History of Silatech

Silatech was founded in 2008 by Her Highness Sheikha Moza Bint Nasser in response to the urgent need for youth economic and social empowerment in the Arab region and beyond.  It was created to address the challenges of youth unemployment and their lack of opportunities to secure productive careers and sources of income.

In 2006, Her Highness Sheikha Moza initiated a global conversation on youth empowerment at the Alliance of Civilizations Forum, leading to the formation of Silatech. Its name, derived from the Arabic word “Sila” meaning “connection,” reflects its mission to link young people to meaningful employment and self-employment opportunities.

Since its inception, Silatech has provided young people employment and self-employment opportunities while equipping them with the necessary skills, resources, and networks to help them realise their full potential. In 2025, Silatech became part of the Education Above All (EAA) Foundation, further strengthening its mission to provide a complete cycle of education and economic empowerment for youth. Such strategic integration allows Silatech to  integrate its employment mandate within EAA’s comprehensive education approach – thereby, empowering youth from education to employment and creating sustainable opportunities to thrive and contribute to their communities.

Silatech’s strategy has evolved over the years, focusing on a holistic approach to youth empowerment, including access to finance, skills training, mentorship, and fostering entrepreneurship. Through partnerships with governments, international organisations, and the private sector, Silatech has expanded its reach and has impacted over 3.3 million youth across 23 countries. 

Silatech, as a programme of EAA Foundation, continues to drive its mission by scaling its programs, building on existing and forging new partnerships, and creating sustainable pathways to economic empowerment for young people in the Arab region and worldwide. The programme aims to connect over 5 million youth to economic opportunities by 2027.