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Human-Centered Solutions for a Sustainable Tomorrow! Welcome to COSV Group From Europe to the Balkans, the Middle East, and Africa, we co-create pathways for social justice and drive market transformation.
60+
Years of Impact
25+
Programs
120+
Local Partners
3
Core Pillars
— Community Driven Change

One Group, Three Forces for Impact

The COSV Group operates in synergy: starting with development cooperation programs, COSV NGO focuses on socio-economic development; the Social Economy Unit, through Social² Square, promotes the work and stories of social entrepreneurship; and Co-Profit SRL supports the sustainability of COSV programs while providing consulting services that capitalize on COSV’s local.

COSV

COSV

COSV NGO is the foundation of our operations. Established in Milan in 1968, it delivers human-centered international development cooperation programs focused on social justice, and just twin transition across the Balkans, the Middle East, and Southern Africa.

Explore COSV Website
Social² Square

Social² Square

Social² Square is COSV’s platform for communicating the transformative journey of social entrepreneurship in emerging ecosystems. Led by the Social Economy Unit, it drives research and publications, case studies, and incubation and acceleration opportunities.

Explore S²S Website
Coprofit

Coprofit

Co-Profit SRL is a Benefit Company co-founded by COSV in Italy to turn impact into lasting value. It offers consulting services at the intersection of development & innovation: ESG strategies, business services, impact measurement, & public-private partnerships.

Explore Coprofit Website
— Where Solidarity Meets Action

What We Do

At COSV Group, we deliver human-centered, multi-sectoral solutions to global challenges by working across development cooperation, social entrepreneurship, and innovation ecosystems. Through our three pillars—COSV NGO, Social² Square, and Co-Profit SRL—we operate in eight interconnected sectors, combining impact, inclusion, and sustainability.

Social Solidarity Economy & Social Entrepreneurship

We drive social justice and market transformation through our Social Economy Plus (SE+) approach linked to social entrepreneurship and development cooperation. We design and deliver multi-stakeholders’ incubation and acceleration programs, financial literacy, youth and gender sensitive economic empowerment, innovative approaches to values chains and PPP for management of common goods.

Gender-Sensitive Transformation

We promote gender justice by embedding equality and inclusion across all our programs. We support transformative change in social, economic, digital, and governance systems, empowering women and underrepresented groups to access resources, leadership, and rights in all spheres of life. Women’s leadership & participation, Gender-responsive services & policymaking.

Governance Protection & Social Cohesion

We foster inclusive governance, social protection, and peacebuilding by strengthening institutions, civic engagement, and public-private partnerships. Our work includes community-based protection services, legal empowerment, mental health support, and accountability mechanisms that priorities the wellbeing of the most vulnerable.

Education, Youth Employment & TVET.

We empower young people through vocational training, digital education, and life skills development. Our school-to-work programs foster employability, entrepreneurship, and inclusive participation in modern economies. This includes: Technical & vocational education (TVET), Digital & non-formal learning, Youth innovation & startups, Gender-responsive skills training.

Rural Economies, Agriculture & Cultural Heritage

We support sustainable rural transformation through climate-smart agriculture, community-based tourism, and cultural heritage preservation. Our integrated approach strengthens value chains, safeguards identity, and enhances local economic opportunities rooted in place. Actions include Agroecology, agri-processing & food security, Creative economies & sustainable tourism

Digital Innovation & Tech4Good

We bridge the digital divide by building digital skills, launching community tech hubs, and supporting innovation for social impact. We priorities accessibility and inclusion, ensuring digital transformation benefits all. This include: Basic & advanced digital skills, ICT4D & digital public services, Innovation hubs & startup ecosystems, Digital inclusion for women & youth.

Green Economy, Climate Resilience & Energy

We promote environmental justice and inclusive green transitions through renewable energy, nature-based solutions, and circular economy models. Our work prioritizes the participation of vulnerable groups in building resilient, low-carbon futures. Integrating: Renewable energy & energy efficiency, Circular economy & waste reduction, Green jobs & inclusive transition pathways

Impact Research & Innovative Finance

We support data-driven strategies and sustainable investment models to scale social impact. Through participatory research and blended finance tools, we help organizations and communities measure, grow, and sustain their missions. Our focus in on Action-research & participatory evaluation Blended finance, microcredit & ESG alignment, Knowledge dissemination & policy

8 Countries

27 Projects

Live from our Programs

🌍🌍✨ Discover Pogradec through the eyes of young people! 🚴‍♂️🏞️🎶

From the paths of the oldest settlements in Europe to the crystal clear waters of Lake Ohrid, passing through the authentic charm of the city center and the unique flavor of Koran fish🐟 – is an experience worth living!

