Impact Pioneers ’26 MENA The Swedish Institute (SI) is now accepting applications for the Impact Pioneers ’26 MENA program, a unique leadership initiative designed for ecosystem leaders driving entrepreneurship and innovation across the Middle East and North Africa. This program connects participants with experts from Sweden’s top entrepreneurship environments and provides tools, frameworks, and networking opportunities to strengthen local ecosystems. Applications are open to citizens of Algeria, Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, Morocco, Palestine, and Tunisia. Interested participants can apply until 24 March 2026. About the Program Impact Pioneers is a global platform for ecosystem leaders seeking to strengthen entrepreneurship and innovation at the local and regional levels. Participants explore practical solutions for global challenges, such as climate change, while connecting with peers and experts. The program includes: 12 weeks online of interactive workshops, peer learning, and coaching. 1 immersive on-site week in Stockholm, Sweden, offering hands-on workshops, field visits to top innovation hubs, and exposure to Sweden’s vibrant entrepreneurship ecosystem. Participants gain first-hand insights from Sweden’s most successful entrepreneurship and innovation environments, learn practical tools and frameworks, and strengthen collaboration with regional and international leaders. Program Benefits Impact Pioneers ’26 MENA provides participants with: A strong regional network of up to 80 leaders and experts from seven countries, enabling collaboration and knowledge exchange. Practical skills and insights in climate entrepreneurship and innovation, including case studies, tools, and frameworks. First-hand experience of Sweden’s leading impact entrepreneurship ecosystem. Opportunities for long-term collaboration with Swedish entrepreneurs, organizations, and foreign missions. Participation is free of charge, with all program costs covered by the Swedish Institute, including flights, accommodation, meals, insurance, and training materials. Who Can Apply? The program targets entrepreneurship ecosystem leaders and practitioners who work in organizations or networks supporting climate entrepreneurship and innovation. Applicants should hold strategic, decision-influencing, or system-shaping roles within their organizations. Eligible participants include: Founders and managers of startup hubs, accelerators, or incubators. Leaders of technology and innovation hubs. Representatives of business support organizations and networks. University ecosystem leaders bridging research and entrepreneurship (innovation offices, research centers, commercialization units). Investors actively supporting climate entrepreneurship and innovation. Public sector professionals advancing climate entrepreneurship at national, regional, or municipal levels. Applicants must: Be a citizen and resident of Algeria, Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, Morocco, Palestine, or Tunisia. Work in an organization that nurtures climate entrepreneurship and innovation. Have good English proficiency (written and spoken). Be willing to actively participate and share knowledge. Have identified opportunities or challenges to work on during the program. Climate entrepreneurship is defined as the creation and development of business solutions addressing climate change by reducing emissions, enhancing climate resilience, or enabling a sustainable low-carbon economy. Program Timeline Online Workshops, Peer Learning, and Master Classes (May – July 2026): Practical online workshops and master classes led by experienced practitioners. Exchange of insights and tools to strengthen participants’ organizations and local ecosystems. Change Project: Participants identify a challenge or opportunity within their organization or ecosystem. Develop and implement a change project to apply learning in a real-world context. Goal: create measurable impact and long-term improvements in climate entrepreneurship initiatives. Sweden On-Site Week (26 September – 2 October 2026): Immersive, interactive experiences in Stockholm for participants completing prior program components. Hands-on workshops, field visits, and exposure to Sweden’s innovation hubs. Deepen professional connections with peers and entrepreneurship experts. Participants should expect to dedicate 3–4 hours per week for the online component. How to Apply Application Period: 17 February – 24 March 2026Evaluation: 25 March – 24 April 2026Admission Notification: 27 April 2026 Applications are submitted through the official Swedish Institute application portal. Selected participants will be guided through pre-program preparations and assigned coaching support. For questions, contact the Programme Manager:Maria Henoch – impactpioneers@si.se Why Apply? Impact Pioneers ’26 MENA offers a rare leadership opportunity to: Strengthen local and regional ecosystems of entrepreneurship. Gain practical skills and insights to foster climate-focused innovation. Build a sustainable professional network with peers, Swedish organizations, and ecosystem leaders. Develop and implement a change project that contributes measurable impact to local entrepreneurship systems. Participation equips emerging leaders with the skills, knowledge, and networks needed to scale innovative solutions that address climate change and other pressing challenges in the MENA region. LEARN MORE & APPLY HERE For more opportunities such as these please follow us on Facebook, Instagram , WhatsApp, Twitter, LinkedIn and Telegram Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the organization that is offering this fellowship. For any inquiries, please contact the official organization directly. Please do not send your applications to GSO, as we are unable to process them. 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