The Water and Energy for Food (WE4F) Grand Challenge is set to enter a bold new chapter with the virtual launch of WE4F 2.0 MENA on March 24, 2026. This high-level digital event serves as the official kick-off for a revamped initiative designed to scale groundbreaking innovations at the intersection of water, energy, and agriculture. Aimed at entrepreneurs, investors, and policymakers, the launch will unveil new pathways for climate-resilient growth across the Middle East and North Africa.
Event Details
- What: Virtual Launch and “Call for Innovations” Announcement
- When: March 24, 2026, at 1:00 PM (Riyadh Time)
- Where: Online via Zoom
- Focus Areas: Water-Energy-Food Nexus, Sustainability, Startup Scaling, and Climate Resilience
About The Event
WE4F 2.0 MENA is the second iteration of a powerhouse international initiative dedicated to food security and sustainable resource management. Building on the success of WE4F 1.0, the 2.0 program is specifically “designed to scale further,” offering multiple tracks to support innovations at various stages of growth—from those strengthening their foundational operations to mature scale-ups ready for regional expansion. The mission is to support at least 120 high-potential enterprises across the region, focusing on increasing food production through efficient resource usage while boosting income for base-of-the-pyramid populations.
What to Expect
- Call for Innovations: The official opening of the first Call for Innovations, providing funding and support opportunities for startups in Lebanon, Egypt, Jordan, Iraq, Morocco, and Tunisia.
- Success Stories: A retrospective look at the achievements of WE4F 1.0, featuring impact metrics and inspiring stories from past cohorts.
- Strategic Vision: Insights into the goals of WE4F 2.0, including plans for a regional impact investment fund to bridge financing gaps for SMEs.
- Networking: An opportunity to connect with high-level representatives from national governments, international donors, and key ecosystem players.
Key Themes for 2026
- Regional Expansion: Specialized support for companies looking to move beyond local borders and enter new MENA markets.
- Climate Resilience: Prioritizing solutions that promote biodiversity and holistic management of natural resources.
- Financial Inclusion: Bridging the “missing middle” in financing through investment facilitation and technical assistance.
- Gender Integration: A continued focus on empowering women farmers and entrepreneurs within the value chain.
How to Attend
Attendance for the virtual launch is free, but registration is mandatory to receive the Zoom access link. Entrepreneurs and innovators from the MENA region are encouraged to sign up to learn about the specific criteria for the upcoming funding cycle. You can register directly through the official Zoom registration page.
About The Organizers
The WE4F 2.0 MENA hub is led by Berytech, in partnership with Cewas Middle East and Chemonics Egypt Consultants. The initiative is a collaborative global effort funded by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands, the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida), and the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation.
Learn More: WE4F
