Alabuga Start proudly announces that applications for participation in our programme are still open, offering boundless opportunities for talented young women from around the world.

Among the key features of the programme is deep immersion in working at an international-level company and exciting career growth prospects. The practical experience that participants gain is especially valuable, filling them with knowledge and self-confidence.

We urge all ambitious young ladies not to miss this chance and apply. This is a crucial step towards professional success, opening new horizons and opportunities for everyone who is ready to create, develop, and become a part of the future!

Important Notice for Certain Countries:

Please be advised that applications are temporarily closed for citizens of the following nations:

• Sierra Leone

• Burundi

• Central African Republic

• Uganda

• Democratic Republic of Congo

If your country is on this list, you will be able to submit your application again in 2026.

For everyone else – don't forget to submit your application before next year!

Alabuga Start programme recently hosted Friendship of Nations Festival, a two-day celebration that brought together participants from around the world in a spirit of unity and cultural exchange.

The festival aimed to create a welcoming space where all participants felt valued and connected, regardless of their background.

Among the key features of the event were a diverse culinary showcase, a lively photo zone, and captivating performances by the Alabuga Start participants. The performances were particularly impactful, filling the stage and the audience's hearts with energy and emotion.

This marks a significant milestone for many of the participants, who are experiencing international travel and a new culture for the first time. 

They all have quickly adapted to their surroundings and are immersing themselves in Russian language, culture and work.

With opportunities for on-job training, personal and professional development, the Alabuga Start programme aims to empower young women to build successful careers, looking forward to welcoming additional participants in the months ahead!

Participants had the opportunity to get to know each other, practice their Russian language skills, and immerse themselves in Russian culture. The evening’s activities included watching the beloved Soviet comedy "Operation Y" and playing team charades.

We emphasized the importance of fostering connection through simple activities. The event proved to be a resounding success, filled with laughter, camaraderie, and new friendships.

The Youth Educational Forum of the Southern Federal District “BeregA” 2025 took place in Astrakhan. 
 
The event brought together more than 300 participants from Russia and other countries. Among its key fields was “BeregA_Hospitality” (chefs, bartenders, pastry chefs, tour guides).

Eyerusalem, a participant of the Alabuga Start programme, held a workshop on “Etiquette for Hosting International Partners and High-Level Guests.” She shared her experience of working at Shokoladnitsa within the programme, spoke about the rules of welcoming delegations, and offered participants practical case studies to solve.

She first spoke in Russian and then translated everything into English for international participants from Iran.

Alabuga start proudly continues to develop the programme around the world with participants showing incredible accomplishments.

The presentation featured participants from the Alabuga Start programme, who told firsthand accounts of life within Russia's largest SEZ. They shared their adaptation process, living conditions, and daily work experiences.

The participants, representing various countries, shared their experiences since their arrival in Russia, including their work responsibilities and how they spend their free time.

Additionally, the Alabuga representatives attended the co-located international petrochemical exhibition, gaining valuable insights into advanced technologies and expanding their professional networks.

Alabuga Start programme continues to provide valuable opportunities for young women globally, fostering knowledge, practical skills, and tangible accomplishments. 

During a recent visit to the Alabuga Special Economic Zone (SEZ), a delegation from the Sri Lankan Embassy in Russia prioritized meeting directly with current Alabuga Start participants from Sri Lanka. This valuable connection provided a powerful insight into the programme’s transformative impact, hearing firsthand about their experiences in Alabuga Start, the practical training they're receiving, and the opportunities that are opening to them. 

The participants openly shared their journeys: from adapting to a new culture and mastering working skills to gaining confidence and building strong professional networks.

Representative from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Venezuela visited the Alabuga Special Economic Zone. During the visit, he explored the SEZ’s infrastructure in detail — from modern hostels to industrial facilities.

Special attention was given to the Alabuga Start programme.
“This is an excellent opportunity to gain practical working skills — something our youth desperately needs. In Venezuela, many either earn academic degrees without securing jobs or don’t study or work at all" - the guest noted.

He also emphasized the importance of accessible, quality medical care for participants — something that remains unaffordable for most people in Venezuela.

As part of a visit to Ghana, Alabuga Start has introduced the Youth Guarantee for Success initiative, aimed at expanding opportunities for the country’s youth and enhancing the professional skills of future specialists.

During the visit, the company held a series of meetings with key partners and representatives from governmental, educational, and diplomatic institutions.

Key outcomes:

National Youth Authority of Ghana: discussions were held to coordinate joint efforts for nationwide impact on youth development, including plans to launch the Business Simulation Olympiad.

Central University College: opportunities to integrate Alabuga Start’s practical training programmes into academic curricula and graduate preparation were explored.

