Category: Women / Girls

SAUDI’s 21-yr boxer Yara Al-Amri’s life changed after history-making Asian bronze medal win at ‘2025 Asian Elite Championships’ in Bangkok

Ten months after her win in Bangkok, the 21-year-old tells Arab News about the sport, balancing studies and training, and the development of women’s boxing in the Kingdom.

The end of 2024 will always hold special memories for Yara Al-Amri. In December last year the young boxer made history by becoming the first Saudi woman to win an Asian medal in boxing — a new milestone for the Kingdom’s fast-growing women’s sports scene.

The 21-year-old fighter earned a bronze medal at the Asian Elite Championships in Bangkok, competing in the 52-kilogram category in her first international appearance.

She told Arab News: “It was my first international appearance, which was the toughest part — competing outside my country without my home crowd and coaches.”

The win was historic not only for Al-Amri, but for Saudi sport. “This changed my life, as I wrote history for Saudi Arabia by winning the first Asian medal in women’s boxing,” she said. “It doesn’t mean we don’t have champions, but the sport is still new in our country. Despite starting later than many nations, we quickly reached their level and proved we can compete and succeed.”

Based in Riyadh, Al-Amri trains under Ali Al-Ahmari at Al-Shabab Club. Standing 174 cm tall, the right-handed orthodox fighter has built a record of 27 fights, with 23 wins and four losses, and holds seven Saudi national titles.

Her path into boxing began unexpectedly. “I first started boxing as a fitness exercise, but soon felt I truly belonged in the sport,” she said. “I’ve always loved challenge and competition, and boxing gave me exactly that. In the ring, it’s just me, my mind, and my hands. Boxing completely changed my lifestyle, making me more disciplined and committed.”

Al-Amri describes the sport as a test of focus as much as strength. “You have to be patient, strategic, and intelligent. Every movement matters.”

Outside the ring, Al-Amri is pursuing a university degree, juggling training sessions and academic deadlines.

“As a university student, my days are always a challenge,” she said. “I train twice a day — morning and evening — while balancing my classes, studies, and daily tasks. My schedule is packed, but I make sure to manage both my academic and athletic commitments.”

Her discipline extends beyond boxing. Earlier this year, she completed the Riyadh Half Marathon, describing the 21-kilometer run as “pure challenge and joy.”

After nearly 30 fights, Al-Amri has learned to embrace both victory and loss. “The biggest lesson I learned from a loss is never leaving the result to the judges,” she said. “The fight must be clear — you have to showcase your skills so strongly that there’s no doubt.

“Injuries and defeats also taught me resilience,” she added. “I always say: ‘What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger.’ Before a fight, I’ve learned to control nerves and pressure. It’s natural to feel it, but once I step into the ring, everything switches off — I focus only on my opponent.”

Al-Amri credits her success to the support around her. “My family has been my first and strongest supporters, from the beginning until today. Their belief in me gave me strength,” she said.

She also praised the institutions enabling women’s boxing to grow. “I deeply value the support of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia — from our wise leadership to the ministry of sports, the Olympic Committee, the Saudi Boxing Federation, clubs, coaches, and the people. This collective support has been a huge force behind my journey.”

That system, she said, has helped turn a once niche pursuit into a recognized sport for Saudi women.

“My goal is to achieve as many titles as possible — national, regional, continental, and international,” Al-Amri said. “With God’s will, these achievements will come.”

She believes the next generation of Saudi women boxers will go even further. “Women’s boxing in Saudi Arabia has developed tremendously,” she said. “Clubs and coaches are now available across the country, teams are formed, and the determination of Saudi women is stronger than ever. We are capable of competing, representing, and making the sport grow even bigger.”

In only two years, Al-Amri has collected nine gold medals, seven national titles and two bronzes, combining athletic performance with academic success and public recognition.

Her rapid rise mirrors Saudi Arabia’s broader transformation under Vision 2030, which continues to expand opportunities for women in professional sports, from football and judo to boxing and beyond.

Al-Amri said her journey shows what happens when opportunity meets belief. “Boxing gave me strength and purpose,” she said. “It made me realize that nothing is impossible when you work hard, stay disciplined, and believe in yourself.”

As she continues to train for upcoming championships and sets her sights on future world competitions, Al-Amri’s mission is simple: to raise Saudi Arabia’s flag on the global stage.

From her first punch in a Riyadh gym to her medal podium in Bangkok, Yara Al-Amri’s story is one of faith, perseverance, and proof that Saudi women are not just entering the ring, they are redefining it.

source/content: arabnews.com (headline edited)

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Yara Al-Amri salutes the crowd after her victory, becoming the first Saudi woman boxer to claim an Asian medal. (SUPPLIED)

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SAUDI ARABIA

TUNISIA : IDRC-supported Tunisian scientist Emna Harigua wins top award for AI innovation in health

Tunisian scientist Emna Harigua receives national recognition for her AI-powered drug discovery platform.

Tunisian researcher Emna Harigua has been honoured with Tunisia’s 2025 Best Female Scientific Achievement Prize for her innovative drug discovery work powered by artificial intelligence (AI).