This time, the local youth are leading us! 💫

Their energy, their spirit of adventure and their love for their land make this trip even more special.

Dare to join, or miss the fun! 🌟

Watch the video and get inspired.

Who's coming with us on the next adventure? 😉👇

#visitpogradec #DareToJoin #explorealbania #LocalVoices #YouthInAction #travelmore #golocal

This video was created by the Lakes of Albania Project, funded by the Agenzia Italiana per la Cooperazione allo Sviluppo / AICS Tirana and implemented by COSV Albania / COSV -  Cooperazione per lo Sviluppo and partners in collaboration with young people in the Pogradec area.

Këshilli Rinor Pogradec
Bashkia Pogradec (Faqe Zyrtare) 
Nehemiah Gateway University
VIS Albania 
Kallipolis 
A.I.T.R. - Associazione Italiana Turismo Responsabile
Albanian Network for Rural Development 
Diesis Network 
Studioazue

🌍🌍✨ Discover Pogradec through the eyes of young people! 🚴‍♂️🏞️🎶

From the paths of the oldest settlements in Europe to the crystal clear waters of Lake Ohrid, passing through the authentic charm of the city center and the unique flavor of Koran fish🐟 – is an experience worth living!

This time, the local youth are leading us! 💫

Their energy, their spirit of adventure and their love for their land make this trip even more special.

Dare to join, or miss the fun! 🌟

Watch the video and get inspired.

Who`s coming with us on the next adventure? 😉👇

#visitpogradec #DareToJoin #explorealbania #LocalVoices #YouthInAction #travelmore #golocal

This video was created by the Lakes of Albania Project, funded by the Agenzia Italiana per la Cooperazione allo Sviluppo / AICS Tirana and implemented by COSV Albania / COSV – Cooperazione per lo Sviluppo and partners in collaboration with young people in the Pogradec area.

Këshilli Rinor Pogradec
Bashkia Pogradec (Faqe Zyrtare)
Nehemiah Gateway University
VIS Albania
Kallipolis
A.I.T.R. – Associazione Italiana Turismo Responsabile
Albanian Network for Rural Development
Diesis Network
Studioazue

16 1
🌟 Call for Project Proposals Now Open! 🌟

COSV – Cooperation for Development, Local Democracy Agency, and Network for Rural Development of Montenegro are pleased to announce a new Open Call for Proposals for social enterprises, CSOs, and NGOs for delivering innovative models of community, environmental, and social impact services.

📋 This initiative is part of the project YouSEED – Youth Social Economy Exploring for Rural Development, supporting civil society to contribute to local development.

💡 Objective: Supporting innovative projects that enhance local communities.
💼 Contracting authority: COSV – Cooperation for Development

🤝 In cooperation with partners:
🔹 Local Democracy Agency (LDA)
🔹 Network for Rural Development of Montenegro (NRDM)

🔗 Who can apply?
🔹 Civil society organizations
🔹 Young leaders and innovators

📅 Application deadline: 07 March 2025

For more information, visit our official channels:
🔗 COSV: https://www.cosv.org/call-for-proposals-youseed/
https://social2square.com/call-for-proposals-youseed/
🔗 LDA Montenegro: https://aldnk.me/
🔗 NRDM: http://nrdm.me/

Share this news and be part of positive change! 🌍✨

#COSV #LDA #NRDM #CallForProjects #SustainableDevelopment #LocalInitiative

@vlada_cg 
@ministarstvojavneuprave 
@ald.niksic 
@mreza_za_ruralni_razvoj_cg

🌟 Call for Project Proposals Now Open! 🌟

COSV – Cooperation for Development, Local Democracy Agency, and Network for Rural Development of Montenegro are pleased to announce a new Open Call for Proposals for social enterprises, CSOs, and NGOs for delivering innovative models of community, environmental, and social impact services.

📋 This initiative is part of the project YouSEED – Youth Social Economy Exploring for Rural Development, supporting civil society to contribute to local development.