Embassy of the Russian Federation in Ghana: meeting with the Russian Ambassador to strengthen diplomatic ties and lay the groundwork for long-term cooperation in building a skilled workforce in Ghana was conducted.

Alabuga Start emphasised that partnerships with leading governmental and educational institutions in Ghana create significant opportunities for developing competitive young professionals and establishing a solid foundation for the country’s economic growth.

Recently, Alabuga Start brought the excitement of entrepreneurship to Ghana by hosting the Business Cats Olympiad — a dynamic simulation game designed to build essential skills in business and financial literacy.

Twenty-four motivated candidates stepped up to the challenge, testing their strategic thinking and entrepreneurial instincts. Four outstanding participants earned top honors and walked away with powerful tools to support their future success:

• 1st Place – Brand-new Laptop
• 2nd Place – Smartphone
• 3rd Place – Tablet

Alabuga Start congratulates the winners and looks forward to welcoming them into the programme soon. We are dedicated to giving people the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in the corporate world and in their careers at a large company.

Recently, the participants of the Alabuga Start programme took part in a special assessment session designed to develop real-world business skills.

Through a business simulation, the girls had the chance to strengthen their analytical thinking and learn the basics of financial planning — vital tools for anyone aiming to grow professionally.

Held in the corporate buildings of the SEZ Alabuga, this assessment marks an important step for each participant towards reaching the next stage in their career journey.
Because growth is not just about knowledge — it's about experience, responsibility, and action.

Alabuga SEZ representatives held a meeting in A.K. Vereshchagin School of Construction and the University of Abomey-Calavi, presenting our international programme to students and future participants

During the meeting girls learned about offered fields and tried to play Simulation games

They’re motivated and eager to start their journey in Russia! 

 

Let us remind you, "Alabuga Start" is an international program for young, ambitious women from countries in Africa, Latin America, and South and Southeast Asia, aged 18 to 22, which allows them to move to Russia and build a successful career here. Currently there are 7 career tracks: Catering, Service and Hospitality, Production operator, Road transport shop (Driver), Installation works, Finishing works, Logistics.

A meeting of representatives of the Alabuga SEZ with future participants of Alabuga Start and their parents took place in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The presentation of the international program was conducted by the current participant from the DRC Rachel.

The girl shared her experience of working in Alabuga in the field of Service and Hospitality, and together with HR specialists of the programme answered the most frequently asked questions of future participants.

We are pleased to inform you about the launch of new fields of work at Alabuga Start with a salary from $681 per month.

Choosing the field of Finishing Works or Installation Works, you start with transportation of construction materials, dismantling works and assistance to specialists at construction sites. And in 2 years you can grow to a qualified tiler or door installer and manage an entire team.

You can join the programme in any of the seven fields by submitting an application using the "Join" button.

Alabuga Start is an international programme for young ambitious girls from Africa, Latin America, South and South-East Asia aged 18 to 22, which allows them to move to Russia and build a successful career here. Currently there are 7 career fields: Catering, Service and Hospitality, Production Operator, Road Transport Shop (driver), Installation Works, Finishing Works, Logistics. All participants receive an air ticket to Russia at the expense of Alabuga, accommodation in hostels at a discounted price and a starting salary from $541.

Minister of Social Affairs and Solidarity of Suminwa government Nathalie-Aziza Munana visited the special economic zone (SEZ) "Alabuga". During the working visit she got acquainted with the conditions provided by the international programme Alabuga Start.

Mme Munana attended a Russian language lesson and personally communicated with the programme participants, including those from the Democratic Republic of Congo and Benin. The girls told her about their adaptation in the new country, where they live and how they are learning Russian.

"The experience of SEZ Alabuga is really impressive: young people enter the labour market with real work experience and theoretical knowledge of their profession. Most of those I saw here today are around 20-22 years old. This is a very good Russian initiative that I would like to import to us in Congo, and to Africa in general. As I often say, the Russia of tomorrow is the youth of today, because young people here are characterised by dedication, involvement and motivation," noted the Minister of Social Affairs and Solidarity.

At the end of the working visit, the guests got acquainted with the infrastructure of the special economic zone: they visited the Alabuga Start office, the Alabuga Polytech headquarters, where the company's employees live, and the Alabuga Polytech educational centre, where each Alabuga Start participant can enroll upon completing the 2-year programme.

"I have heard a lot about Alabuga, but it is impossible to fully appreciate the power and greatness of this place until you see it with your own eyes," shared Serge Phocas Odunlami, President of the Benin Diaspora in Russia.

«Alabuga Start exceeded my expectations»: Kenya's Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Russia visited the Special Economic Zone (SEZ) Alabuga

A delegation of the Embassy of the Republic of Kenya to the Russian Federation headed by the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Peter Mutuku Mathuki paid a working visit to the SEZ Alabuga.