In recognition of women’s essential contributions to science and innovation, Harigua, who holds a doctorate in biomathematics, bioinformatics and computational biology, was awarded the prestigious prize by Tunisia’s Ministry of Family, Women, Children and Seniors as part of the celebrations for the country’s National Women’s Day, observed on August 13. Her achievements include leading research in AI-powered drug discovery through a national node in the Global South AI for Pandemic and Epidemic Preparedness and Response Network, a global initiative supported by IDRC and the United Kingdom’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office. 

Harigua, a scientist at the Institut Pasteur de Tunis, Tunisia, and principal investigator of the BIND project (Bioinformatics and Artificial Intelligence for Infectious Diseases), is leading an AI-powered platform that accelerates research against some of the world’s most persistent infectious agents that pose health risks. 

Her research targets neglected tropical diseases such as leishmaniasis and malaria, combining bioinformatics, AI and experimental validation to shorten the drug discovery timeline and reduce costs. The BIND project has already identified nine novel anti-Leishmania drug candidates, with three now in pre-clinical validation. In addition, the team launched CidalsDB, an open-access AI platform for drug identification, marking a step forward in global efforts toward open science and collaborative health research.   

“This award is not just a personal milestone — it’s a recognition of the potential of African-led science to tackle global health challenges,” said Harigua. 

Beyond her lab, Harigua is a strong advocate for building Africa’s capacity in computer-aided drug discovery and ensuring that cutting-edge technologies serve the health needs of African communities. Her work — presented recently at the International Science Council during a workshop held in Nairobi, Kenya, on the impact of emerging technologies on science systems — underscores a vision where innovation, collaboration and inclusion drive the future of medical research. 

source/contents; idrc.crdi.ca (Intl Develop Research Centre, Canada) – (headline edited)

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Fourat Thamine, Institut Pasteur Tunisia./

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TUNISIA

COMOROS : Inspiring Women in Ocean Science: Andilyat Mohamed

Dr. Andilyat Mohamed is a dedicated Comorian scientist who has been actively engaged in plant ecology, specifically in phytogeography, since 2007, accumulating 16 years of experience in Comorian plant formations. She expanded her focus to marine and coastal ecosystems in 2012, concentrating on mangrove algae and seagrass. As a university professor, she delivers lectures and practical work in applied plant ecology and general botany, using special mangrove field trips to demonstrate the theory and practice of different types and their roles to students at the Faculty of Science.

In 2010, Dr. Mohamed established the National Herbarium at the University of the Comoros, where 98% of the staff are women. She also initiated the Comoros mangrove house in partnership with a local village women’s association called “JEUNE FILLE DE DOMOIBOINI .” As the national focal point for the Comoros in the WIOMN network on mangroves in WIOMSA, she authored the first publication of the 23 localities hosting mangroves on the island of Ngazidja as part of her doctoral thesis.

Currently, Andilyat is concentrating on the restoration and assessment of blue carbon in the mangroves of the Comoros, searching for a specific algorithm corresponding to the particular characteristics of amphibious Comorian ecosystems dominated by a recent lava flow substrate as part of her Habilitation to Supervise Research (HDR).

Tell us, what led you to pursue a career in marine/ocean science?

What pushed me to pursue a marine career was the fact that I read the bibliography of an official document printed in 2002 that said there were 5 mangrove sites on the island of Ngazidja. However, when I supervised a master’s student in 2012, we worked on 7 sites, and I knew that there were others. In 2016, I used remote sensing to find out for the first time that the island has mangroves in 23 localities and that the ecosystems had been reduced and divided into several sites by lava flows. Since then, I’ve been working closely with the islands’ conservationists.

As a marine/ocean professional, what critical lessons have you learned? Share your insights and experience with others who aspire to become experts in this field.

Mangroves are more capricious than humans, they are mute but shout loudly in the silence by releasing CO2 when under anthropic pressure or by trapping carbon when conserving and protecting the site.

In celebration of International Women’s Day theme “Invest in Women, accelerate progress”, what progress do you envision for women in the Western Indian Ocean region?

Comorian women are fortunate to be among the few countries where inheritance is matrimonial. This gives them authority and independence in social activities. It is with this vision that I am working with my team to ensure the survival of the mangroves of the Comoros.  I started by joining forces with the Jeune Fille Association.

source/content: wims.wiomsa.org (headline edited)

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COMOROS

SUDAN : Adapt to Advance: Spotlight on Sara Albagir Abdalla Mohammed

Sara Albagir Abdalla Mohammed is many things—a student, a scientist, an ASM Young Ambassador—but, above all, she is unstoppable. Amid ongoing socio-political upheaval and conflict in her home of Sudan, she is determined to advance her own microbiology journey and ensure others can do the same.

“The challenges I’ve faced have ultimately shaped me into a more resilient and adaptable microbiologist,” Albagir Abdalla Mohammed said. “These experiences have strengthened my commitment to making science accessible to those in resource-limited settings and finding innovative ways to promote scientific development, even in the face of adversity.”

Her penchant for tackling scientific challenges predates her academic activities. As a child, Albagir Aballa Mohammed wanted to find treatments for “untreatable” diseases, though it was during her high school biology classes—where she learned about the intricate complexities of the human body—that her interest in health sciences blossomed. She took that interest and ran with it, going on to pursue a degree in medical laboratory sciences at the University of Khartoum.

