Applying the systemic approach in complex environments: youth employment in Albania and spotting opportunities in the ICT sector We’re certain that this question has been asked many times by development practitioners who apply principles of systemic approach in complex and ever-changing contexts. Perhaps in the past we all sat back and wondered what this meant and how it could be done. Truth is we didn’t figure this out until we came across an opportunity in the Information and Communications Technology (ICT) sector while discussing ideas with our partners in Albania. Opportunities do not often come along RisiAlbania, a youth employment initiative, supports the development of service market and creation of jobs in…

Mediterranean Export – Imports Albania (MEIA): a willing and capable partner Emiland Skora is the main shareholder of MEIA. He’s an interesting story. When he came across Risi, he had already taken up loans which he was in the process of repaying. He could not access any more formal finance, and was struggling to meet demand from his international customers. Having spent a long time in the US, Emiland had connections abroad, international demand and a market for his high quality essential oils produced from Medicinal and Aromatic Plants (MAPs) – particularly for producing helichrysum essential oils. He had a strong vision and the business and technical abilities to make…