More than 50 youth-led businesses and food ventures participated in the Youth Expo held at Hulhumalé Central Park this week.
The expo provided young entrepreneurs with a platform to showcase their products, promote their businesses and connect with potential customers.
Organized by the Ministry of Youth Empowerment, Sports and Fitness, the three-day expo ran from August 12 to 14 as part of activities marking International Youth Day. The event was open daily from 16:00hrs to 23:00hrs.
Maldivians between the ages of 18 and 35 were offered stalls at the venue free of charge, lowering the cost of participation for young entrepreneurs and small businesses. The initiative primarily targeted businesses operating in areas such as arts and crafts, fashion, printing, food and other services.
According to the Ministry, more than 50 business and food stalls participated in the event, with the expo attracting a strong turnout of visitors over the three days.
Beyond providing a marketplace for young businesses, the event also created opportunities for emerging artists and other young creatives through a range of entertainment activities.
Minister of Youth Empowerment, Sports and Fitness Abdulla Rafiu visited the expo and viewed products and creative work displayed by participating entrepreneurs.
The Ministry also operated its own information stall, providing visitors with details on government initiatives available to young people, including youth development programmes grant opportunities and fitness-related initiatives.
Moreover, several public institutions and private companies supported the organization of the expo, including Adventure App, Housing Development Corporation (HDC), Bank of Maldives (BML), SDFC, Ooredoo, Dhiraagu, Gamers Guild, STELCO, WAMCO, Hulhumalé Hospital, Eco Events and BBC.
The expo formed part of a wider programme of activities organized across the country to mark International Youth Day, which is observed annually on August 12.
Alongside the Hulhumalé event, e-gaming competitions were organized through Dhiraagu Gamers Guild, while councils across the atolls held sporting activities and competitions targeting young people in their respective communities.
The initiatives were aimed at strengthening engagement among young Maldivians while creating platforms for them to demonstrate their skills and talents. From a business development perspective, the Youth Expo also provided emerging entrepreneurs with greater market exposure and an opportunity to test and promote their products directly to consumers.