Albagir Abdalla Mohammed began her college career by diving head-first into disciplines ranging from hematology to clinical chemistry, though medical microbiology and immunology really drew her in. “I became particularly interested in how such tiny beings [i.e., microbes] could have massive impacts on global health systems. This contrast between the micro and the macro fueled my desire to understand how microbiology could contribute to solving some of the world’s most pressing problems,” she shared. Her experience training in laboratories at Ibn Sina Specialized Hospital—one of Sudan’s largest hospitals for liver diseases, including those caused by microbes like hepatitis B virus—solidified her decision to specialize in medical microbiology.

But, as certain as Albagir Abdalla Mohammed was about her chosen educational path, external circumstances have made the road difficult to navigate. The Sudanese December Revolution shut down the education system in Sudan for almost 2 years; the COVID-19 pandemic tacked on another year. Then, in April 2023, as Albagir Abdalla Mohammed neared the end of earning her degree, conflict broke out in her home of Khartoum, Sudan’s capital. The conflict has displaced over 10 million people, with Albagir Abdalla Mohammed—who was forced to relocate to a rural area—among them.

“Over the past year and a half, I’ve faced ongoing disruption, displacement and uncertainty,” she shared. “This was an especially difficult time, as I was so close to completing my education and reaching my long-awaited goal of graduation. My academic journey, originally planned to take 4 years, [has] stretched into over 6 due to these repeated interruptions.” 

Yet, for each obstacle thrown in her path, Albagir Abdalla Mohammed has found ways to continue her scientific development. “I refused to let my educational journey come to a complete halt. I have continued learning, even under challenging conditions with poor internet connectivity in the rural area I’m in,” she said, noting that she has completed various online programs and specializations in public health, epidemiology and data analytics.

What’s striking about Albagir Abdalla Mohammed is that she is not just concerned about her own scientific advancement. She is also invested in the future of countless scientists facing similar circumstances. When universities in war-affected regions of Sudan closed, she watched as her peers lost hope and disengaged from their academic paths. For Albagir Abdalla Mohammed, this was a call to action. “I was determined to keep microbiology alive in Sudan, even amid these challenges.”

Fueled by this determination, she founded MicroGen, an online initiative aimed at empowering early-career microbiologists in Sudan through career guidance, professional development and capacity-building opportunities. Now with a community of 5,000 students and professionals from over 50 Sudanese universities and institutions, MicroGen has hosted informational sessions about various microbiology career paths, highlighting connections between the diverse scientists, disciplines and roles spanning the microbial sciences.

Such interconnectivity has been foundational to Albagir Abdalla Mohammed’s efforts. She considers a strong network of peers and collaborators instrumental for navigating obstacles and creating new opportunities, and credits the ASM Young Ambassador program, with its vast global community of scientists, with helping her build that network. As Young Ambassador to Sudan (an appointment she considers one of the most pivotal moments of her career), Albagir Abdalla Mohammed has focused on leveraging her platform to “increase the engagement of Sudanese microbiologists within ASM and promote its mission of advancing the microbial sciences.” 

To say she has been successful in this mission is an understatement. A free online Bioinformatics Workshop she organized in the summer of 2024 attracted a whopping 1,144 participants—over 700 from Sudan and the rest from 32 other countries—and resulted in 865 new ASM members. Albagir Abdalla Mohammed designed the workshop to meet the needs of Sudanese microbiologists who are unable to conduct lab-based research. “By focusing on in silico research, participants were empowered to use computational tools to simulate biological processes, analyze large datasets and conduct meaningful research without the need for fully equipped laboratories,” she said.

Feedback from the event, where participants learned everything from how to analyze microbial genomes, to the ins and outs of bioinformatic data interpretation, was overwhelmingly positive. One participant from Sudan wrote that the workshop was “comprehensive and nicely delivered, even with the war running in the background,” adding that they no longer “feel really stuck, nor [that] the world is steps ahead of me.”

For her part, Albagir Abdalla Mohammed learned that “with the right approach, it is possible to sustain research momentum even in the most difficult circumstances, and that the scientific spirit of curiosity and perseverance can thrive in adversity.”

In many ways, she embodies this spirit of curiosity and perseverance. This is evident not just from her work with MicroGen and the ASM Young Ambassador program, but also from other endeavors. Case in point: Albagir Abdalla Mohammed was behind the effort that led to a collaboration between the non-profit organizations Health Goes Global and Partners for World Health . The partnership resulted in the shipment of over $340,000 worth of essential medical supplies to aid Sudan’s overwrought health care system. She was also recently appointed a Champion for the Microbiological Society in the U.K. and is currently organizing Sudan’s first national symposium on antimicrobial resistance (AMR), aimed at fostering collaboration among Sudanese microbiologists and health care professionals to address the AMR crisis.

The throughline here? Albagir Abdalla Mohammed is a force, a passionate science advocate. She may be early in her career, but that hasn’t stopped her from taking on leadership roles to enact change. She encourages other future and early-career scientists to adopt a similar outlook.

