As the much-anticipated Arab SME Summit descends upon Marrakesh, the stage is set for a transformative exploration of the green sector in the MENA region. WE4F is thrilled to collaborate with the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia – ESCWA and partner for the upcoming Arab SME Summit 2023, under the theme “From Resilience to Prosperity”.
The summit aims to empower small and medium enterprises in the Arab region and drive forward development and prosperity. Delve into the agenda below to learn more about the participation of WE4F’s MENA Regional Innovation Hub (RIH).
Day 1
Overview of the Green Sector in the MENA Region
11:30 AM – 1:30 PM
Objectives:
- Introducing key actors in the sustainability and green sector.
- Examining aspects of supply, demand, and emerging technologies.
- Showcasing business enablers’ programs, activities, and events designed to support SMEs in the green sector.
Speakers:
- Irene Boghdadi, TA Specialist at WE4F MENA RIH
- Mohamed Wageih, Project Officer, PRIMA Program
- Ramy Boujawdeh, Consortium Representative WE4F MENA
- Adel ben Youssef, ITC Expert, The Twin Green & Digital Transitions in South Med Countries
- Aline Bussmann, Partnerships & Enabling Environment Specialist at WE4F MENA RIH
- Jordi Pont, Project Manager, MedWaves, SwitchMed
Moderator: Tina Elboustany, Deputy Hub Manager at WE4F MENA RIH
Green Technologies and Business Models
2:30 PM – 3:30 PM
Objectives:
- Emphasizing innovators’ success stories and inspiring sustainable solutions for the evolving landscape of agriculture, water, energy, and circular economy.
Speakers:
- Abdulrhman Zaki Elhalafawy, Co-Founder & Project Lead, CupMENA
- Nadine Khoury, COO, Robinson Agri
- Adil El Manaoui, CEO, DigiFirm
- Yacine Hafied, Senior Engineer, Amenhyd
- Ikram Abourabil, Business Development Manager, Biôdome
- Moderator: Irene Boghdadi, TA Specialist at WE4F MENA RIH
Unlocking Climate-Smart Technologies for BoP Communities
3:30 PM – 4:30 PM
Objectives:
- Examining challenges and seeking solutions to leverage opportunities in end-user finance, partnerships, extension services, and innovative business models.
Speakers:
- Soussen Ben Romdhane, Business Development Officer for MENA Countries, ITC
- Ahmed Rady, Founder & CEO, EGYMAG Biotechnology
- Noha Omran, Head of Treasury, Mozare3 Agri-Fintech
- Hanaa Al Hassan, Youth Economic Empowerment Expert, ITC
- Tina Elboustany, Deputy Hub Manager, Berytech, WE4F
Moderator: Ramy Boujawdeh, Consortium Representative at WE4F MENA RIH
Day 2
Impact Financing for Green Businesses (Interactive Workshop)
11:30 AM – 1:30 PM
Objective:
- Providing SMEs with the knowledge and skills necessary to become investment-ready and to secure impact financing.
- Providing an ESG framework for evaluating and ensuring that funded companies adhere to responsible and sustainable practices.
Facilitators:
- Tina Elboustany, Deputy Hub Managerat WE4F MENA RIH
- Irene Boghdadi, TA Specialist at WE4F MENA RIH
- Ananda Alonso, Impact Investment Manager, MedWaves
Innovation Strategies for Green Businesses (Interactive Workshop)
2:30 PM – 4:00 PM
Objective:
- Equipping SMEs with the knowledge and tools to drive sustainable growth and resilience.
- Integrating innovation into operations and strategic positioning of business models to secure long-term success and relevance in a rapidly evolving market.
Facilitators:
- Aline Bussmann, Partnerships & Enabling Environment Specialist at WE4F MENA RIH
- Ramy Boujawdeh, Consortium Representative at WE4F MENA RIH
- Johannes Heeb, Co-Founder, CEWAS
Shaping Tomorrow: The Future Role of Impact Businesses (Roundtable)
4:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Moderator: Johannes Heeb, Co-Founder, CEWAS
