The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has launched the Green Growth and Jobs Accelerator, a major regional initiative designed to support entrepreneurs and small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in advancing sustainable economic growth. Operating from Jordan, the program will also serve businesses in Morocco, Tunisia, and Egypt, with a core mission to facilitate the transition to greener economies and create sustainable jobs, particularly for women and young people.
A Regional Partnership For Sustainability
The accelerator is part of the UNDP’s Youth Empowerment, Engagement and Knowledge Portfolio (ShababEEK) and is funded by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Denmark through the Danish-Arab Partnership Programme (DAPP). To ensure effective implementation and regional reach, the UNDP is partnering with two prominent ecosystem players, the accelerator Flat6Labs and the advisory firm New Silk Roads. This collaboration brings together international support with local and regional expertise to help businesses strengthen their resilience and tap into green markets.
Empowering SMEs Through Digital Learning
A central component of the initiative is a new digital learning platform aimed at empowering SMEs, youth entrepreneurs, and students. The platform offers five specialized courses designed to equip businesses with the tools needed for sustainable development. These courses include “Greening Your Company 101” for adopting greener practices, “Impact Measurement and Management for SMEs” to track social and environmental impact, and “Financing Your Future,” which focuses on investment pathways and engaging with investors. Other modules cover alternative funding methods like grants and crowdfunding, and strategies for “Innovating for Green Growth” by integrating AI and sustainable business models.
Strengthening Economic Resilience
The Green Growth and Jobs Accelerator is strategically designed to help businesses move beyond traditional models and build long-term value. By providing targeted training in green financing, impact management, and sustainable innovation, the program aims to enhance the competitiveness of SMEs in the region. This focus not only helps companies align their operations with environmental and social goals but also prepares them to access new markets and investment opportunities focused on sustainability.
About The Green Growth and Jobs Accelerator
The Green Growth and Jobs Accelerator is a regional initiative by the UNDP, funded by Denmark’s DAPP and implemented in partnership with Flat6Labs and New Silk Roads. The program supports SMEs and entrepreneurs in Jordan, Morocco, Tunisia, and Egypt in their transition towards more sustainable business practices, with a focus on fostering green job creation and enhancing economic resilience across the Arab region.
Source: Zawya
