The Third Edition of the Social Innovation Lab 2026 – Blue Economy Track Officially Launched in Aden

The third edition of the Social Innovation Lab 2026 – Blue Economy Track was officially launched on Wednesday in Aden. The initiative is implemented by ROWAD Foundation in partnership with DeepRoot Consulting, with funding from the European Union in Yemen and HSA Group, to foster social innovation and promote sustainable development opportunities across Yemen.

During the opening ceremony, H.E. Mr. Mohsen Haidara Al-Amri, Minister of Transport, highlighted the importance of the Lab in advancing the government's vision for developing the blue economy as a promising pathway toward sustainable economic growth. He also praised the strong collaboration between the public and private sectors and international partners.

The event brought together distinguished guests, including Mr. Rashad Hayel Saeed, Vice Chairman of HSA Group, and H.E. Gabriel Munuera Viñals, Ambassador of the European Union to Yemen. Both emphasized that investing in youth capacities is a cornerstone of economic recovery through the Wuthba Programme.

For his part, Mr. Mufeed Al-Shaibani, Executive Director of Rowad Foundation, explained that the third edition of the Lab provides an enabling environment for innovative ideas and offers young entrepreneurs the opportunity to develop practical solutions to Yemen's economic and development challenges.

This year's edition brings together 84 participants forming 26 teams from six governorates across Yemen. The teams will compete by developing innovative solutions that leverage the country's rich marine, fisheries, and coastal tourism resources.

The launch also featured an exhibition of the participating projects, where attendees explored innovative ideas reflecting the participants' commitment to addressing sustainable development challenges through creative and practical solutions.

The event was attended by government officials, business leaders, representatives of international organizations, and civil society partners, marking the beginning of an intensive phase to further develop these innovations and transform them into impactful, real-world solutions.

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