Why entrepreneurship education is vital for the region

Experiential learning journeys, collaborations at a university level and even the private sector, all have a role in educating the next generation of entrepreneurs

- Sonia Ben Jaafar

Entrepreneurship has long been considered an asset to the economy and a popular career choice for the flexibility and freedom it affords. In the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, three-quarters of the population regard entrepreneurship as a good career choice. That is the highest global average according to the Global Entrepreneurship Research Association at the London Business School.

The hope that entrepreneurship holds for young adults across the MENA region sits in direct contrast to the Arab youth unemployment rate of almost 23 per cent – especially when the global rate sits much lower at 13.7 per cent. The promise of self-reliance is important to students in the region who are willing to work harder and longer if that means elevating their wellbeing and sense of security.

Countries like the UAE are clear examples of this phenomenon – it ranks first among MENA countries offering entrepreneurial opportunities and sits amongst the top economies supporting entrepreneurs globally.

SUPPLY AND DEMAND – THEN WHAT?

While the landscape is ripe for budding entrepreneurs with ideas they want to take to the next level, they need supportive entrepreneurship education. The ecosystem needs to cultivate entrepreneurship, or we risk the hard work of youth being subject to either luck or advantageous social capital. In both cases, we can and should do better. Both as a community preparing youth to grow into contributing citizens and residents of the MENA region; and as incubators of great minds that will develop and deliver sustainable solutions.