The STEP IN Programme facilitates the acquisition and extension of elementary technical and business skills for employment and self-employment creation for unemployed, retrenched or underemployed women, men and youths as well as for micro-entrepreneurs from the informal sector.

During the present implementation phase (1999–2001) the project concept developed in the foregoing orientation phase is implemented and tested in selected regions. STEP IN is providing advisory and financial assistance on the macro-, meso and micro-level through an integrated approach:

• Advisory to TEVETA (Technical Education, Vocational and Entrepreneurship Training Authority) of the MSTVT on the establishment of the EISDU (Entrepreneurship and Informal Sector Development Unit): policy and concept, organizational set-up, financing and networking with other relevant institutions and organizations.
• Advisory, coaching and financial assistance to the Centers for Informal Sector Employment Promotion (CISEP, four in Lusaka, two in the Copper-Belt) which are managed in a kind of franchise system by different institutions (predominantly non-formal training institutions, trade unions) and coordinated by a coordination office. These service centers were established to provide basic technical and business skills through short term training courses, business consultancy, provision of information on markets, product designs, business and trade associations and access to credit facilities.
• Facilitating the creation of networks of relevant institutions, organizations and activities in informal sector promotion and skills training through advice, information, capacity building and training.
• Supporting training, self help activities and pilot projects in the fields of income earning activities (e.g. women groups, unemployed youth).