More than 450 women from 12 Arab and African countries are participating in the inaugural Arab Women in Entrepreneurship and Innovation Forum, a new platform dedicated to strengthening women’s leadership in entrepreneurship, innovation, and economic development across the region.
The forum is being held as part of the fifth Arab Innovation and Investment Forum, representing one of the event’s most significant expansions and reinforcing growing regional efforts to support women-led businesses and innovation.
Advancing Women’s Economic Leadership
The forum brings together government officials, policymakers, industry leaders, financing experts, and entrepreneurship specialists to explore strategies for expanding women’s economic participation and strengthening their role in shaping the future of Arab economies.
Discussions focus on creating more opportunities for women entrepreneurs, improving access to finance, encouraging innovation, and fostering sustainable economic growth across the region.
Representatives from 12 Countries
This year’s edition features participants from 12 Arab and African countries, including representatives from Egypt, Libya, Jordan, and Oman, alongside members of African organizations and regional institutions.
Organizers expect the forum to continue expanding, with plans to increase participation to 21 countries in future editions while welcoming more women leaders, entrepreneurs, and innovators.
InnoVest Competition Expands Women’s Opportunities
One of the forum’s highlights is the launch of the InnoVest Competition, which previously formed part of the Arab Innovation and Investment Forum and is now being integrated into the women’s forum to further support female entrepreneurship and innovation.
The competition will feature women entrepreneurs and startup founders presenting innovative business ideas across Egypt and other Arab and African countries.
The program begins with regional activities running through September 2026, followed by evaluation rounds before winners are announced during the forum’s closing session in December 2026.
Financial Awards and Business Development Support
In addition to cash prizes, the competition will offer training opportunities for entrepreneurs with promising and innovative business ideas, helping participants strengthen their ventures and prepare for long-term growth.
Organizers noted that last year’s competition was won by a Libyan woman entrepreneur, highlighting the increasing impact of women-led innovation across the Arab region.
Strengthening Regional Collaboration
By bringing together entrepreneurs, investors, experts, and decision-makers from across the Arab world and Africa, the Arab Women in Entrepreneurship and Innovation Forum aims to build stronger regional partnerships while creating new opportunities for women to lead innovation, launch businesses, and contribute to sustainable economic development.
The inaugural edition reflects a growing regional commitment to empowering women as drivers of entrepreneurship, investment, and economic transformation throughout the Arab and African regions.
