Building a Social Entrepreneurship Ecosystem in War-Torn Countries: The Case for Innovation in the MENA region

Catalyst 2030: Igniting Systems Change

8 min readNov 25, 2024

By: Saoussen Ben Cheikh, Founder of MENA-can

Why support social entrepreneurship in conflict zones?

In a world increasingly marked by violent conflicts, the MENA region is among the most affected. Today, there are over 50 active conflicts globally — the highest number since World War II — disproportionately impacting countries like Yemen, Sudan, Syria, Libya, and lately Gaza and Lebanon. These nations are grappling with insecurity, collapsed economies, weakened institutions, and fractured communities. The toll is severe, with widespread poverty, social fragmentation, and economic stagnation. This is particularly concerning for the MENA region, where the majority of the population is young, with a largely untapped female workforce.

In a region plagued by continuous and escalating crises, where conflicts have become protracted with no end in sight, the need to shift from emergency response to long-term development has never been more critical.

Social entrepreneurship can provide a more agile and localised response to these ever-evolving challenges, empowering communities to build resilience, fostering economic growth, and driving social change.

Through my decade of experience leading development projects in the MENA region, I have had the privilege of engaging with over 100 aspiring entrepreneurs from countries including Syria, Yemen, and Libya. Individuals in these countries often turn to self-employment as a survival strategy amid collapsing labour markets and limited professional opportunities. Their resilience, resourcefulness, and unwavering determination to break the cycle of violence and rebuild their future have been nothing short of inspiring.

Yet, it is crucial to understand that their journeys are shaped by more than just personal drive. The impact of neoliberal policies, which have dominated economic development frameworks, looms large. These policies often exacerbate economic inequality and restrict access to traditional employment, leaving social entrepreneurship as one of the few viable pathways available. In this context, social entrepreneurship has evolved into a powerful tool — not only for economic empowerment but also as a means of pushing back against systemic oppression and fostering community cohesion. The entrepreneurs I have engaged with demonstrate that, with the right support, even in the most challenging environments, it is possible to drive transformative change. Their stories are a testament to the power of local ingenuity and the potential for grassroots efforts to reshape societies from the ground up.

This conviction to drive positive change in the MENA region led to the founding of MENA-can, an organisation dedicated to empowering changemakers through capacity building and project incubation. MENA-can’s mission is to cultivate a new generation of social entrepreneurs capable of creating sustainable impact, even in times of crisis.

The critical challenges in conflict-affected regions

Entrepreneurship is already difficult in normal circumstances — finding the right business model, marketing effectively, and managing resources can be daunting for any entrepreneur, let alone in contexts where everything is fraught with additional obstacles.

War-torn countries face a unique and complex set of barriers that make entrepreneurship especially difficult. Key factors impacting entrepreneurship in these regions include:

Fig 1. The critical challenges in conflict-affected regions

Social entrepreneurs filling the void

Across the region, social enterprise programmes have consistently drawn hundreds of eager applicants, reflecting a strong desire for social entrepreneurship. Because often people have the ideas, the drive, and the resilience to break the cycle of violence and create a better future. They only need the right support, funding, and opportunities to bring their visions to reality.

In Yemen, for instance, social entrepreneurs are developing solutions in renewable energy, healthcare, and education. In Syria, young innovators are tackling water scarcity, healthcare needs, and vocational training. These efforts showcase that creativity and resilience can thrive even in the harshest conditions. Recognising the power of social entrepreneurship to solve pressing social and environmental challenges, international donors, NGOs, and development agencies are increasingly backing initiatives that foster a supportive ecosystem for local innovators.

Fig 2. Wided’s social initiative aims to transform every garden into a vegetable garden

Times of crisis open doors for transformative change especially for women

Times of instability can also be the greatest opportunities for change. As a woman from the region, I have witnessed firsthand how challenging times can break down social barriers and open doors for women’s participation. Many leaders driving social change in conflict zones are women who are at the forefront, finding innovative solutions to critical issues like education, unemployment, and access to healthcare.

Nowhere is this more evident than in Yemen, a country that has faced relentless conflict and humanitarian crises. Yet, amid the chaos, Yemeni women have emerged as powerful agents of change.

One striking example is Media SAC, an organization led by Arena Omar in the province of Hadramout that advocates and empowers women in media and civil society. Arena and her team work tirelessly to amplify women’s voices and ensure that their stories and perspectives are heard, especially in marginalized communities.

In the province of Mahra, Samira Salem has made a significant impact through her community radio initiative, radio tawasol. Her station provides a platform for sharing vital information and empowering local communities, particularly women, with knowledge and resources. By addressing topics like health, education, and economic opportunities, Samira’s work fosters a more informed and resilient society.

