Belarus, situated in Eastern Europe, is a post-Soviet country that borders Russia, Ukraine and EU countries. The overall rate of unemployment has improved over the last two decades, but inclusive employment in Belarus remains an issue. While the general rate of unemployment in the country was about 3.5% in 2025, for those with disabilities it was much higher at 16.5%. However, signs indicate that things are moving in the right direction. Multiple initiatives, funded by the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), are making workplaces more accessible and opening up new opportunities to help unemployed disabled people into work. It provides useful models that show how greater inclusive employment opportunities are possible.

The Work of the UNDP in Belarus

The United Nations Development Program has operated in Belarus since 1992. The agreement was to support economic development and promote social progress and better standards of life. One way it accomplishes this is through funding programs that equip those with different kinds of disabilities with tools for the workplace. These programs aim to expand opportunities for skills development, employment and social inclusion.

Dobra Kava

Dobra Kava, translated as “Good Coffee” in Belarusian, is a coffee roasting company based in Chojniki, Gomel region. Wheelchair users created the business, and its workshops are fully accessible. Founded in 2022, EU and UNDP support has been important in bringing this idea to life. By expanding beyond this region, Dobra Kava joined an international e-commerce marketplace, Ozon, allowing its coffee to reach more people. The knowledge these entrepreneurs have gained is now reaching others interested in selling products on online marketplaces through a “roadmap” they have made publicly available. Dobra Kava is an example of a business paving the way for the expansion of inclusive employment in Belarus. Its experience shows how accessible workplaces and digital tools can create employment opportunities, although it does not demonstrate a national decline in unemployment.

3D Printing and Animation Programs

Based in Luninets in the Brest region, a 3D printing program provides disabled people with opportunities to gain new skills. The initiative aims to help participants develop skills applicable to self-employment. The program also provides access to a community where people can share similar experiences. Another program, based in Grodno, teaches young people with intellectual disabilities skills in animation. It provides a space to collaborate and work together while learning new skills. Both initiatives show that, moving forward, programs are in place to not just help disabled people into employment, but also to provide a sense of social inclusion and value as part of a community. This is particularly important in smaller villages, like Luninets, where opportunities are more limited for those with disabilities.

Moving Forward

From building accessible workplaces to creating programs that teach useful digital skills, inclusive employment in Belarus is becoming a more achievable goal. The funding and support from the UNDP continue to play an important role in encouraging this move. Although these programs remain relatively small-scale, entrepreneurs, such as those who created Dobra Kava, lead the way in showing how creating inclusive employment opportunities is not just an aspirational goal but truly achievable.

– Madeleine Davey

Madeleine is based in Sheffield, UK and focuses on Technology and Solutions, and Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr