The Role of MSMEs in Fostering Inclusive and Equitable Economic Growth in the Context of the Clean Energy Transition in MENA
Overview
This project explores how Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in the MENA region can drive inclusive and equitable economic growth through the clean energy transition. Funded by International Development Research Centre (IDRC)-Canada and implemented by the Economic Research Forum (ERF), Middle East Institute (MEI), and Lebanese Center for Policy Studies (LCPS), the project paves the way to sustainable employment opportunities and promote energy efficiency and equity.
Focusing on 6 countries in the region (namely Jordan, Lebanon, Egypt, Sudan, Morocco & Tunisia), the research assesses existing policy frameworks and impediments to renewable energy adoption and expands the knowledge of sustainable behavior at the enterprise level. It also assesses factors influencing the adoption of green energy and investments in energy efficiency. With this new evidence, the research institutions will inform stakeholders and public debates on clean energy, climate change, and environmental justice, especially as it impacts the employment of women and youth.
Key Highlights
- Primary data (qualitative and quantitative) on key challenges and opportunities facing MSMEs in clean energy domain
- Focus on clean energy transition in MENA region with focus on 6 countries (Egypt, Lebanon, Jordan, Sudan, Tunisia, Morocco)
- Emphasis on inclusivity and gender equality
- Engagement with stakeholders and policymakers
- Thematic research on key intersecting topics (including a) transition in the context of crises, b) renewable energy supply chain, c) potential employment generation, d) gender equality) leading to new insights and comprehensive understanding
Project objectives
- Assessing the impact of the energy transition on job creation and firm performance.
- Examining contributions to energy efficiency, equity, and security.
- Analyzing the potential of MSMEs to drive the transition to renewable energy.
- Identifying barriers to inclusion and developing country-specific policy implications.
Key stakeholders and target audience
Policymakers, development practitioners, private sector, research community, MSME owners, gender experts, energy sector stakeholders, and the general public interested in sustainable development and clean energy.
ERF acknowledges the financial support of the International Development Research Centre (IDRC) for this project.
Atif Kubursi
Professor, McMaster University
Hala Abou-Ali
Professor of Economics and Chair of the Economics Department, Faculty of Economics and Political Science (FEPS), Cairo University
Racha Ramadan
Professor, Faculty of Economics and Political Sciences, Cairo University
Nada Ali
Lecturer, SOAS School of Law, University of London
Abeer Elshennawy
Professor of Economics, American University in Cairo
Mohammed Bouaddi
Associate Professor of Economics, American University in Cairo
Adeel Malik
Globe Fellow in the Economies of Muslim Societies at the Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies and an Associate Professor in Development Economics at the University of Oxford
Muez Ali
Research and Policy Lead at Earthna, Center for a Sustainable Future at Qatar Foundation
Rasha Hassan
Research Consultant
Alzaki Alhelo
PhD, Tufts University
Adel Ben Youssef
Professor of Economics, University Côte d'Azur
Mayada Hassanain
Researcher, International Economics Development Associates (IDEAS)
Walid Hadhri
Associate Professor (HDR), University of Tunis
Ibrahim Saif
CEO, Jordan Strategy Forum
Ahmad Awad
General Director, Phenix Center for Economic and Informatics Studies
Mounir Dahmani
Associate Professor of Economics, University of Gafsa, Tunisia
Colby Connelly
Director, Economics and Energy Program, Middle East Institute
Michaël Tanchum
Non-Resident Scholar, Middle East Institute
Karen E. Young
Non-resident Senior Fellow and Chair of the Economics and Energy Program Advisory Council, Middle East Institute
Li-Chen Sim
Non-Resident Scholar, Middle East Institute
Makram Ouaiss
Executive Director, Lebanese Center for Policy Studies
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