Youth & Women empowerment in Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Egypt & Morocco

In a partnership between Alwaleed Philanthropies “Global” and Ashoka Arab World, social innovators and changemakers across the Arab region are being supported through an initiative that empowers youth and women, fosters local solutions to local challenges, and strengthens inclusive social entrepreneurship ecosystems.

• Raise awareness about social entrepreneurship as a vehicle for positive change.
• Increase visibility and influence of social entrepreneurs addressing pressing regional challenges.
• Promote women’s leadership and enhance their representation in the social innovation sector.

The project spans Egypt, Morocco, and Saudi Arabia, countries chosen for their dynamic entrepreneurial ecosystems and potential for impactful innovation.

• Equip women and girls with the tools, skills, and networks to launch social enterprises.
• Showcase successful female entrepreneurs as role models and catalysts for change.
• Align with the global Women Initiative for Social Entrepreneurship.

Innovation Factory

• A flagship program offering training, mentorship, and resources to empower social entrepreneurs to bring their ideas to life.

Transformative Journey Accelerator

• A selective program providing intensive support to help young entrepreneurs scale their ventures.

Innovation Factory Program Egypt

• Second cycle completed.
• 18 young entrepreneurs from 14 governorates.
• 9 winners selected for incubation; 8 received first disbursements.

Morocco

• Completed the second cycle graduation; 9 winners announced to proceed to the incubation period.
• Top 6 to receive financial awards.

Ashoka Fellowship

• Supported 9 Ashoka Fellows.

ChangeMAKHERS Community

• The membership grew to 220+ members.

Change Makers Program

• Collaboration Grants: 4 projects funded.

LeadYoung

• 6 videos produced featuring women social entrepreneurs.
• 10 women social entrepreneurs participated in a Storytelling workshop.

In the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

Deepening the Impact of the First Cohort — Ignition Camp and Incubation Phase

• The Ashoka Camp was held from February 3–8, 2025, in Cairo, providing first-cohort winners with a unique international learning and networking experience.
• Six winning projects received support during the incubation phase, including: Darah Environmental Solutions, Awj, Amloud, Helper Robot, and Aziza.

Launch of the Second Cohort

• A comprehensive marketing campaign was implemented to attract 200 young men and women, utilizing modern communication tools, including chatbots.
• Approximately 57 aspiring social entrepreneurs participated in a virtual training camp, where they received five days of intensive training to develop and refine their social enterprise concepts.

This regional initiative is catalyzing inclusive social innovation by:

• Building entrepreneurial capacity among youth and women.
• Scaling locally-driven solutions.
• Fostering community resilience and leadership.
• Inspiring the next generation of changemakers across the Arab world.