Haiti launches AyitiLAB initiative to boost youth innovation and entrepreneurship
Key Points(5)
- Haiti’s Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MCI) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Higher School of Infotronics of Haiti (ESIH) and the Avenir Foundation to officially launch AyitiLAB, an initiative aimed at strengthening innovation and job creation among young people.
- The agreement was signed earlier this week at the Avenir Foundation offices in Delmas 83 and is intended to support the development of innovative projects with potential economic impact.
- According to the Ministry, the programme seeks to promote entrepreneurial ideas that can generate employment and contribute to national economic growth.
- Speaking at the ceremony, Commerce and Industry Minister James Monazard described the initiative as a collective commitment and a practical response to Haiti’s ongoing challenges in innovation and entrepreneurship.
- “We are convinced that the country's economic transformation necessarily depends on the ability of our young people to design, launch, and sustain value-creating businesses,” Monazard said.
Haiti’s Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MCI) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Higher School of Infotronics of Haiti (ESIH) and the Avenir Foundation to officially launch AyitiLAB, an initiative aimed at strengthening innovation and job creation among young people.
The agreement was signed earlier this week at the Avenir Foundation offices in Delmas 83 and is intended to support the development of innovative projects with potential economic impact.
According to the Ministry, the programme seeks to promote entrepreneurial ideas that can generate employment and contribute to national economic growth.
Speaking at the ceremony, Commerce and Industry Minister James Monazard described the initiative as a collective commitment and a practical response to Haiti’s ongoing challenges in innovation and entrepreneurship.
“We are convinced that the country's economic transformation necessarily depends on the ability of our young people to design, launch, and sustain value-creating businesses,” Monazard said.
He added that the Ministry is committed to supporting the implementation of the programme alongside its partners.
Patrick Atié, Director of ESIH, welcomed the initiative, saying it would give young people the opportunity to apply their knowledge in practical settings and develop innovative projects with real-world impact.
Etzer Émile, President of the Avenir Foundation, said the agreement goes beyond a formal administrative step, calling it “a promise made to Haitian youth.” He also highlighted ongoing efforts by the Ministry to support youth entrepreneurship.
During the launch, AyitiLAB representative Japhé Mercier said the central challenge for Haitian youth is not a lack of talent, but the absence of a supportive environment to nurture ideas into sustainable businesses.
