Green Growth and Jobs Accelerator

The Green Growth and Jobs Accelerator Project aims to empower small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to grow and create green jobs for youth across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. As part of the Danish-Arab Partnership Programme (DAPP), this project, initiated in 2022, works towards sustainable business development by supporting SMEs in transitioning to greener operations and creating employment opportunities for young people. Implemented across Morocco, Tunisia, Egypt, and Jordan, the Accelerator leverages the UNDP's SDG Accelerator methodology to deliver targeted business development consulting, improve sustainable practices, and foster innovation in the private sector. It is also part of a broader framework of UNDP SHABABEEK – Youth Empowerment, Engagement and Knowledge Project.   

What we do / Impact 

The project is structured to enhance the capacities of small and medium-sized enterprises by guiding them in developing green growth business plans, increasing access to finance, and facilitating digital learning on sustainable practices. The project aims to directly create 4,000 new green jobs, with a focus on youth and gender inclusion, and is projected to generate 10,000 indirect jobs along supply chains. Through collaboration with local management consulting firms and the establishment of the Green Growth Community for alumni, the Accelerator supports the development of green products, sustainable business governance, and digital transformation. By 2027, it aims to have supported 800 SMEs, fostering a resilient and green economic future across the region. 

 

Our Team  

The Green Growth and Jobs Accelerator is implemented by a dedicated team from the UNDP Nordic Representation Office (NRO) and the UNDP Regional Programme for Arab States (RBAS). Working closely with local UNDP Country Offices in Morocco, Tunisia, Egypt, and Jordan, the team brings expertise in sustainable development, private sector growth, and youth employment, ensuring the project meets its objectives across all DAPP partner countries. 

Nicoletta Ghisu, Youth Economic Empowerment Specialist 

Partners  

The Green Growth and Jobs Accelerator Project is part of the Danish-Arab Partnership Programme (DAPP), funded by the Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Key partners include the Danish Investment Fund for Developing Countries (IFU) under DAPP’s Youth Employment Programme, along with collaboration from local UNDP Country Offices in Morocco, Tunisia, Egypt, and Jordan. Additionally, the project engages with Danish business associations, including the Confederation of Danish Industries (DI), SME Denmark, and the Danish Chamber of Commerce (Dansk Erhverv).