The regional Union for the Mediterranean (UfM)-labelled project “Promoting Women’s Empowerment (PWE) for Inclusive and Sustainable Industrial Development in the MENA Region” (ID 170136) aims to foster an environment that supports female entrepreneurship and empowers women-led businesses in key sectors. This initiative seeks to address critical barriers, such as limited access to networks (incl. business partnerships), markets and finance, in order to enhance women’s economic participation in the region. Solutions include establishing support networks, learning and mentorship opportunities designed to cultivate a strong ecosystem for women entrepreneurs and executives in selected countries in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA).
Piloting of the first MENA Women Business Club
A joint UfM-UNIDO regional initiative to boost business opportunities for women-led enterprises
Overview
Approach
The MENA Women Business Club was established as a key component of this initiative, providing a structured network for women entrepreneurs and executives to build business linkages and address common challenges in the region. With an initial one-year pilot phase that brought together 160 members (111 memberships sponsored by UNIDO), the Club offers women vital opportunities to connect, access resources, and participate in skill-building activities. These efforts are intended to foster sustainable, long-term growth in women-led businesses and reinforce the project’s objective of inclusive industrial development.
The Club promotes regional business networking for women, increasing opportunities for professional linkages, mentorship, and collaboration.
In its first year, the Club provided members with B2B matchmaking services, targeted “masterclasses” on topics requested by members, an online marketplace, and opportunities to attend sector-specific events. National Club Ambassadors were appointed on a voluntary basis to enhance local visibility and host in-person meet-ups to support and expand the network beyond online interactions.
Following the pilot phase, the Club’s management was handed over to its members. It has since joined BusinessMed, been recognized for best practices by the EU-funded CREACT4MED Project, and continues to work towards financial sustainability to support long-term impact.
1 year to handover to members
Algeria, Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, Morocco, State of Palestine, Tunisia
Impact
During the pilot phase of the Club, targeted objectives were set to advance female entrepreneurship development in the MENA region. The Club provided women entrepreneurs with valuable networking opportunities through meetings and mentoring, fostering connections and industry-focused collaborations. Additionally, the Club focused on enhancing members' capacities in essential areas for business growth through expert-led masterclasses and interactive sessions.
Key Indicators
SDGs:
UNIDO Priorities:
Thematic Area(s):
With this partnership, the UfM pledges to support Women in the MENA region in expanding their business and recovering from the impact of the pandemic. Women with the tenacity and foresight to act as leaders in business development are an asset to society. A gender barrier free business eco-system in the Euro-Mediterranean region is an inevitable next step in our development.
John Paul Grech
Deputy Secretary General of the UfM
By joining the club, women entrepreneurs benefit from engaging with industry leaders, potential clients, new partners, mentors and more based on their industry and market, with the support of the Club’s tailored matchmaking service. As members, entrepreneurs can leverage the extensive network of the Club to promote their products in new marketplaces, find new business opportunities and participate in industry gatherings such as curated speed networking events.
Bashir Conde
(former) UNIDO Programme Manager
Technology Used
N/A
Catalytic Outlook
To have catalyzed the establishment of a sustainable and autonomous regional business networking platform for women entrepreneurs and executives in the MENA region to increase opportunities for business linkages among them and within the wider BCA network.
Unique Solution Characteristics
It's pioneering nature and unique network: The Club is affiliated as a regional chapter of Business Club Africa – a private network of over 6.000 executives in and outside Africa, offering its members access to an extensive ecosystem of entrepreneurs, lawyers, consultants, executives and investors across all industries.
- Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation
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