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- Date: 29 May, 2025
- Location: Prishtina
- Hosts: Jeta Zagragja & Aidan Hehir
The “Stay and Thrive” workshops brought together business and cultural entrepreneurs to address one of Kosovo’s most pressing challenges: youth migration. These workshops were part of a broader research initiative investigating why young Kosovars leave the country and how the business and cultural community can help retain talent.
Participants
Shqipe Abazi
Cintana-Asu Alliance
Valton Ajeti
Eurosig
Zanfina Raja
Myelin OPS
Hana Bacaj
UBO Consulting
Kosovare Alaj Bajrami
ISA Consulting Group
Genc Buca
Lura Agroturizem
Blendrit Elezaj
Tactica
Besa Gjonbalaj Gashi
Rrota
Arita Panxha
Chester Group
Kushtrim Puka
Promnestria
Fisnik Pula
Mikkena
Muavi Rexhepi
Borek Solutions
Alban Sahiti
Tenton
Gent Shala
GS Consulting
Arian Vranica
Oda Ekonomike e Kosovës
Arben Zeqiri
Radix
Besim Gerguri
UK Albanians Network
Leart Zogjani
SKINS Agency
Zana Tabaku
Appdec
Insights from Business Entrepreneurs
This workshop focused on the challenge of youth migration and explored how businesses can create opportunities that encourage young people to stay in Kosovo. Participants discussed the main reasons young Kosovars leave the country and explored the role of the business community in reversing this trend.
Key Insights:
- Low-Skill Migration: Most migration is driven by individuals with low or medium skills seeking better wages abroad.
- Education–Workforce Gap: Kosovo’s education system is not fully preparing graduates for today’s labor market. Many lack critical digital and soft skills, highlighting the need for closer collaboration with businesses.
- Financial Illiteracy: Many young people leave Kosovo with inflated salary expectations and limited understanding of living costs, taxes, and local business opportunities.
- Mindset Challenges: Cultural factors also play a role, including a societal preference for security over ambition. Business leaders noted that few young people take initiative, and many enter the workforce without practical experience or entrepreneurial thinking.
- Rigid Labor Practices: Rigid HR practices slow hiring, limit flexibility, and hinder career mobility. Labor reforms that support performance-based development could help improve the situation.
- Lack of Entrepreneurial Visibility: Business opportunities exist but are poorly communicated to youth. Success stories remain hidden, and entrepreneurship is rarely promoted as a viable career path in schools.