As part of a tour of the SEZ, the guests got acquainted with the industrial site, the Alabuga Polytech educational centre and a residential complex where the company's employees, including Alabuga Start participants, live.

«I had heard about Alabuga before, but it helped a lot to see this technological industrial park with my own eyes. I am impressed!», said the Kenyan Ambassador.

Among other things, the Embassy representatives attended a Russian language lesson and talked with Alabuga Start participants from Kenya.

Let us remind you that Alabuga Start is an international programme for young ambitious girls aged 18 to 22 years old, which allows them to move to Russia and build a successful career here. Currently there are 7 career tracks: Catering (food service), Service and Hospitality, Production Operator, Road transport shop (Driver), Installation Works, Finishing Works, Logistics. All participants receive an air ticket to Russia at Alabuga's expense, corporate housing at a favourable price and a high competitive salary .

«I would like to see as many participants from my country as possible in Alabuga Start»: Somali Ambassador to Russia assessed the conditions of the international programme

Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Somalia to the Russian Federation Mohamed Abukar Zubeyr visited the Special Economic Zone Alabuga.

During the working visit, representatives of the Embassy visited the headquarters of Alabuga Polytech, where they personally got acquainted with the living conditions of the participants of Alabuga Start programme. In addition, Mohamed Abukar Zubeyr became the guest of honor at one of the Russian language classes, personally communicating with the participants of the international programme. He recommended the girls to work hard, dive into the chosen professions and learn a new language.

«This programme is a great opportunity for young women. I would really like to visit Alabuga again next year and see here as many participants from the Republic of Somalia as possible», the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Somalia to Russia shared his opinion.

Let us remind you that ‘Alabuga Start’ is an international programme for young ambitious girls aged 18 to 22 years old, which allows them to move to Russia and build a successful career here. Currently there are 7 career tracks: Catering (food service), Service and Hospitality, Production Operator, Road transport shop (Driver), Installation Works, Finishing Works, Logistics. All participants receive an air ticket to Russia at Alabuga's expense, corporate housing at a favourable price and a high competitive salary .

The final stage of the Business Cats Olympiad on the basics of financial literacy was held at the University of Kampala. The event was attended by 24 future participants of the Alabuga Start programme. 

The winners of the Olympiad were three girls who scored the highest number of points:

- Lisa (171 points)
- Hindu (171 points)
- Anita (163 points)

We would like to remind you that Business Cats is a business simulation developed by the specialists of the SEZ ‘Alabuga’ and gives an opportunity to assess the analytical abilities and communication skills of the players.

Unfortunately, 7 participants of the final stage of the Olympiad could not avoid bankruptcy in the game. Despite this, each participant received memorable gifts from the SEZ ‘Alabuga’, and the winners were awarded valuable prizes.

Special awards and new candidates

Special attention was paid to the participants who made a significant contribution to the promotion of the Alabuga Start programme in Uganda. Programme ambassador Esther Kironde was presented with a certificate and a gift for her active work.

Also during the event, the winners of the online ‘Start Programme’ Quest competition on social media were awarded. The ladies had to publish 3 posts on their social media: their thoughts on Alabuga Start before coming, their thoughts on the business simulation ‘Business Cats’, and 5 reasons to choose Alabuga Start. Three winners of the online competition received commemorative souvenirs.

The Business Cats Financial Literacy Olympiad finals became not only a platform for demonstrating knowledge and skills of the participants, but also an important step in the development of international cooperation. 


Let us remind you that Alabuga Start is an international programme for young ambitious girls aged 18 to 22, which allows them to move to Russia and build a successful career here. Currently there are 6 career tracks: Catering (food service), Service and Hospitality, Production Operator, Road transport shop (Driver), Installation Works, Finishing Works. All participants receive an air ticket to Russia at Alabuga's expense, corporate housing at a favourable price and a highly competitive salary.

The delegation of SEZ ‘Alabuga’ visited the Russian Embassy in Botswana. During the working visit, the Alabuga Start team made a presentation of the international programme to the representatives of the Embassy.

The Embassy confirmed the importance of the international initiative to employ young girls from Botswana in Russia as a way of achieving goals within the framework of developing and strengthening bilateral ties and cooperation in the long term.

‘There is indeed a problem of youth unemployment in Botswana. According to the latest data, the figure is close to 39 per cent,’ said Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Russian Federation to the Republic of Botswana Andrei Kemarsky.

Let us remind you that ‘Alabuga Start’ is an international programme for young ambitious girls aged 18 to 22 years old, which allows them to move to Russia and build a successful career here. Currently there are 6 career tracks: Catering (food service), Service and Hospitality, Production Operator, Road transport shop (Driver), Installation Works, Finishing Works. All participants receive an air ticket to Russia at Alabuga's expense, corporate housing at a favourable price and a starting salary from $860.