SI Impact Pioneers MENA 2026 – Fully Funded Leadership Program in Sweden

SI Impact Pioneers MENA Program 2026 in Sweden Fully Funded Leadership Opportunity

Introduction:

The SI Impact Pioneers MENA Program 2026 is a fully funded leadership opportunity for ecosystem builders, innovators, and climate entrepreneurship advocates from the Middle East and North Africa region. Hosted by the Swedish Institute (SI), this practical and collaborative initiative empowers participants with the tools, networks, and insights needed to grow local impact ecosystems and accelerate sustainable ventures. The program combines interactive online learning with an immersive onsite experience in Stockholm, Sweden — all fully supported by SI.

Deadline & Important Dates

The application window for the SI Impact Pioneers MENA 2026 cohort opens on 17 February 2026 and closes on 24 March 2026. Selected participants will be notified by 27 April 2026 following application evaluations.

• Application Opens: 17 February 2026
• Application Closes: 24 March 2026
• Evaluation: 25 March – 24 April 2026
• Admission Announcement: 27 April 2026
• Program Timeline: May – September 2026 (online) + Onsite week in Stockholm in late September – early October 2026.

Prospective applicants are advised to prepare materials early, including a strong motivation statement and organisational profile that aligns with climate entrepreneurship and innovation support.

Benefits: Fully Funded Program Perks

The Impact Pioneers MENA Program is fully funded, creating a rare opportunity for changemakers and ecosystem leaders to expand their knowledge without financial barriers. Key benefits include:

Round‑Trip Flight Tickets

Selected participants receive fully funded round‑trip airfare to Stockholm, Sweden for the onsite week — covering travel to and from their home country.

Accommodation & Meals

While in Sweden for the onsite module, the program covers accommodation and meals, ensuring participants can focus fully on workshops, field visits, and networking without personal costs.

Insurance Coverage

Comprehensive insurance is provided for the duration of the onsite stay, offering peace of mind regarding health, travel, and safety matters.

Expert‑Led Workshops & Masterclasses

The program offers high‑quality workshops and masterclasses led by international experts in entrepreneurship, innovation systems, and climate action. These sessions are designed to build practical skills and strategic frameworks.

Practical Tools & Real Case Studies

Participants will explore real case studies and tools that help tackle challenges in climate entrepreneurship — from ecosystem design to sustainable impact models.

Coaching Support for Change Projects

Personal coaching support helps each participant refine a change project tied to their organisation or ecosystem, turning ideas into actionable plans with measurable outcomes.

Visits to Leading Innovation Hubs

During the Sweden week in Stockholm, participants site‑visit some of the region’s most dynamic innovation hubs to deepen understanding of world‑class ecosystem models and sustainable startup support structures.

Strong Regional & International Network

The program connects professionals from across MENA countries, forming a powerful network with peers and Swedish ecosystem leaders that can lead to collaborations long after the program concludes.

Eligibility: Who Can Apply

The SI Impact Pioneers MENA Program is designed for individuals actively engaged in strengthening climate entrepreneurship ecosystems. Eligible applicants must:

Citizenship & Residency

Be a citizen and resident of one of the seven eligible MENA countries:

• Algeria
• Egypt
• Jordan
• Lebanon
• Morocco
• Palestine
• Tunisia

Professional Role

Work in organisations that play a systematic role in supporting entrepreneurship or innovation ecosystems, particularly in areas such as:

Climate solution startups

Green technology and sustainability

Innovation hubs, accelerators & incubators

University entrepreneurship and research offices

Public sector climate entrepreneurship initiatives

Investment or support networks for impact ventures

Decision‑Making Capacity

Applicants should hold strategic or decision‑influencing roles in their organisation, meaning they can implement learnings and lead change processes.

English Proficiency

Good working knowledge of both written and spoken English is required, as all workshops, coaching sessions, and networking interactions are in English.

Participation & Contribution

Participants must be willing to actively participate across the online and onsite components, share insights with peers, and develop their own organisational change project.

Program Structure: Online & Onsite Blend

The Impact Pioneers MENA Program spans roughly 12 weeks. The first phase runs online from May to July 2026, combining interactive workshops, peer learning, masterclasses, and strategy development. Participants then work on individual change projects with coaching support before heading to Stockholm for an immersive on‑site week in September 2026. The Sweden week deepens connections and provides hands‑on exposure to Swedish innovation ecosystems.

During this on‑site module, participants engage in practical workshops, field visits, networking sessions with ecosystem experts, and collaborative learning that directly benefits their climate innovation initiatives.

Why Apply?

In an era defined by climate challenges and innovation opportunities, the Impact Pioneers MENA Program helps leaders transform ideas into scalable solutions. Participants gain a global perspective, build strategic capacity, and return home ready to strengthen their local ecosystems with new tools, networks, and confidence to catalyse lasting change.

Conclusion

The SI Impact Pioneers MENA Program 2026 represents a groundbreaking, fully funded leadership experience that equips current and emerging leaders with the resources and connections to influence climate entrepreneurship across the MENA region. With applications closing on 24 March 2026, aspiring changemakers should prepare strong submissions and take full advantage of this world‑class opportunity.