Qiyas, Skills for Jobs is a high-impact initiative under the Education and Skill for Employability (EASE) project, designed to bridge the gap between education and labor market needs. Financed by the World Bank, the program is jointly implemented by the Ministry of Labor and Skills (MoLS) and the Entrepreneurship Development Institute (EDI) to enhance youth employability and professional readiness across Ethiopia.
Qiyas addresses this critical divide over a 5-year implementation timeline. By equipping young people with highly relevant, market-driven skills, the project improves long-term employability, fosters sustainable economic growth, and builds viable pathways toward both sustainable wage employment and self-employment.
As Ethiopia navigates a young and rapidly growing labor market, youth make up a significant portion of our population. However, many face steep hurdles in securing employment. Even among those actively seeking work, a distinct mismatch persists between the skills they possess and the competencies required by modern industries. This gap leads to widespread underemployment or unemployment, demanding an immediate call to action.
Huge and growing
High Unemployment Rates
Gap Between Skills & Industry Need
Unlike traditional training initiatives, Qiyas operates on a Performance-Based Payment Scheme (PBPS). This model utilizes a competitive, performance-linked financing system to support new programs or expand existing short-term skill initiatives.
The goal of the EASE Skills for Jobs Component is to bridge the gap between skills training and employment by:
Delivering short-cycle, demand-driven training aligned with labor market needs
Improving employment and self-employment outcomes for youth and women
Strengthening the quality and accountability of training providers
Promoting equitable access for vulnerable and underserved populations
Supporting a results-oriented approach where training success is linked to job readiness and placement
Through this approach, EASE aims to ensure that skills development is not just about training; but about preparing young people for sustainable livelihoods.
Qiyas helps youths to build sustainable livelihoods and drive inclusive economic growth by connecting with real market demans.
