the instruction provided. Franck Lauture, Director General of the National Institute for Vocational Training (INFP), welcomed this initiative by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MCI) and highlighted the importance of entrepreneurship for professional integration. He specifically encouraged young people to move beyond the role of a technician and become true entrepreneurs capable of creating jobs and contributing to the development of their communities. Furthermore, he reaffirmed the INFP’s commitment to supporting this effort to strengthen skills.

The first day focused on the fundamental steps and principles of starting a business. Participants were introduced to identifying and evaluating project ideas, the various legal business structures, and the benefits of formalizing a business.

The sessions also covered the administrative procedures required by the Ministry and other relevant institutions, the necessary supporting documentation, as well as the costs and timeframes involved in the registration process.

Through the "Zouti pou Demen" project, the MCI aims to train and equip more than 5,000 young people over a three-year period. The rollout will begin in the West Department before gradually expanding to other departments. The program also includes a 50% reduction in business formalization fees charged by the Ministry, designed to encourage beneficiaries to join the formal sector.

With this program, the Ministry of Commerce and Industry reaffirms its commitment to using entrepreneurship as a catalyst for the socio-economic integration of young people and the development of the national economic fabric.

IH/ iciHaiti