Objectives & Impact

Overall aim

MALTESE aims to digitally empower Malta’s rural communities by equipping youth and entrepreneurs with advanced skills, fostering circular agri‑business models, and building robust rural–urban connections through co‑designed digital solutions.

Specific objectives

Provide practical digital and circular economy training to at least 20 rural youth and 10 rural entrepreneurs, enabling improved productivity, market access, and employment opportunities.
Develop and pilot an integrated digital platform that connects rural producers with urban markets, onboarding at least 10 farmers and enabling at least 50 direct transactions.
Support youth‑led agri‑business creation through targeted training, mentorship, and incubation activities.
Build active collaboration among educational institutions, advisory services, businesses, and community leaders to support innovation uptake.
Demonstrate scalable models for rural–urban collaboration and digital transformation aligned with PoliRuralPlus and New European Bauhaus principles.

Expected impact

MALTESE is expected to expand digital access and usability, strengthen market access and economic viability for smallholders, foster community collaboration and participatory planning, promote circular and sustainable rural development, and enhance youth participation and leadership in rural innovation.