Many regions in the world record a youth unemployment rate twice as high as adults.  To address this trend, and mindful that employment gains are often driven by  small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), AKDN supports the conditions for SMEs to thrive, including the provision of electricity, market system development and other necessary infrastructure.  It has also directly supported over 63,000 people in northern Pakistan to develop the skills and confidence they need to gain meaningful employment.