SMEs in Azerbaijan are an important source of employment, but their full potential remains untapped. In 2020, Azerbaijan’s SMEs generated 42% of total employment but contributed to only 17% of value added (24% in the non-oil sector).

Agriculture is a standard occupation for those who live in rural areas or own farmland. Many people choose animal husbandry because it’s a fairly profitable business.

A favourable climate and pristine nature go a long way to develop poultry farms in Azerbaijan’s north-western Shamkir region.

A highly skilled tailor and craftswoman, an inspiring teacher and motivator, a businesswoman and entrepreneur — or perhaps more accurately a ‘social entrepreneur’… Mirvari Azizova is all of these things at once in addition to being the mother of two daughters and a change-maker in her local community.

Sohrab Ismayilov starts his day with a traditional bowl of khash in the market of his hometown of Zaqatala at a small restaurant run by his lifelong friend Harun Nurayev.