“Never underestimate your abilities and know that leadership isn’t confined to titles or seniority; it’s about how you contribute, collaborate and support others, regardless of your career stage,” she said. “Often, early-career scientists feel they need to wait for a certain level of experience or recognition before stepping into leadership roles, but that’s not the case. Leadership comes from taking initiative, sharing your ideas and offering guidance—even as a student or young professional.”

Still, while showing initiative as a young scientist is crucial for advancement, Albagir Abdalla Mohammed acknowledged barriers that can slow forward motion. She pointed specifically to the limited number of mentorship and training opportunities for undergraduates like her, as many are geared toward graduate students and advanced professionals. Investments in these advanced scientists is imperative, she noted, but such focus means young scientists at formative stages of their development can get left behind. This is felt strongly in countries like Sudan, where political instability and conflict can extend an undergraduate degree to 6-8 years.

“These delays hinder access to mentorship and resources, and the lack of available opportunities further reinforces these existing barriers, leaving talented students behind and limiting their ability to participate in the global scientific community,” Albagir Abdalla Mohammed explained. “Addressing this gap is essential to fostering a truly inclusive STEM field. Empowering undergraduates, particularly those from underrepresented regions, will not only cultivate diverse talent, but also enrich the global scientific dialogue with fresh perspectives and ideas,” all of which are paramount for propelling science forward to solve big problems.

To that end, Albagir Abdalla Mohammed, who is Sudanese, Muslim, identifies as African and speaks Arabic as her native language, considers diversity in all its forms the cornerstone of innovation. She advised scientists at every career stage to view their background as an asset, not a limitation, highlighting that all the pieces that make her who she is have inspired her work. “My faith emphasizes the values of compassion, community and social responsibility, motivating me to uplift marginalized voices and create inclusive spaces where everyone has the opportunity to contribute and thrive,” she shared.

It doesn’t take much to see that Albagir Abdalla Mohammed is a bright light—and the future of microbiology is brighter because of her. Wherever her path takes her next, one thing is certain: she won’t give up. And she encourages other young scientists not to give up either. “The journey in science will likely present challenges, including systemic barriers, limited resources or unexpected disruptions. In those moments, persistence and resilience are key. Let the obstacles you face shape you into a stronger, more adaptable version of yourself.” 

source/content: asm.org (headline edited) / madeline barron

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SUDAN

SAUDI ARABIA : Sarah Taibah stars in campaign for US luxury jewelry house

Saudi Arabia actress and filmmaker Sarah Taibah has nabbed a role in a social media campaign for US luxury jewelry house Tiffany & Co.

The actress shared a post on her Instagram account, in which she goes about her day adorned in various pieces by Tiffany & Co.

“Sketchbook in hand, eternal sunshine of a stormy mind, and days rarely slow down. Absolutely in (love) with HardWear by @Tiffanyandco, it’s been my little talisman throughout,” she captioned the short clip.

https://www.instagram.com/reel/DO3J-dpDUXC/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=cc5a9f54-8680-4305-b858-002859b785ff

The HardWear collection draws on a design from 1962, according to the brand.

“HardWear is an expression of love’s transformative strength. Like New York, the city in which it was born, the collection embodies an enduring resilience and ability to be free,” the label wrote on its website.

The collection features necklaces, bracelets and earrings with interlocked links, veering into a more industrial aesthetic than the dainty jewelry the house is known for.

Taibah shows off a pair of diamond encrusted earrings, along with a necklace and watch from the collection that was handcrafted in Switzerland.

Taibah shot to fame for her show “Jameel Jeddan,” the first local production that was wholly created and starred in by a Saudi Arabia woman.

The plot of the 2022 release was anything but typical. Strong-headed Jameel wakes up from a five-year coma and is forced to finish her last year in high school and rejoin an unfamiliar society.

As a coping mechanism, she begins to experience glitches in the form of an animated alternative reality.

Taibah is working on an offbeat Saudi romcom “A Matter of Life and Death,” which she wrote. The film is being directed by Anas Batahaf and will star Taibah and Yaqoub Al-Farhan.

Her collaboration with Tiffany & Co. is not the first time she has worked with a global luxury brand.

In February, Spanish fashion house Loewe unveiled a Ramadan campaign directed by Lebanese-Sudanese auteur Dana Boulos and starring Taibah and Saudi Arabia Olympic rower Husein Alireza.

The cast included Omani artist Mays Almoosawi, Kuwaiti visual artist Najd Al-Taher, Emirati film director Sarah Al-Hashimi, Kuwaiti DJ Cascou and Bahraini contemporary artist Salman Al-Najem.

source/content: arabnews.com (headline edited)

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Sarah Taibah shot to fame for her show “Jameel Jeddan.” (File/ AFP)

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SAUDI ARABIA

MOROCCO : ‘Arab Youth Pioneers’ Selects Bouthaina Boujarda for Water-Powered Car Invention

The initiative aims to strengthen the global presence of Arab youth leaders and connect them with investors and decision-makers.

Moroccan young innovator Bouthaina Boujarda has been selected for the fourth edition of the “Arab Youth Pioneers” initiative, which started on Sunday in Abu Dhabi. The initiative celebrates young people across the Arab world who have achieved remarkable accomplishments in various fields.

The young Moroccan woman, known for inventing a water-powered car, is participating in the “Industries and Innovation” track. 

