5,530 vulnerable youth did not receive training in employability skills, business creation, or entrepreneurship—critical tools to build economic resilience and reduce vulnerability to recruitment by violent extremist organizations. A further 1,110 vulnerable youth will lose access to apprenticeships, limiting pathways to stable employment and income generation in the future, while 1,480 will not receive mentorship or financial support.

Date: 9/25

Region: Africa

Country: Mauritania

Topic: Economy & Livelihoods, Peacebuilding & Stabilization

Policy Lens: Security & Resilience

Additional Context: The Nafoore program strengthened the resilience of vulnerable youth and communities in Mauritania against radicalization, recruitment by violent extremist organizations, and shocks to food security worsened by the Russia-Ukraine war. Operating in the four regions of Nouakchott, Trarza, Hodh El Gharbi, and Hodh Ech Chargui, Nafoore worked with local youth-serving organizations to build social, economic, and structural resilience, help at-risk youth reject extremist violence and promote more stable, secure communities. The program was terminated.

Source: Mercy Corps