In Sana’a, Samia has launched an inspiring project called “Baladi Men Baladi,” which focuses on providing organic seeds to women to plant fruits and vegetables to ensure food security and self-sufficiency. Her initiative not only provides families with access to fresh, nutritious food but also creates economic opportunities for women by training them in sustainable agricultural practices.

These examples highlight the incredible resilience, creativity, and leadership of Yemeni women. Through their social enterprises, they are not only breaking down societal barriers but also rebuilding their communities from the ground up, proving that even in the most challenging circumstances, transformative change is possible.

Fig 3. Basma using art to educate children about sustainable development

Building a thriving social entrepreneurship ecosystem

In war-torn countries, creativity and innovation are not lacking, but the ecosystem often lacks enablers — such as access to finance, mentorship, and a supportive network. To create a robust social entrepreneurship ecosystem in conflict zones, substantial investment in both financial and human resources are essential.

An Innovation and Impact Fund dedicated to fragile states could provide technical and financial support to entrepreneurs in regions like Yemen, Syria, and Sudan. This fund would focus on pre-seed and early-stage acceleration, ensuring social entrepreneurs have the resources to turn their ideas into sustainable ventures. As these ventures mature, additional rounds of investment can support further growth and expansion.

Empowering youth and preparing them for the 21st century is a crucial component of this ecosystem. By equipping young people with the skills and knowledge needed to navigate a rapidly changing world, we can harness their potential to drive social and economic progress. Training programs in digital literacy, leadership, and sustainable practices will ensure that the next generation of entrepreneurs is ready to meet global challenges head-on.

For investors aiming to support social entrepreneurship in conflict zones, a nuanced and deep understanding of the context and the unique challenges these environments present is important. Startups in these areas require time to build infrastructure, establish markets, and stabilise their operations. While some of these ventures may eventually generate substantial financial returns, the primary focus should be on social impact — stimulating economic development, supporting peacebuilding, and contributing to post-conflict reconstruction. Such investments require long-term commitment that balances financial gains with broader societal benefits.

Key areas for ecosystem development

Changing perceptions of social entrepreneurship is crucial. Shifting from the view of communities as passive recipients of aid to active partners in development can create a more supportive environment for social innovators. Raising awareness and celebrating success stories can help normalise social entrepreneurship in regions traditionally reliant on humanitarian aid.

Here are the four key areas essential to building a robust ecosystem for social entrepreneurship.

Fig 4. Key areas for ecosystem development

Harnessing the power of the diaspora

The diaspora has a pivotal role to play in supporting social entrepreneurship in war-torn countries. Yemeni, Syrian, and Sudanese communities are deeply invested in the futures of their homelands, collectively sending billions of dollars in remittances every year. However, there is currently no streamlined, trusted channel to connect the diaspora with local entrepreneurial opportunities. Establishing a structured framework for diaspora involvement — through investment funds, mentorship programmes, and partnerships — could unlock significant potential for local development and expand these social enterprises.

A well-structured fund could appeal to diaspora members interested in contributing to their home countries beyond humanitarian aid, by helping to build a sustainable economic ecosystem. This involvement would not only inject capital into local economies but also bring valuable expertise and connections, amplifying the impact of social ventures.

The power of technology and innovation

Technology and innovation hold transformative power in conflict zones, where entrepreneurs can use tech solutions to bypass infrastructure limitations, connect with underserved populations, and address critical problems. In Yemen, for instance, tech-driven social enterprises could develop platforms for telemedicine, mobile banking, and e-learning — providing essential services and creating jobs for tech-savvy youth.

Innovation hubs and incubators in relatively stable regions can serve as safe spaces for testing ideas, building capacity, and fostering collaboration. These hubs can nurture a culture of innovation, encouraging a new generation of entrepreneurs to create scalable solutions that are adaptable both locally and globally.

A call for collaboration and action

The MENA region, with its rich cultural history and resilient communities, has the potential to become a hub of social innovation even amid conflict. Now is the time for governments, donors, investors, and civil society to unite in support of the next generation of changemakers.

Investing in social entrepreneurship in conflict zones extends beyond economic growth — it is about rebuilding lives, restoring dignity, and creating sustainable futures for communities in crisis. The stakes have never been higher, and the potential impact has never been greater. A well-supported ecosystem of social entrepreneurs can be the key to a stable, prosperous, and peaceful MENA region, proving that even in the darkest of times, innovation and hope can light the way forward. Let us seize this opportunity to turn adversity into progress, building a future where resilience, creativity, and collaboration lead the way.

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