Held from October 16 to 19, this workshop is part of a series of training courses initiated by the ECA in Morocco, Mauritania and Tunisia to strengthen the competitiveness and resilience of businesses led by women, indicated the head of the section. employment and skills development at the ECA North Africa Office, Soumaya Iraqui-Houssaini.
As part of a broader support program for SMEs in North Africa, this training, which will benefit around forty business leaders, will focus on good practices in exports, digitalization and green ecological practices. , in order to better respond to the challenges posed by the repercussions of climate change, said Ms. Iraqui Houssaini.
For his part, the director of the ECA sub-regional office in North Africa, Adam Elhiraika, noted that these training courses also aim to strengthen the capacity of beneficiary companies to improve their access to export markets within the framework of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
The women participating in this training will thus have the opportunity to familiarize themselves with export techniques to the African market, while discovering new marketing strategies, digitalization tools and technologies aimed at strengthening their competitiveness, he said. -he affirmed.
Highlighting the importance of small and medium-sized enterprises, Mr. Elhiraika stressed that they must be integrated into countries’ sustainable development strategies, in order to take advantage of opportunities linked to climate financing and infrastructure investments.
This workshop includes panels and discussions around several themes, including sources of business financing, green financial initiatives, the development of exportable products, the analysis of climate opportunities and risks for businesses, as well as climate change measures. adequate climate adaptation within companies.
The capacity building program for women-led SMEs was initiated by the ECA Sub-Regional Office for North Africa (ECA-SRO-NA), and particularly focuses on improving the access to the market for goods and services, digitalization and the adoption of green and sustainable practices, aimed at promoting a competitive, sustainable and inclusive economy.
In 2024, the Kingdom officially adopted this program by launching a three-year plan to strengthen the digital and export capabilities of women-led SMEs, targeting the African market. This project benefits from technical assistance from CEA-SRO-NA and is implemented by the Export and Investment Agency.
This program is part of the achievement of several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), namely SDG 5 (Gender equality), SDG 8 (Decent work and economic growth), and SDG 9 (Industry, innovation and infrastructure), in order to strengthen gender equality and women’s empowerment in North Africa, in line with the ambitions of the CEA-SRO-NA to stimulate employment and the competitiveness of SMEs in the region.
How do training sessions for women-led businesses contribute to economic development in the region?
Interview between Time.news Editor and Soumaya Iraqui-Houssaini, Head of Employment and Skills Development at the ECA North Africa Office
Time.news Editor: Welcome, Soumaya! It’s great to have you with us today as we discuss the recent workshop focused on empowering women-led businesses in North Africa. First off, could you give us a brief overview of the workshop and its main objectives?
Soumaya Iraqui-Houssaini: Thank you for having me! This workshop, held from October 16 to 19, is part of a series initiated by the Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) aimed at strengthening the competitiveness and resilience of women-led businesses in Morocco, Mauritania, and Tunisia. Our goal is to equip around forty business leaders with essential skills to navigate challenges such as climate change while enhancing their export capabilities.
Time.news Editor: That sounds like an essential initiative. Can you elaborate on why focusing on women-led businesses specifically is vital for the economy in North Africa?
Soumaya Iraqui-Houssaini: Absolutely. Women entrepreneurs play a crucial role in the region’s economy but often face significant barriers that inhibit their growth. By focusing on women-led businesses, we aim to not only empower these entrepreneurs but also stimulate broader economic development. Strengthening their skills and providing support networks will ultimately benefit communities and foster gender equality in the business sector.
Time.news Editor: You mentioned the importance of good practices in exports, digitalization, and green ecological practices. How do these areas intersect to create a more sustainable business model for women entrepreneurs?
Soumaya Iraqui-Houssaini: These areas are interconnected and vital for sustainable business practices. Good export practices allow women entrepreneurs to tap into wider markets, particularly within the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). Meanwhile, digitalization enhances operational efficiency, marketing opportunities, and access to information. green ecological practices ensure that businesses contribute positively to their environment, making them more resilient against the adverse effects of climate change.
Time.news Editor: It’s fascinating to hear how these elements work in synergy. In your experience, what feedback have you received from previous training sessions focusing on these topics?
Soumaya Iraqui-Houssaini: The feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. Participants often express a newfound confidence in their ability to navigate the challenges they face. Many have reported successfully implementing new export techniques and digital tools into their operations. The camaraderie built among the participants is also invaluable; they leave the sessions feeling supported and inspired by one another’s journeys.
Time.news Editor: That’s wonderful to hear! As we look ahead, how do you envision the long-term impact of these training initiatives on the economic landscape in North Africa?
Soumaya Iraqui-Houssaini: I believe that if we continue to invest in training and support for women-led businesses, we will see a transformation in the economic landscape of North Africa. These empowered entrepreneurs will not only enhance their own businesses but also contribute to job creation, innovation, and sustainable practices. Our ultimate goal is to see these enterprises become integral to the region’s sustainable development strategies while promoting gender equality and economic independence.
Time.news Editor: Thank you, Soumaya! Your insights are truly enlightening, and it’s clear that initiatives like these can lead to significant changes. We appreciate you sharing your expertise with us today.
Soumaya Iraqui-Houssaini: Thank you for having me! I’m excited about the positive changes ahead and the potential for women-led businesses to thrive in North Africa.