More than 450 women from 12 Arab and African countries are taking part in the inaugural Arab Women's Forum for Entrepreneurship and Innovation, held as part of the 5th Arab Innovation and Investment Forum (Innovest Arab Forum 2026) in Cairo, organizers said.
The forum brings together government officials, policymakers, industry leaders, financiers and entrepreneurship experts to discuss ways to strengthen women's economic empowerment and expand their role in shaping sustainable economic growth across the Arab world.
Participants include women entrepreneurs and professionals from Egypt, Libya, Jordan, Oman and several other Arab and African countries, with organizers aiming to expand participation to 21 countries in future editions.
The event marks a major expansion of the Arab Innovation and Investment Forum, introducing a dedicated platform focused on supporting women entrepreneurs and promoting innovation-led economic development.
A key highlight of this year's edition is the launch of the "Innovest Competition" , an entrepreneurship contest designed to identify and support innovative business ideas led by women and young entrepreneurs across the Arab and African regions.
The competition will begin in Cairo before expanding to participating Arab and African countries, with activities running through the end of September. Finalists will advance to a selection stage ahead of the announcement of winners during the forum's closing session in December.
Organizers said winners will receive financial awards as well as training opportunities aimed at helping entrepreneurs develop promising business ideas into sustainable ventures. They noted that last year's top prize in the competition was awarded to a Libyan woman entrepreneur.
The forum reflects growing regional efforts to promote women's participation in entrepreneurship, innovation and investment as governments seek to boost inclusive economic growth and create new opportunities for women-led businesses.
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