💡 Objective: Supporting innovative projects that enhance local communities.
💼 Contracting authority: COSV – Cooperation for Development

🤝 In cooperation with partners:
🔹 Local Democracy Agency (LDA)
🔹 Network for Rural Development of Montenegro (NRDM)

🔗 Who can apply?
🔹 Civil society organizations
🔹 Young leaders and innovators

📅 Application deadline: 07 March 2025

For more information, visit our official channels:
🔗 COSV: https://www.cosv.org/call-for-proposals-youseed/
https://social2square.com/call-for-proposals-youseed/
🔗 LDA Montenegro: https://aldnk.me/
🔗 NRDM: http://nrdm.me/

Share this news and be part of positive change! 🌍✨

#COSV #LDA #NRDM #CallForProjects #SustainableDevelopment #LocalInitiative

@vlada_cg
@ministarstvojavneuprave
@ald.niksic
@mreza_za_ruralni_razvoj_cg

15 0
On November 8th, we had a meeting in the Ministry of Labour, Employment, and Social Dialogue of Montenegro together with Minister Naida Nišić, who met our representatives of COSV Montenegro and our partners from the Agency for Local Democracy, and the Network for Rural Development of Montenegro. Together we discussed about our project "Youth Social Economy Exploring Rural Development'' (YOUSEED) 🌱

Minister Naida Nišić, Biljana Vučetić, Milica Marđokić Sekulović, Dušan Stanović, and the project team—Suzana Stijović (COSV), Sanja Mugoša (COSV), Kerim Međedović (Agency for Local Democracy), and Ratko Bataković (Network for Rural Development Montenegro)—participated in the meeting 🤝

The participants presented project activities aimed at strengthening social entrepreneurship, particularly in rural areas. Minister Nišić expressed her support for the project, and attendees emphasized the need for collaboration with local organizations and research institutions. They also stressed the importance of connecting all key players—government institutions, non-governmental organizations, and youth associations—to ensure maximum efficiency in the sector 🍀

The meeting concluded with a decision to sign a Memorandum of Cooperation between the Ministry and COSV, which will formally confirm support for this initiative ✍🏼🖊

#YouSEED #SocialEconomy #LocalDevelopment #CivilSector #Training #CapitalCetinje #EUIntegration 🌍

@vlada_cg 
@ministarstvojavneuprave 
@ald.niksic 
@evropska_kuca 
@mrzscrnegore

On November 8th, we had a meeting in the Ministry of Labour, Employment, and Social Dialogue of Montenegro together with Minister Naida Nišić, who met our representatives of COSV Montenegro and our partners from the Agency for Local Democracy, and the Network for Rural Development of Montenegro. Together we discussed about our project "Youth Social Economy Exploring Rural Development“ (YOUSEED) 🌱

Minister Naida Nišić, Biljana Vučetić, Milica Marđokić Sekulović, Dušan Stanović, and the project team—Suzana Stijović (COSV), Sanja Mugoša (COSV), Kerim Međedović (Agency for Local Democracy), and Ratko Bataković (Network for Rural Development Montenegro)—participated in the meeting 🤝

The participants presented project activities aimed at strengthening social entrepreneurship, particularly in rural areas. Minister Nišić expressed her support for the project, and attendees emphasized the need for collaboration with local organizations and research institutions. They also stressed the importance of connecting all key players—government institutions, non-governmental organizations, and youth associations—to ensure maximum efficiency in the sector 🍀

The meeting concluded with a decision to sign a Memorandum of Cooperation between the Ministry and COSV, which will formally confirm support for this initiative ✍🏼🖊

#YouSEED #SocialEconomy #LocalDevelopment #CivilSector #Training #CapitalCetinje #EUIntegration 🌍

@vlada_cg
@ministarstvojavneuprave
@ald.niksic
@evropska_kuca
@mrzscrnegore

9 0
🌍🌱 Join Us for Social Enterprise Day! 🌱🌍

Mark your calendars for 21 November as we celebrate #SocialEnterpriseDay with changemakers from across the globe! ✨

We’re thrilled to announce that Annalisa Contini and Mohammed Makki will be contributing to this global conversation during the virtual event hosted by s@_sewf  Social Enterprise World Forum and @peopleandplanetfirst 

With a programme thoughtfully designed across three time blocks, you'll be able to connect with inspiring leaders and changemakers wherever you are—right in your own time zone! 🕐🌏

Why Attend? ✅ Gain insights from pioneers in social enterprise ✅ Connect with like-minded changemakers ✅ Exchange ideas and strategies for positive impact

Register for free!
https://sewfonline.com/events/sewf24/social-enterprise-day-programme/ 

#peopleandplanetfirstweek #socialenterprise

🌍🌱 Join Us for Social Enterprise Day! 🌱🌍

Mark your calendars for 21 November as we celebrate #SocialEnterpriseDay with changemakers from across the globe! ✨

