MENA-OECD Women’s Economic Empowerment Forum 2026

• Mr. Mathias Cormann, Secretary-General, OECD (video message)
• H.E. Dr. Ahmed Rostom, Minister of Planning and Economic Development, Egypt and co-Chair of the WEEF
• Ms. Henrike Trautmann, Director for the Middle East, Directorate-General for Middle East, North Africa and Gulf, European Commission (tbc)
• H.E. Nadia Hai, Ambassador and Interministerial Delegate for the Mediterranean, France (video message)
• Mr. Karim Dahou, Deputy Director, Global Relations and Cooperation Directorate, OECD

Women are playing an increasingly important role in shaping the future of MENA economies as governments pursue ambitious reforms to promote growth, resilience and competitiveness. At the same time, geopolitical tensions, technological advances and the transition to more sustainable economies are reshaping labour markets, business opportunities and skills requirements across the region.

This high-level dialogue will bring together leaders from MENA and OECD countries to explore how women's economic empowerment can serve as a driver of economic growth, innovation and resilience in a rapidly changing global environment. The discussion will examine how governments are adapting their strategies to respond to emerging challenges and opportunities linked to digitalisation, artificial intelligence, climate action and evolving economic conditions.

Participants will share perspectives on the reforms, investments and partnerships that are ongoing and needed to unlock women's full economic potential, strengthen economic resilience, and ensure that women are able to contribute to and benefit from the region's economic transformation. 

Access to appropriate financial products, services and skills is essential for enabling women to participate fully in the economy, build resilient businesses and contribute to sustainable growth. While important progress has been made across the MENA region, women continue to face barriers in accessing credit, investment opportunities and other financial resources needed to start, grow and sustain economic activities.

Bringing together representatives from governments, development finance institutions and the private sector, this panel will explore how financial systems can better support women's economic participation at scale. Discussions will focus on gender-responsive financial sector reforms, innovative approaches to expanding women's access to finance, the role of digital financial services in reaching underserved populations, and the importance of financial capability in empowering women to make informed financial decisions.

The session will examine how different stakeholders can work together to create more inclusive financial ecosystems that enable women to thrive as workers, entrepreneurs, investors and economic leaders. Participants will share experiences and identify practical solutions to accelerate women's financial inclusion and economic empowerment across the region.

Financial literacy is a critical enabler of women’s economic empowerment and financial inclusion, supporting women to make informed financial decisions, access appropriate financial products and services, manage risks and participate more fully in economic life. Across the MENA region, women are increasingly recognised as key target audiences of national financial literacy strategies and targeted programmes aimed at strengthening their financial literacy are becoming increasingly common, highlighting the importance of understanding their effectiveness and impact.

Effective monitoring and evaluation are essential to ensure that national financial education strategies and programmes deliver meaningful results. They provide the evidence needed to assess progress towards strategic objectives, identify the most effective interventions, and adapt approaches to maximise impact. The OECD Recommendation on Financial Literacy underlines the importance of monitoring and evaluating national strategies and programmes to advance towards their set goals.

In this session, panelists will share experiences and lessons learned from monitoring and evaluating national strategies, as well as financial literacy and education programmes for women, including initiatives supporting women entrepreneurs. They will highlight approaches that have helped strengthen policy as well as programme design and delivery. This session will also explore how evidence and learning can be used to improve outcomes, inform policy and enhance the contribution of financial literacy to women’s broader economic empowerment.

Building on the previous session’s discussion of monitoring and evaluation, this interactive session will invite participants to join one of four thematic breakout groups to explore practical approaches to advancing women’s financial literacy and strengthening support for women entrepreneurs through education initiatives.

Each group will address one of the following questions, considering what can be adapted, strengthened or scaled in different countries.

1. How to strengthen digital financial literacy of women entrepreneurs in MENA region?

Identifying effective programmes, tools and approaches to strengthen the digital financial literacy of current and aspiring women entrepreneurs, including the knowledge and skills needed to navigate digital financial services safely and effectively.

2. How can financial education initiatives better reach vulnerable women entrepreneurs?

Examining approaches to increase the participation, accessibility and relevance of financial education programmes for women entrepreneurs, including those working in the informal sector, as well as women from underserved or marginalised communities.

3. How can financial education initiatives better support women entrepreneurs in accessing finance to start or expand their businesses?

Exploring how financial education can strengthen women entrepreneurs’ knowledge, skills and confidence to assess financing options, engage with financial services providers and choose appropriate financial products and services to start, sustain and grow their businesses.

4. How can coordination among stakeholders be strengthened to better support women entrepreneurs?

Discussing how stakeholders from government bodies, education providers, private-sector actors and other stakeholders can collaborate more effectively to align initiatives, share knowledge and good practices, address gaps and create more coherent and impactful support for women entrepreneurs