Lebanon, where IECD established one of its first bases, remains a focal point, accounting for nearly 54% of its total activity in the Middle East and North Africa. With a multi-disciplinary team of 85 people spead across four regions (Beirut, North, South and Bekaa), the IECD and its local partner are dedicated to serving both young Lebanese and refugees throughout the country. This is achieved through technical training and employment access projects, support to small enterprises and facilitating access to education.

As a regional hub in the Middle East, Lebanon implements numerous innovative projects including the Energy, Industry and Construction Trades programme which has expanded to seven other countries. Leveraging a dense and diverse network of partners such as ministries, municipalities, local associations, technical schools, the IECD has developed certified short-term training programmes and implemented projects to enhance access to employment such as establishing Guidance Employment Offices (GEOs). The IECD has now embarked on a mission to gradually transfer its expertise, to the Lebanese association Semeurs d’Avenir, a privileged partner for long-term sustainability.

To support Energy, Industry and Construction Trades programme, a green energy-focused social enterprise selling electricity services was established in Lebanon in 2017 and already attracted its initial customer base.

Building on over a decade of expertise in youth training and employability, the French Development Agency (AFD) entrusted the IECD with the mission of rolling out its activities on a large scale. The Maharat Li Loubnan project (literally meaning “skills for Lebanon”), aims to enhance the employability of vulnerable people through vocational training, Entrepreneurship, development, personal growth, and support in their job AFD, signed in January 2017, outlining its implementation over a five-year period, and which was renewed for another 3 years in 2022.

In addition, the IECD has developed projects in different growing sectors such as agriculture, health, heritage, energy efficiency, maritime and higher education.

The IECD is actively engaged in promoting inclusive education in schools across Beirut, within both Lebanese and Palestinian communities. With a dedicated team of 34 educators and specialists, the school offers high-quality education to 87 students.