“Being selected as part of the fourth edition of Arab Youth Pioneers is a tremendous honor. I feel a great sense of responsibility toward all Arab youth,” Boujarda said.

For her, being among this “elite” group is not only a recognition, but also a “mission … to promote the Arabic language and the achievements of Arabs around the world, and to empower them to become leaders on a global scale.”

Boujarda spoke of how significant every moment is when she feels that she is making a real impact or when a colleague tells her she is capable of creating change. “These are the moments that fill me with pride, moments when I feel that I have genuinely contributed to Arab society,” she stated.

The young innovator hopes that her achievements are not just for herself and that she is not just a name that passes by and is forgotten. “I hope that I can truly be one of the prominent figures who leave a lasting impact on future generations.”

In addition to the Industries and Innovation track, the initiative features nine other specialized tracks, including Community Service, Scientific Research, Space and Technology, Medicine and Health Sciences, Sustainability and Environment, Entrepreneurship, Education, Engineering, and Media and Digital Citizenship. A total of 40 young pioneers from 13 Arab countries are participating.

The event runs until September 19 and is organized by the Arab Youth Center in partnership with the Abu Dhabi Youth Business Council, with the support of the Anwar Gargash Diplomatic Academy and the Emirates Foundation, along with leading entrepreneurs and strategic partners.

The initiative aims to strengthen the global presence of Arab youth leaders and connect them with investors and decision-makers to provide more opportunities for funding, mentorship, and idea development. It also seeks to expand cooperation between the public and private sectors to support and develop youth-led projects.

UAE Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Vice President of the Arab Youth Center, Sultan Al Neyadi, said the initiative is an exceptional platform to help young people turn their ideas into impactful achievements that contribute to the development of their communities.

source/content: moroccoworldnews.com (headline edited0

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MOROCCO

TUNISIA : Chanting ‘Free Palestine’: The Voice of Hind Rajab receives record ovation in Venice Film Festival

Following its screening, Kaouther Ben Hania’s film The Voice of Hind Rajab (2025) received a 22-minute-long standing ovation — the longest in the Venice Film Festival’s history – culminating in theatre-wide chants to “Free Palestine.”

The film had its world premiere at the 82nd edition of the renowned Venice Film Festival, which runs until 6 September.

The film is also Tunisia’s official submission to the 98th Academy Awards.

The first screening of the film was completely sold out hours before its showing.

Several artists from the film’s cast and crew attended the screening, including lead actor Motaz Malhees, who held a photo of Hind Rajab on the red carpet and raised the Palestinian flag on the stage of the theatre after the film’s conclusion.

The film’s unprecedented success was reflected in the longest standing ovation in the festival’s history, with chants of “Free Palestine” resonating across the hall.

The Tunisian-French co-production also stars Amer Hlehel, Clara Khoury, and Saja Kilani.

“Film anchored in truth”

In a post-screening press conference, Kilani declared that “the Voice of Hind Rajab does not need our defence. This film is not an opinion or a fantasy; it is anchored in truth. Hind’s story carries the weight of an entire people.” 

Film director Ben Hania also commented on Trump’s plans to turn Gaza’s coastline into a “Riviera,” saying, “When I think about Hind playing on the beach, and I think about this project, [I find myself asking] in what world do we live in?”

Hind Rajab
 

The film recounts the events of 29 January 2024, when Red Crescent volunteers received an emergency call. A six-year-old girl named Hind Rajab was trapped in a car under fire in Gaza, pleading for rescue. 

While trying to keep her on the line, they do everything they can to get an ambulance to her. 

The film uses real-life voice recordings between Hind and the Red Crescent correspondents, who attempted to rescue her from the unrelenting Israeli attack.

Explaining her vision for the film, Ben Hania said, “What I wanted was to focus on the invisible: The waiting, the fear, the unbearable sound of silence when help doesn’t come. Sometimes, what you don’t see is more devastating than what you do. At the heart of it is something very simple, and very hard to live with. I cannot accept a world where a child calls for help and no one comes. That pain, that failure, belongs to all of us.”

Kaouther Ben Hania 
 

Kaouther Ben Hania is one of the most acclaimed filmmakers of the Arab World, known for her bold storytelling and cinematic innovation. 

Her 2023 film, Four Daughters, won the L’Oeil d’Or at Cannes and was nominated for Best Documentary at the 2024 Academy Awards. 

Her 2020 feature, The Man Who Sold His Skin, was nominated for Best International Feature and won Best Actor at Venice’s Horizons Section. 

Earlier works like Beauty and the Dogs (2017), Zaineb Hates the Snow (2026), and Le Challat de Tunis (2012) also earned international acclaim.

source/content: english.ahram.org.eg (headline edited)

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The Voice of Hind Rajab gets record 23-minute ovation at Venice premiere

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TUNISIA

MOROCCO : Who is Hajar Alafifi: The Moroccan Global Leader Now Entrusted with OCP Africa

For OCP Africa, the approach is clear: deliver the right product with the right support and finance, then localize manufacturing where demand warrants it – a model already boosting margins and farm productivity.

