UNDP launches project for
women economic empowerment

In collaboration with Ministry of Economy and Trade

and backed by Canadian government

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), in collaboration with the Ministry of Economy and Trade (MoET) and backed by the Government of Canada, has launched the Women’s Economic Empowerment through Advancing Women-Led Enterprises in Lebanon (WEE) project.

This initiative, spanning three and a half years, aims to strengthen the economic security and sustainability of women-led micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in Lebanon, and contributing to the country’s broader economic recovery and growth.

The launch event, held at Souk el Tayeb in Mar Mikhael, was attended by key stakeholders, including Lebanon’s Minister of Economy and Trade, Dr. Amir Bisat, Canada’s Ambassador to Lebanon, Stefanie McCollum, and UNDP Resident Representative, Blerta Aliko. Representatives from the public and private sectors also participated in the event, which provided a platform for 45 women-led MSMEs from the agro-food, cosmetics, and creative industries to showcase their products. These businesses, recipients of UNDP grants, will benefit from financial and technical support to expand production and improve market access.

With technical collaboration from the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), the WEE project aims to support over 1,000 enterprises, prioritizing female entrepreneurs. The initiative comes at a critical time, as Lebanon faces ongoing economic challenges, including inflation, high unemployment, and a struggling business environment exacerbated by recent conflicts. MSMEs, which account for over 50 percent of the labor force and contribute approximately 40 percent of Lebanon’s economic output, have been hit hard, with women-led businesses disproportionately affected. A UNDP digital survey indicated that 18 percent of female business owners reported severe or complete damage to their premises due to recent hostilities, compared to 15 percent of male-owned enterprises.

“The partnership with UNDP and the Government of Canada is essential for the Ministry at this critical time, as we aim to equip small businesses led by women entrepreneurs with the tools and resources they need to grow and thrive,” stated Minister Bisat. “The establishment of the national trade help desk marks a significant milestone in improving access to local and international markets.”

Canadian Ambassador Stefanie McCollum said: “Lebanese women entrepreneurs have long been at the heart of resilience, creativity, and economic vitality. This project is about more than just economic growth—it is about hope, resilience, and the promise of a better future.”

To ensure sustainable growth, the WEE project focuses on three main pillars:

Streamlining the Business Environment: The project will automate Lebanon’s industrial license process and establish a Trade Help Desk to assist MSMEs in expanding their export capabilities.

Access to Financial Instruments: The initiative will provide MSMEs with diverse financing options to support business growth, addressing the severe liquidity crisis that has hindered expansion.

Technical Assistance: Businesses supported under the program will receive technical training to improve product quality and enhance market access, facilitated by lead partner UNIDO.

Aliko stated the project’s objectives: “By providing women-led businesses with financial and technical support, we aim to enhance their stability, drive job creation, and contribute to Lebanon’s economic recovery. Productive small businesses do not only support employment but also play a crucial role in national economic growth.”