We’re thrilled to announce that Annalisa Contini and Mohammed Makki will be contributing to this global conversation during the virtual event hosted by s@_sewf Social Enterprise World Forum and @peopleandplanetfirst

With a programme thoughtfully designed across three time blocks, you`ll be able to connect with inspiring leaders and changemakers wherever you are—right in your own time zone! 🕐🌏

Why Attend? ✅ Gain insights from pioneers in social enterprise ✅ Connect with like-minded changemakers ✅ Exchange ideas and strategies for positive impact

Register for free!
https://sewfonline.com/events/sewf24/social-enterprise-day-programme/

#peopleandplanetfirstweek #socialenterprise

7 1
We are thrilled to announce that Roberto Novelli, COSV National Coordinator for Mozambique, will represent VaMoz Digital! at the AfriLabs Annual Gathering 2024, taking place from November 5th to 8th at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC) in South Africa 🍀

This premier event, themed "Uniting Innovation," brings together Africa's brightest minds, dynamic speakers, and visionaries to drive the continent's digital transformation 🤝🏻

At this gathering, COSV will introduce at the Afrilabs community the "VaMoz Digital!" program implemented in partnership with Ideario, Jembi, Moasis and Famod, an initiative coordinated by AICS Maputo and funded by the European Union Delegation in Mozambique. The program aims to establish a Tech Hub in Quelimane, Zambezia, in partnership with INEP,IP focusing on spreading IT culture, providing training for young people, and incubating technology-based businesses 👩‍💻👨‍💻

We look forward to engaging with fellow innovators and stakeholders to foster collaboration and share insights on advancing digital inclusion and entrepreneurship in Mozambique 🌱

Thanks to @aics_cooperazione_it, @aicsmaputo and @eu_moz 

#AfriLabs2024 #UnitingInnovation #DigitalTransformation #COSV #VaMozDigital #EUDelegation #AICSMaputo #mozambique

We are thrilled to announce that Roberto Novelli, COSV National Coordinator for Mozambique, will represent VaMoz Digital! at the AfriLabs Annual Gathering 2024, taking place from November 5th to 8th at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC) in South Africa 🍀

This premier event, themed "Uniting Innovation," brings together Africa`s brightest minds, dynamic speakers, and visionaries to drive the continent`s digital transformation 🤝🏻

At this gathering, COSV will introduce at the Afrilabs community the "VaMoz Digital!" program implemented in partnership with Ideario, Jembi, Moasis and Famod, an initiative coordinated by AICS Maputo and funded by the European Union Delegation in Mozambique. The program aims to establish a Tech Hub in Quelimane, Zambezia, in partnership with INEP,IP focusing on spreading IT culture, providing training for young people, and incubating technology-based businesses 👩‍💻👨‍💻

We look forward to engaging with fellow innovators and stakeholders to foster collaboration and share insights on advancing digital inclusion and entrepreneurship in Mozambique 🌱

Thanks to @aics_cooperazione_it, @aicsmaputo and @eu_moz

#AfriLabs2024 #UnitingInnovation #DigitalTransformation #COSV #VaMozDigital #EUDelegation #AICSMaputo #mozambique

6 0
Look at the Hackathon of the DigiEYE project that we held in July to develop new innovative digital startups💪🏻

During the 3 days of the Hackathon, the participants worked on the development of the initial model of their startup, after acquiring a set of essential skills in the business world 👌

@undp 
@undp.syria

Look at the Hackathon of the DigiEYE project that we held in July to develop new innovative digital startups💪🏻

During the 3 days of the Hackathon, the participants worked on the development of the initial model of their startup, after acquiring a set of essential skills in the business world 👌

@undp
@undp.syria

11 0
🌱 The second phase of the Nabta project kicks off successfully across Syrian Governorates! 🌱

With strong determination and a clear vision, we’ve launched the second phase of the Nabta project, focusing on business development in agriculture. These workshops are designed to help participants turn their innovative ideas into viable and scalable projects, contributing to a brighter future for local communities.

24 workshops are being held in Deir Hafer, Rural Damascus, Hama and Homs, for almost 470 beneficiaries.