With its eyes fixed on transforming African farming, OCP Africa has entrusted the leadership of its continental strategy to Hajar Alafifi, who assumes the role of CEO effective September 1. This strategic move brings home one of Morocco’s most accomplished international executives to spearhead the group’s ambitious continental vision.

Born and educated in Casablanca, Alafifi represents the pinnacle of Moroccan talent on the world stage. A graduate of ENCG Casablanca, she embarked on an impressive career trajectory that took her from initial positions at Unilever Morocco to increasingly significant roles across multiple continents.

Over her two-decade journey with the consumer goods giant, Alafifi steadily climbed the corporate ladder, holding key positions in London, the Netherlands, and South Africa before making her mark in Southeast Asia.

Her professional evolution included roles as Regional Brand Manager, Senior Global Brand Manager, Brand Development Director for Europe, and CMO for global brands including Sun, Domestos, and CIF, where she led billion-dollar brands across four continents.

A Moroccan executive with global impact, her international career reached its apex when she was appointed Chairperson and General Manager of Unilever Sri Lanka, becoming the first Moroccan to lead a major subsidiary of this size in the region.

Most recently, she served as GM for Southeast Asia and Indonesia Nutrition at Unilever, further broadening her expertise in emerging markets.

“This designation marks a new stage in the company’s development strategy on the continent,” said OCP Africa in its announcement, stressing the significance of bringing such accomplished talent to lead its African operations.

Leadership philosophy and recognition

Throughout her career, Alafifi has distinguished herself not merely through business results but through transformative leadership. In Sri Lanka, she implemented progressive workplace policies that achieved gender parity and introduced specialized leave provisions, while also launching campaigns against domestic violence.

Her management approach is built on three clear principles: deep cultural understanding to ensure products meet local consumer needs; rapid, responsive innovation; and authentic leadership characterized by clarity and composure, particularly during challenging circumstances.

This distinctive leadership style earned her the Global Leader of the Year Award, a prestigious international recognition celebrating the world’s most inspiring executives.

True to her collaborative philosophy, upon receiving this honor, she remarked, “This is not my success, it’s that of an entire team.”

Taking the helm at OCP Africa

The decision by Mostafa Terrab, President of OCP Group, to bring Alafifi back to Morocco represents a strategic bet on combining global expertise with deep African understanding.

She succeeds Mohamed Hettiti, who had been serving in an interim capacity, successfully maintaining operational continuity and advancing strategic initiatives during the transition period.

With her appointment, OCP Africa gains a leader who brings fresh perspective on emerging markets, having navigated complex economic environments, diverse consumer landscapes, and significant operational challenges while building trusted brands and resilient value chains.

Alafifi brings extensive experience from her tenure at a Fortune 500 international group, and the Board of Directors has expressed confidence that her proven track record in driving transformation projects in complex contexts, coupled with her commitment to sustainability and ESG principles, aligns perfectly with OCP Africa’s evolving vision and strategic priorities.

OCP Group: A global phosphate powerhouse with African ambitions

Alafifi joins OCP Africa at a pivotal moment in the parent company’s development. OCP Group, Morocco’s state-owned phosphate and fertilizer leader, has been delivering impressive financial results while simultaneously implementing ambitious sustainability initiatives.

In 2024, the Group reported revenues of MAD 96.99 billion (approximately US$9.76 billion) with a robust 40% EBITDA margin, representing substantial growth from 2023 as fertilizer sales increased and Triple Super Phosphate (TSP) exports surged by 48%. Fertilizers now comprise 69% of total revenue, showing the strategic importance of this segment.

The foundation of OCP’s global strength lies in its control of what is often cited as 68% of global phosphate rock reserves, providing long-term security of supply for Africa’s fertilizer needs.

This natural advantage underpins the Group’s ambitious “Green Investment Program” for 2023-2027, valued at approximately $12-13 billion, which aims to expand capacity while transitioning toward carbon-neutral operations by 2040.

Major milestones in this sustainability journey include the utilization of 63 million cubic meters of desalinated water in 2024 and the successful injection of the first green kilowatt-hour at Benguerir.

New capacity developments at Jorf Lasfar (sulfuric acid lines, +1 Mt DAP-equivalent unit) and a TSP hub coming online from 2025 position the Group to serve fast-growing African and global demand; in 2024 alone, TSP volumes rose 48% with notable uptake in India and Brazil.

OCP Africa: Transforming continental agriculture

As the dedicated African subsidiary of OCP Group, OCP Africa executes a distinct strategy centered on “localization”: establishing blending and production facilities close to farmers, developing country-specific product formulas, and providing services that reduce adoption risks for smallholders.

The subsidiary’s customization process begins with comprehensive soil mapping, followed by tailoring N-P-K and micronutrient balances to specific agricultural needs, and where feasible, implementing local production.

This approach has led to significant investments across the continent, including the acquisition and operation of blending facilities in Ethiopia and the development of blending units in Nigeria (Ogun, Kaduna, and Sokoto).

A memorandum of understanding and joint venture (MoU/JV) with the Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority aims to develop an industrial platform for ammonia and fertilizers, while a state-backed complex in Akwa Ibom was announced at $1.5 billion, alongside approximately $43 million allocated for blending plants.

