Description
Recently there has been a wave of interest in business start-ups among young Algerians, and that has been accompanied with a range of new policies from the government. At the same time, there has been a movement around the world led by young people to bring about change on climate, biodiversity loss, and to embrace sustainability and circular economy. This paper offers insight into why the Algerian government is seeking to provide more support to SMEs, and whether this focuses on sustainability. The paper explores policy statements, recent legislation, and civil society and media reporting of this development. It will explore the motives and methods from policy makers to respond to the demand from Algerian youth across the country. Drawing on interviews with youth led SMEs, it enquires whether sustainable eco-friendly SMEs have received meaningful incentives and what are their experiences of support. Are sustainable SMEs a crucial means for achieving a rapid diversification in the economic development agenda of Algeria and are they contributing to new livelihoods and more circular economy as demanded by Algerian youth?
