Empowering Youth, Women, and Driving Social Innovation: Alwaleed Philanthropies "Global" Collaborates with Ashoka Arab World in Egypt, Morocco, and Saudi Arabia

In a groundbreaking collaboration, Alwaleed Philanthropies “Global” and Ashoka Arab World have joined forces to support social innovators and change makers in the Arab region, with a particular focus on empowering youth and women. Through their partnership, they aim to create a conducive environment for social entrepreneurship and amplify the impact of local solutions to local challenges.

The primary objectives of this initiative are threefold. Firstly, to raise awareness about the concept of social entrepreneurship and its potential for driving positive change. Secondly, to increase the visibility and influence of social entrepreneurs who are providing innovative solutions to pressing issues in the Arab world. And thirdly, to foster and enhance women's leadership and representation in the realm of social entrepreneurship.

The project spans across three countries: Egypt, Morocco, and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. These countries were selected based on their vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystems and the potential for impactful social innovation.

The project is planned to run from 2022 to 2025, allowing for sustained support and growth of social entrepreneurs in the region.

The project aims to directly benefit 300 individuals through its flagship program, the Innovation Factory. This program provides training, mentorship, and resources to social entrepreneurs, equipping them with the necessary tools to turn their ideas into reality. Additionally, 17 young social entrepreneurs have been selected to participate in the "Transformative Journey" accelerator program, which offers intensive support and guidance to scale their ventures.

Egypt:

The call for applications in Egypt garnered a remarkable response, with 500 social entrepreneurs submitting their ideas. From these applicants, a social entrepreneur school named "Ibtikar-Khana" was chosen to be the local training partner. Furthermore, 17 promising social entrepreneurs were selected to participate in the prestigious "Transformative Journey" accelerator program. In addition to these initiatives, a vibrant online community called "ChangemakHERS Community" was established, attracting 60 members who are passionate about making a difference. Moreover, two outstanding candidates were identified and named Ashoka Fellows, recognizing their significant contributions to the social entrepreneurship landscape. Lastly, the project extended its support to women entrepreneurs through the "Lead Young Storytelling Program," which selected 20 talented women to participate and share their inspiring stories.

Morocco:

In Morocco, the project received 215 applications from aspiring social entrepreneurs. Among the applicants, a social entrepreneur school called the "Moroccan Centre for Innovation and Social Entrepreneurship" was chosen as the local training partner. 2023,will mark the initiation of the "Transformative Journey" accelerator program in Morocco, offering selected social entrepreneurs an intensive support system to scale their ventures and maximize their impact.

The partnership between Alwaleed Philanthropies “Global” and Ashoka Arab World represents a crucial step toward empowering youth and women in Egypt, Morocco, and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. By providing comprehensive support and resources to social entrepreneurs, this initiative strives to unleash the potential of local changemakers and address pressing social challenges in the region. Through sustained efforts and continued collaboration, the project aims to create a more inclusive, innovative, and sustainable future for all.