Middle East & North Africa
Middle East & North Africa
Creating Alliances & Partnerships in the Middle East & North Africa
We partner with governments, universities and innovation ecosystems across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) to advance entrepreneurship, institutional capacity and inclusive economic growth. In a region where youth unemployment, economic diversification and institutional reform are key priorities, entrepreneurial higher education plays a pivotal role in shaping resilient futures.
Our Approach
- Embedded in higher education reform: We work with universities to embed entrepreneurial leadership, innovation and enterprise cultures—supporting institutions as they evolve in changing economic and policy environments.
- Partnerships with purpose: Our collaborations are designed to connect academia, industry and government—building bridges across sectors and regions to generate new pathways for students, graduates, and staff.
- Inclusive growth: Supporting women’s leadership, regional development and under-represented groups is integral to our work in MENA, as we believe inclusive innovation drives sustainable impact.
Recent Highlights: Tunisia & Beyond
- In Tunisia we supported the joint UK-Tunisia Higher Education Commission, contributing to the promotion of entrepreneurship and innovation through staff enterprise training and resource provision.
- In Oman we delivered a bespoke Entrepreneurial Leaders Programme, tailored to join business and education sectors to foster innovation mindsets and enterprise behaviours in students.
- Across the Gulf and North Africa we engage with universities to share best practice, facilitate peer learning and establish networks of entrepreneurial universities committed to transformation.
Why MENA Matters
The MENA region presents dynamic opportunities: significant youth cohorts, government investment in innovation, and rising demand for higher education institutions to become engines of economic and social change. With the right frameworks, universities can become centres of entrepreneurial activity and regional development.
If your institution, government agency or innovation ecosystem is looking to embed entrepreneurial leadership, explore international networks or drive inclusive innovation, we invite you to connect with us. Visit our Global Alliance of Entrepreneurial Universities page or contact us at enquiries@ncee.org.uk to start a conversation.
News and updates
Leading Change, Culture and People in Higher Education
It does not need saying, but there’s a lot of change. Universities are responding to shifting funding models, regulatory complexity, evolving student expectations, technological developments, and expanding civic and economic roles – often all at once.
Universities in Africa as Launchpads for Entrepreneurial Ventures
Across Africa, a powerful transformation is underway. With nearly 70% of Sub-Saharan Africans under 30 and more than 10 million young people entering the labour market each year, the continent stands at the centre of one of the most significant demographic moments in global history.
UK–Tunisia higher education partnerships
New Report Highlights Opportunities for UK–Tunisia Collaboration in Entrepreneurship and Innovation.
A new report from NCEE commissioned by the British Council, sets out a bold framework for strengthening higher education collaboration between the UK and Tunisia in entrepreneurship, innovation, and skills development.
University of Manouba, Tunisia, becomes first African institution to receive NCEE Entrepreneurial University Award
Manouba University in Tunisia becomes the first institution in Africa to receive the prestigious Entrepreneurial University Award.
Global Alliance of Entrepreneurial Universities welcomes first 22 members
NCEE launches the Global Alliance of Entrepreneurial Universities, welcoming 22 member institutions representing Africa, Asia, Europe and the Middle East.