Each workshop is providing participants with the opportunity not only to develop new skills but also to explore new horizons in agricultural entrepreneurship. This phase is all about transforming innovative agricultural ideas into sustainable projects that can expand and contribute to local food security and economic growth. 🌿🚜

We’re incredibly proud of the progress we’ve made so far and are excited for the future achievements as the workshops continue to reach even more trainees. Together, we are planting the seeds for a prosperous and bright future! 🌾💡

#Nabta #SustainableAgriculture #BusinessDevelopment #FAO #COSV #BrightFuture #empowerment #community #foodsecurity

@fao 
Nabta نبتة
FAO Syria

🌱 The second phase of the Nabta project kicks off successfully across Syrian Governorates! 🌱

With strong determination and a clear vision, we’ve launched the second phase of the Nabta project, focusing on business development in agriculture. These workshops are designed to help participants turn their innovative ideas into viable and scalable projects, contributing to a brighter future for local communities.

24 workshops are being held in Deir Hafer, Rural Damascus, Hama and Homs, for almost 470 beneficiaries.

Each workshop is providing participants with the opportunity not only to develop new skills but also to explore new horizons in agricultural entrepreneurship. This phase is all about transforming innovative agricultural ideas into sustainable projects that can expand and contribute to local food security and economic growth. 🌿🚜

We’re incredibly proud of the progress we’ve made so far and are excited for the future achievements as the workshops continue to reach even more trainees. Together, we are planting the seeds for a prosperous and bright future! 🌾💡

#Nabta #SustainableAgriculture #BusinessDevelopment #FAO #COSV #BrightFuture #empowerment #community #foodsecurity

@fao
Nabta نبتة
FAO Syria

7 0
🎯 IMPORTANT🎯

Call for Applications Entrepreneurship programs through grants🍀

📢 As part of the Lakes of Albania Project, funded by Agenzia Italiana per la Cooperazione allo Sviluppo/AICS Tirana and implemented by COSV Albania in partnership with VIS Albania, we are pleased to announce the opening of grant applications for young people aged 18-35 who have innovative business ideas and operate in the POGRADEC region 🌱

The mini-grants component aims to stimulate the development and support for the creation of new businesses (START-UPs), with a high innovative profile, in the field of sustainable and responsible tourism and employment support in the areas where it is applied the project. 

You can find all the information and forms to participate by clicking on the following link:
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1T_rBb3FKFiHNcw_xgc8qKQoLvL5kDt_1?usp=sharing

📅 The calls will remain open until October 27, 2024, at 4:30 pm. 

Apply now, we are waiting for you!

@bashkiapogradec 
@aics_cooperazione_it 
@aics_tirana 
@vis.albania 
@ongvis

🎯 IMPORTANT🎯

Call for Applications Entrepreneurship programs through grants🍀

📢 As part of the Lakes of Albania Project, funded by Agenzia Italiana per la Cooperazione allo Sviluppo/AICS Tirana and implemented by COSV Albania in partnership with VIS Albania, we are pleased to announce the opening of grant applications for young people aged 18-35 who have innovative business ideas and operate in the POGRADEC region 🌱

The mini-grants component aims to stimulate the development and support for the creation of new businesses (START-UPs), with a high innovative profile, in the field of sustainable and responsible tourism and employment support in the areas where it is applied the project.

You can find all the information and forms to participate by clicking on the following link:
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1T_rBb3FKFiHNcw_xgc8qKQoLvL5kDt_1?usp=sharing

📅 The calls will remain open until October 27, 2024, at 4:30 pm.

Apply now, we are waiting for you!

@bashkiapogradec
@aics_cooperazione_it
@aics_tirana
@vis.albania
@ongvis

9 0

— Active in 8 Countries

COSV Group Worldwide

COSV Group operates globally, delivering impact through local presence and partnerships.

COSV HQ ITALY

via Soperga 36, 20127 Milano
tel. +39 02 2822852
segreteria@cosv.org

COSV MONTENEGRO

Podgorica, Vukasina Markovica 148

segreteria@cosv.org

COSV ALBANIA

Tirana,  Rezidenca Kodra e diellit 1. Rruga e Ullinjve. Njesia 1/1.

infoalbania@cosv.org

COSV NORTH MACEDONIA

Prilep, Republinkanska 39 7500

segreteria@cosv.org

COSV LEBANON

Beirut , Furn al Chebbak, Damascus Road, Eid and Hakim Bldg#192, 7th floor
tel: +961 1 283 918
segreteria@cosv.org

COSV SYRIA

Damascus, Rawda, Abdel Malek Ibn Marwan Street, Mawlawi Building.
tel: +963 9400 11122
 shehnab.sahin@cosv.org  

COSV ZIMBABWE

Harare35 Van Praagh – Milton Park

segreteria@cosv.org

 

COSV MOZAMBIQUE

Maputo,  Avenida Sekou Touré 1971
tel:  +258 21 325 133
 mozambique@cosv.org

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