Prime Highlight
- Hoda Yassa emphasized that digital technologies and online platforms are key to enabling Arab women entrepreneurs, reducing barriers and expanding market reach.
- She highlighted that empowering women through innovation is essential for long-term economic growth and regional competitiveness.
Key Facts
- The Arab Women Investors Union supports innovation-led entrepreneurship through technical support, marketing guidance, leadership training, and initiatives like the “Kayanak” programme.
- The fourth Arab Innovation and Investment Forum was held at the Arab League headquarters, under the theme “Toward an Innovative Arab Investment Ecosystem for Promising Opportunities.”
Background
Innovation and technology play a crucial role in strengthening the participation of Arab women in entrepreneurship, according to Hoda Yassa, President of the Arab Women Investors Union and a member of the Egyptian Council for Foreign Affairs.
Yassa made the remarks during the fourth Arab Innovation and Investment Forum, held at the Arab League headquarters. She spoke in an interactive session that brought together investors, entrepreneurs and startup founders from across the region.
She said digital technologies and online platforms have opened new doors for women entrepreneurs. These tools allow women to start flexible businesses, reduce traditional barriers, and reach regional and global markets more easily. Yassa stressed that technology has become a powerful equaliser in the business world.
The forum was held under the theme “Toward an Innovative Arab Investment Ecosystem for Promising Opportunities.” It was organised by the Arab League’s Economic Affairs Sector in cooperation with the Shabab Qaderoon Foundation. Several Egyptian ministries supported the event.
Yassa highlighted the role of the Arab Women Investors Union in supporting innovation-led entrepreneurship. She said the union offers technical support, marketing guidance and leadership training to women and young entrepreneurs. She pointed to initiatives such as the “Kayanak” programme, which focuses on building business skills and confidence among youth.
She also noted the union’s partnerships with universities to help incubate youth-led projects and turn ideas into viable businesses. These efforts aim to create sustainable opportunities for women across the Arab world.
Yassa said that countries should make innovation a key part of their economic plans. She urged the creation of a new Arab investment model that delivers both financial profits and positive social and environmental results.
She concluded by saying that empowering women through innovation is essential for long-term economic growth and regional competitiveness.
