Bosnia and Herzegovina

Political instability and structural problems continue toinfluence the country since the end of the of the armed conflict that took place from 1992-1995. The country faces stalled socio-economic reforms, high unemployment at around 33%, and 47% among youth. Other factors that affect the country’s development are growing inequalities, depopulation, and challenges caused by COVID-19.
Bosnia and Herzegovina applied to join the European Union in 2016 and is working on various reforms to become a member state. The internal conflict in the 90s devastated the infrastructure and economy. Exports are mainly industrial and manufacturing.
About Bosnia and Herzegovina

COUNTRY FACTS

  • Area in km2: 51,129
  • Population: 3,824,782
  • Capital: Sarajevo

Projects

2015 - 2023
Albania, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Kosovo, North Macedonia, Peru, Serbia, Vietnam
Entrepreneurial ecosystems
Swiss Entrepreneurship Program
The heart of any entrepreneurial ecosystem is the community of entrepreneurs themselves. The Swiss Entrepreneurship Program (Swiss EP) has incorporated this belief and supports building local startup communities bottom up by working with ecosystem leaders and builders since 2015. We do this by working with selected startup support organizations...
2021 - 2025
Albania, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Colombia, Indonesia, Morocco, North Macedonia, Peru, Serbia, South Africa, Tunisia, Vietnam
Trade, Initial vocational education and training, Entrepreneurial ecosystems, Sustainable tourism
Swiss Import Promotion Programme
The Swiss Import Promotion Programme (SIPPO) is a well-established mandate of the Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO) within the framework of its economic development cooperation. As for the new investment phase (2017-2020), SIPPO is carried out by Swisscontact.The overall objective of the Swiss Import Promotion Programme (SIPPO) is...

News

Bosnia & Herzegovina
Entrepreneurial ecosystems
10.11.2022
How to Start an Entrepreneurial Journey in Bosnia and Herzegovina?
Burch Startup Incubator and Swiss EP have been working together for over seven years, helping emerging entrepreneurs start their businesses. We have summed up our collaboration in conversation with Admir Salihagić, the Incubator Manager.
Bosnia & Herzegovina, Morocco, South Africa, Tunisia, Vietnam
Trade
27.10.2022
SIPPO supports companies at SIAL fair in Paris
Five SIPPO country teams from Bosnia and Herzegovina, Morocco, South Africa, Tunisia and Vietnam accompanied Business Support Organisations (BSOs) to SIAL in Paris, the world's leading food trade fair.
Bosnia & Herzegovina
Entrepreneurial ecosystems
07.07.2022
Rolla – An App Bringing Virtual Reality to the Fitness World
Rolla is an app that helps joggers, cyclists, and runners track their achievements while working out by introducing virtual reality to exercising. This emerging startup from Mostar who received advice from Swiss EP experts prior to their app launch shares their tips for upcoming entrepreneurs.

Swisscontact in Bosnia and Herzegovina

Swisscontact in Bosnia and Herzegovina contributes to reducing un- and underemployment, especially for youth, and economic development through two projects.

The Swiss Entrepreneurship Program S-EP works with the entrepreneurial ecosystem to provide local start-ups access to improved programs, high value services, strategic and practical advice, as well as valuable international connections so they create value for the local economies.

The Swiss Import Promotion Program SIPPO works with business support organisations to strengthen their competitive position, facilitate market access and export to Switzerland, the EU, and other international and regional markets.

Swisscontact’s portfolio in Bosnia and Herzegovina is aligned with Switzerland’s development strategy in the country.

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