Similar country programs in Ghana, Ethiopia, and other nations are structured around value-chain partnerships with governments, agribusiness, and research organizations to scale the adoption of appropriate fertilizers for local soils.

Farmer services constitute the second pillar of OCP Africa’s strategy. Through the Agribooster program, the company delivers a comprehensive package of inputs (fertilizer, seed, crop protection), training, market off-take, and finance/insurance.

This initiative has reached approximately 600,000 smallholder farmers, achieving average yield increases of 33% across maize, rice, millet, and sorghum value chains.

Complementing this is the mobile “OCP School Lab,” which brings free on-site soil tests and training directly to remote villages, building farmer confidence and promoting proper application practices.

The impact has been measurable: independent reporting shows that in Nigeria, fertilizer use tripled with yields increasing by about 27% since 2016, while in Ethiopia, yields rose by approximately 37% while farmers’ fertilizer expenditure decreased by about one-fifth – demonstrating how customized recommendations can simultaneously enhance productivity and input efficiency.

Financing and strategic alliances form the third component of the strategy. In 2024, OCP launched an international bond roadshow (up to $2 billion) to fund its development plan and subsequently completed a $2 billion Eurobond, later expanding it by an additional $300 million. The Group also issued MAD-denominated bonds to support its capital expenditure program.

On the developmental finance front, OCP partnered with the International Finance Corporation (IFC) to establish an agri-finance platform targeting $800 million in blended capital by 2030 to scale resilient African food systems.

Energy partnerships further extend the decarbonization initiative: OCP and Fortescue announced a joint venture to develop green hydrogen/ammonia and fertilizers (with an R&D hub in Marrakesh), while a separate framework with Engie envisions multi-billion-euro investments in renewables, desalination, and green molecules for OCP’s Moroccan sites.

In West Africa, OCP Africa’s joint venture with Nigeria’s NSIA (within the Presidential Fertilizer Initiative) aims to localize ammonia/fertilizer value chains and improve input affordability at scale.

A forward-looking African strategy

Looking ahead, OCP’s African strategy aligns its industrial expansion directly with continental food-security goals.

The foundation of this approach is greener, more resilient infrastructure – solar phases nearing completion, water pipelines, and desalination to reduce dependence on hydrological conditions – while university-led soil-mapping and agronomy research (conducted through UM6P) extend the data layer into more than ten African countries.

For OCP Africa under Alafifi’s leadership, the path forward is clear: deliver the right product in the right place with appropriate support and financing, then localize manufacturing where demand warrants it. This model has already strengthened OCP Group’s margins while delivering measurable productivity gains for African farmers.

With Hajar Alafifi at the helm, OCP Africa gains not just an executive with global credentials, but a Moroccan leader who understands that performance metrics only matter when they translate to tangible social and environmental impact – a philosophy perfectly aligned with the continental ambitions of one of Africa’s most important agricultural enablers.

source/content: moroccoworldnews.com (headline edited)

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MOROCCO

ALGERIAN Professor Yasmine Belkaid named ‘Great Arab Minds’ winner in medicine

Sheikh Mohammed congratulates Belkaid on her made exceptional contributions to immunology.

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, has congratulated Algerian Professor Yasmine Belkaid on winning the ‘Great Arab Minds’ Award in Medicine for 2024.

In a post shared on his X account, Sheikh Mohammed wrote: “Today, we congratulate the winner of the ‘Great Arab Minds’ Award in the category of medicine for the year 2024, Algerian Professor Yasmine President of the Pasteur Institute in France. She has made exceptional contributions to immunology and to studies on the role of microbes in boosting immunity and preventing diseases. Professor Yasmine Belkaid has published more than 220 scientific papers in the fields of infection and immunology.”

Great Arab Minds

The Great Arab Minds initiative honours exceptional Arab individuals whose remarkable achievements have helped drive progress and enrich knowledge both within the Arab world and globally.

Heralded as the ‘Arab Nobel Prize’ for its singular efforts to recognise Arabs who have made extraordinary contributions to humanity, the initiative aims to reignite the Arab world’s remarkable spirit of scientific enquiry and leadership in such quests throughout history.

Under the patronage of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, the UAE recently launched the second edition of the Great Arab Minds initiative.

The awards’ six categories encompass medicine, engineering and technology, economics, natural sciences, architecture and design, and literature and arts.

source/content: gulfnews.com (headline edited)

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Algerian Professor Yasmine Belkaid named ‘Great Arab Minds’ winner in medicine

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ALGERIA / DUBAI, U.A.E

EGYPT announces Winners of ‘State Cultural Awards 2025’

The Supreme Council of Culture (SCC), headed by Minister of Culture Ahmed Fouad Hano, has officially revealed the recipients of the 2025 State Awards.

The announcement, made via an official statement on the Ministry of Culture’s Facebook page on Tuesday, follows a comprehensive voting process that recognised individuals for their profound impact on Egypt’s cultural and intellectual spheres.

The distinguished awards include the Nile Award, the State Appreciation Award, the Excellence Award, and the Encouragement Award.

The selection process involved a meeting attended by leading intellectuals, academics, heads of cultural institutions, and representatives from professional unions.

