Empowering Young and Female-Led SMEs in Tunisia and Libya
A capacity-building workshop titled "Unlocking Zlecaf Opportunities: Strengthening the Skills of Young and Female-Led Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs)" is taking place from September 9 to 12 in Tunis.
Organized by the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) Sub-Regional Office for North Africa
This event aims to equip 35 Tunisian and Libyan SMEs and cooperatives with the necessary knowledge, tools, and networks to succeed in an increasingly competitive and dynamic economic environment.
Objectives of the Workshop
The workshop will provide participants with the necessary skills to:
- Enhance their resilience
- Improve their access to markets
- Support sustainable economic transformation
Background
In 2023, the ECA Sub-Regional Office for North Africa launched a capacity-building program dedicated to female-led SMEs in Morocco. This program was extended in 2025 to include young entrepreneurs and deployed in Libya, Mauritania, and Tunisia.
Key Focus Areas
The initiative targets the development of skills for SMEs led by women and young people in key sectors such as:
- Export preparation
- Digitalization
- Sustainable ecological practices
Strategy for Policymakers
The initiative also proposes a multidimensional strategy for policymakers, structured around three main axes, addressing the specific challenges faced by women, young entrepreneurs, and SMEs in the region.
