NEW SKILLS AND TRAINING PROGRAM SET TO EMPOWER YOUTH ACROSS MENA

(MENAFN- Tales & Heads) • A partnership between KFC and INJAZ Al-Arab will support 900 youth in the MENA region by uplifting skills and unlocking opportunities
• Announcement coincides with the United Nation’s International Youth Day (12th August)

11th August 2025: The Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region is home to one of the youngest populations. With 60% under the age of 25, youth across the region continue to face significant employment challenges. Despite this demographic advantage, the latest available data shows regional youth unemployment reaching approximately 24.5% in 2024, nearly double the global average. The need for impactful and scalable solutions has never been greater .
In response, and launched to mark International Youth Day on 12th August, KFC MENA and INJAZ Al-Arab have partnered to expand the KFC TAWAR program, an initiative dedicated to unlocking the potential of youth through skills training, mentorship, and job placement. KFC TAWAR will expand into Lebanon as its latest chapter, where the need for youth opportunity has grown increasingly urgent due to prolonged economic instability and rising youth disengagement. This expansion will support an additional 900 young people, many of whom have limited access to education or employment, through a combination of in-person workshops, online training, mentorship, and job placement of their choosing – at KFC restaurants and beyond.
“This partnership reflects our shared belief that preparing young people for the future of work is one of the most urgent priorities facing the region today,” said Akef Aqrabawi, CEO of INJAZ Al-Arab. “On International Youth Day, and at a time when youth face significant barriers, KFC TAWAR is designed to connect them to the world of opportunity – providing skills and access to industry-specific training.”
“KFC TAWAR underscores our commitment to building a long-term career pathway for youth across our region. As the MENA region approaches a new era of opportunity, this program exemplifies how investing in youth can serve as a catalyst for lasting change. We are proud to build a future where every young person has the support and self-belief to thrive,” said Ahmed Arafa, Chief Marketing Officer, Yum! Brands – KFC MENAPAKT & CCA.
The six-month program will feature spring and summer career camps, in-person workshops, and access to INJAZ Campus—a self-paced digital learning platform. Participants aged 15 to 18 will focus on foundational skills, while those aged 18 to 24 will receive mentorship, career coaching, and pathways to internships and employment opportunities.

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