The recent World Entrepreneurs and Investment Forum (WEIF) in Bahrain underscored the pivotal role of women entrepreneurs as key drivers of economic transformation. The gathering concluded with the release of the Manama Declaration, which emphasizes the need to view women as architects of change rather than mere beneficiaries. This declaration calls for greater empowerment of women within business and innovation ecosystems, stressing that their involvement is essential for achieving inclusive and sustainable growth.
Organized by the UN Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), the forum brought together leaders, investors, and entrepreneurs from various countries, aiming to foster a more resilient global economy and unlock opportunities for women-led enterprises. The event highlighted the importance of women’s presence in emerging sectors such as the green, blue, and orange economies, which focus on environmental sustainability, ocean resource management, and creativity, respectively.
A Platform for Collaboration and Networking
For many attendees, the forum provided significant opportunities for collaboration. Doris Martin, CEO of DMartin Consultancy in Bahrain, found the event particularly beneficial, establishing partnerships with companies in the United Arab Emirates and Morocco through facilitated business-to-business meetings. “This forum has been effective for me,” Martin stated. “I’ve had B2B collaboration with regional companies through Bahrain and through UNIDO.”
Tosin Arwejulo, a Nigerian-American entrepreneur and CEO of Leadership Excel Consultancy, described the forum as a “powerful networking platform.” She noted the diverse connections made, stating, “I’ve had the opportunity to talk to people from literally every continent. It has been an amazing opportunity to connect with like-minded leaders.”
The forum’s reach extended beyond the Arab region, with participants from South Asia, including Ayanthi Gurusinghe, President of the Ceylon Chamber of Women Entrepreneurs in Sri Lanka. She highlighted the shared challenges faced by women entrepreneurs, particularly regarding access to finance. “It was a good opportunity for networking, to come together, share views, learn and exchange experiences,” Gurusinghe said.
Promoting Inclusive Entrepreneurship
The forum also spotlighted inclusive entrepreneurship through exhibitions, including “Determined Creative Entrepreneur.” Among the exhibitors was Nisreen Samour of the Micro Art Center in Bahrain, which focuses on training artists, particularly those with disabilities. “Today, we have about nine students participating, each specializing in an artistic field that aligns with their interests and abilities,” Samour explained. The center also supports orphans, helping them develop artistic skills and showcase their work, fostering independence through creativity.
A recurring theme at the forum was the role of academia in preparing young women for entrepreneurship. Dr. Nihal Al-Najjar, a professor at the Royal University for Women in Bahrain, emphasized the importance of integrating entrepreneurship into academic systems. She stated, “Our academic role is to integrate entrepreneurship not just as a subject, but as a methodology,” highlighting the need for experiential learning and practical application. Al-Najjar called on universities to connect students with mentors and funding opportunities as they prepare to launch their own ventures.
The forum was preceded by the annual conference of the International Women Entrepreneurial Challenge (IWEC), which supports the growth of women-owned businesses. Gerd Müller, UNIDO Director General, addressed the conference, describing women’s entrepreneurship as a vital force for sustainable development and economic inclusion. He remarked, “We must ensure that women everywhere have a level playing field and are given the opportunity to unlock their full potential,” while acknowledging ongoing barriers women face globally.
In her opening remarks, Ibukun Awosika, IWEC Chair, emphasized women’s transformative role in leadership and national progress. “What women represent to the world is 50 percent of its assets,” she noted. “Every nation that has enough wisdom to invest and to actualize the talent that is in 50 percent of its population is a country that is set to win.”
As part of the IWEC initiative, several women entrepreneurs were honored, including Sonia Mohamed Janahi, founder of Maya La Chocolaterie, who credited UNIDO for helping her expand her business into Africa. Janahi established a cocoa processing plant in Côte d’Ivoire, creating jobs and promoting ethical supply chains. “UNIDO has played a very vital role in my progression,” she stated.
Another honoree, Nigerian entrepreneur Oluwakelemi, shared her experience running a gifting and lifestyle retail business that empowers women across Nigeria. “I am passionate about building scalable African businesses with global reach,” she said, noting that her business has positively impacted over 5,000 individuals.
The WEIF and its associated events serve as a testament to the growing recognition of women entrepreneurs as vital contributors to the global economy. Through collaboration, networking, and support, initiatives like these aim to ensure that women can fully realize their potential, driving innovation and sustainable growth worldwide.
