To enhance inclusive growth, USAID programs seek to develop new and sustainable value chains, create jobs, and increase access to markets and finance, enabling Armenians to stay in their communities and reducing migration and dependence on remittances. Activities that promote agriculture, agribusiness, and cultural and natural tourism serve to promote rural economic opportunities across the country, including in some of the most marginalized areas.  

USAID also supports the inter-linked energy and water sectors, which are critical to Armenia’s economic security and independence. USAID promotes energy market liberalization and regional integration to lay the foundation for developing a more diverse mix of energy sources and to promote transparency, accountability, and self-reliance in the sector. In addition, USAID works with the Armenian government and local communities to improve the management and sustainability of groundwater reserves in the Ararat Valley, which sustain nearly 40 percent of the country’s agricultural GDP and provide cooling water for Armenia’s nuclear power plant, Metsamor. Through partnerships with the private sector, the Government and academia, USAID is also helping to unlock and strengthen Armenia’s considerable comparative advantages in the IT industry and research and development (R&D), incubating talent, accelerating start-ups, and contributing to youth employment.

CURRENT PROGRAM

ECONOMIC GOVERNANCE

Armenia Business Enabling Environment

Partner: International Development Group   |  Active: July 2020- July 2022

Collaborates with the Government of Armenia, the private sector, and other stakeholders to promote the business enabling environment and support the development, adoption, and implementation of policy and legal and regulatory initiatives through strengthened public-private dialogue.

RURAL DEVELOPMENT

Rural Economic Development-New Economic Opportunities (RED-NEO)

Partner: Center for Agribusiness and Rural Development Foundation (CARD)  |  Active: February 2019-February 2024

Promotes inclusive, sustainable economic security and growth by connecting producers and buyers, establishing networks to support economic development, and improving Small Medium Enterprises and farms to develop and grow. The project works in 60 communities throughout all 10 marzes in Armenia and focuses on the horticulture value chain and the hospitality sector.

"My Armenia" Cultural Tourism Program

Partner:  Smithsonian Institution  |  Active:  July 2015-December 2021

Bolsters the rural private sector to develop and offer a wider range of cultural tourism products, helping local economies benefit from this rapidly growing sector while preserving Armenia’s unique cultural heritage. The project works Vayots Dzor, Syunik, Lori, Tavush, and Shirak marzes.

Innovative Agriculture Training & Learning Camp (AGRI CAMP)

Partner: International Center for Agribusiness Research and Education Foundation (ICARE)  |  Active: May 2020- April 2023

Builds partnerships between the agriculture sector, university graduates and young professionals, and provides agribusiness training and skills building to build professional knowledge and bridge the gap between the labor market supply and demand.

ENERGY AND WATER MANAGEMENT

Market Liberalization and Electricity Trade Program (MLET)

Partner: TetraTech  |  Active: June 2018-June 2023

Promotes market liberalization reforms, supports electricity trade with Georgia, and improves energy supply diversification, efficiency and transparency.

Advanced Science and Partnerships for Integrated Resource Development (ASPIRED) 

Partner:  Mendez England and Associates  |  Active: September 2015-July 2021

Works with regulatory bodies, through the Ministry of Environment and its Water Resource Management Agency, and the private sector to encourage investments for employing efficient water management systems in the Ararat Valley, support environmentally friendly fish-farming practices, inform decision making on water management through data and modelling, develop policy and regulatory frameworks, and invest in clean energy options. 

COMPLETED ACTIVITIES

Investment Support Program

Partner: Dalberg Consulting  |  Active: June 2019-March 2020

Supports the Government of Armenia’s economic reform agenda by providing technical assistance on a broad range of economic growth initiatives, including tourism, agriculture, employment, trade, ICT, and sectoral strategy development.

RURAL DEVELOPMENT

InnovATE Armenia: Support to the Agribusiness Teaching Center (ATC) 

Partner:  Virginia Tech  |  Active:  July 2014-July 2019  |  https://icare.am/atc

The project assisted the ATC and the International Center of Agribusiness Research and Education (ICARE) in building their capacity to serve as a leading educational and research institution and center of excellence in agriculture and agribusiness in Armenia and in the region.  

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY (IT)

Innovative Solutions and Technologies Center (ISTC)

Partner:  Enterprise Incubator Foundation  |  Active:  December 2014-June 2019  |  http://istc.am/en/

The public private partnership helped develop the education and research potential of Armenian universities in the areas of IT and hi-tech, while empowering students and entrepreneurs to innovate and contribute to Armenia’s broader development. ISTC also hosted research teams and start-ups in its business acceleration area, providing them with the latest IBM technologies and software, business consultations, and networking opportunities.

WATER MANAGEMENT

Participatory Utilization and Resource Efficiency of Water in the Ararat Valley (PURE Water)

Partner:  Urban Foundation for Sustainable Development  |  Active:  March 2017-March 2020

Supports development of a policy and regulatory framework for improved access to water, facilitates participation and oversight of integrated water management practices in 12 target communities in Armavir and Ararat marzes, raises awareness and fosters water-related behavioral change among water stakeholders.