Nile Award

The prestigious Nile Awards were granted to:

  • Arts category: Architect Dr. Saleh Lamai
  • Literature category: Dr. Ahmed Darwish
  • Social Sciences category: Dr. Ahmed Zayed
  • Nile Award for Arab Creators: Palestinian artist Suleiman Anis Mansour

Appreciation Award

The State Appreciation Awards were granted to:

  • Arts category: Theatre director Shaker Abdel Latif, visual artist Abdel Wahab Abdel Mohsen, and cinematographer Samir Farag.
  • Literature category: Poet Ahmed El-Shahawi, critic and writer Dr. Khayri Douma, and writer Fatma El-Maadoul.
  • Social Sciences category: University professors Dr. Anas Gaafar, Dr. Mohamed Sameh Amr, Dr. Mona Haggag, and Dr. Nevine Massad.

Excellence Award

The State Awards for Excellence were granted to:

  • Arts category: Artist Nazli Madkour and, posthumously, the late internationally renowned Egyptian pianist Dr. Moshira Eissa.
  • Literature category: Poet Masoud Shoman and Dr. Khaled Abou El-Leil.
  • Social Sciences category: Dr. Samah Fawzy, Dr. Atiya El-Tantawy, and Dr. Nahla Imam.

Encouragement Award

When it comes to the 2025 Encouragement Awards, 32 creatives were honoured across arts, literature, social sciences, and legal/economic studies.

Arts Category (8 prizes; 6 awarded, 2 withheld)

  • Piano Performance: Naghamaya Safwat for her rendition of Shostakovich’s Piano Concerto No. 2 with the Cairo Symphony Orchestra.
  • Film Script: Mahmoud Zein for Wala Azaa’ Lil Sayedat.
  • Children’s Book Illustration: Heidi Fawzy for Ta’aqqal… Ya Marah.
  • Theatrical Scenography: Nehad El-Sayed for Shatat.
  • Digital Media & Architecture: Mostafa Salem for an awareness series on heritage preservation.
  • Painting: Dr. Islam El-Reihany for The Music of the Body.
  • Withheld: Prizes for “E-marketing for handicrafts” and “Fiber Art”.

Literature (8 prizes)

  • Historical Novel: Doaa Gamal El-Bady for Crows That Don’t Eat the Dead.
  • Short Story Collection: Ahmed Yasser Fathy for A Very Lonely City.
  • Classical Poetry: Mohamed Refai for The Cry of a Coin.
  • Colloquial Poetry: Ibrahim Abou Samra for Balta Shi’r.
  • Computational Linguistics: Marwa Mostafa Amin for Functions of the Electronic Dictionary.
  • Narrative Criticism: Aly Kotb for Singing and Music in the Literature of Naguib Mahfouz.
  • Translation (Turkish-Arabic): Sousana Sayed Mohamed for A Strange Woman by Leyla Erbil.
  • Translation (Arabic to Asian/African languages): Shared by Dina Mohamed Bayoumi (Suspense and Horror Between China and Egypt) and Mohamed Abdelrahman Farag (Al-Mukhtasar Al-Shafi fi Al-Iman Al-Kafi).

Social Sciences

  • History, Archaeology & Heritage (shared):
    • Dr. Ahmed Ma’arouf for Walls with Gates: Political Borders in Islamic Historical Heritage.
    • Dr. Sherif Imam for Saad Zaghloul in Gramsci’s Mirror.
  • Geography & Environment: Dr. Shaimaa Mohamed Wehba for research on water pollution and income inequality in Egypt.
  • Philosophy & Anthropology: Irene Samir Hakim for The Many Faces of Female Genital Mutilation.
  • Educational Sciences: Dr. Mohamed Abdel Khaleq for Dimensions of Global Education in Stoic Philosophy.
  • Media: Student team (Ramaj Osman, Gharib Reda, Farah Abdelkarim, etc.) for the film Hayy Falasteen, directed by Martina Wagdy.
  • Administrative Sciences: Dr. Islam Abdel Bari for Decoding Buy Now, Pay Later in Egypt.
  • Documentation & Publishing: Dr. Alaa Jaafar Al-Sadiq for research on local journal indexing.
  • Digital Culture: Dr. Ahmed Magdy for How AI Has Changed the Film Industry.

Legal and Economic Sciences (6 prizes awarded, 2 withheld)

  • Inflation in the Egyptian Economy: Dr. Gehan Abdel Salam Mahmoud for Tackling Inflation amid Global Crises.
  • Climate Change: Dr. Ahmed Mohamed Okasha for Climate Change and Economic Sustainability.
  • Russian–Ukrainian War & International Relations: Shared by Dr. Raghda El-Beheiry, Dr. Adnan Moussa, and Mr. Mahmoud Kassem.
  • Geopolitical Shifts: Ahmed Abdel Fattah Askar for Strategic Transformations in the Horn of Africa (2020–2024).
  • Right to Privacy: Dr. Mohamed Mesbah El-Naghy for Constitutional Guarantees for Genetic Privacy.
  • Cultural Diversity Management: Dr. Mahmoud Hussein Abou Seif for The Principle of Non-Refoulement in European Human Rights Law.
  • Withheld: Prizes for “Personal Data Protection under Cyber Law” and “Citizenship Through Investment”.

Minister Hano emphasised that these awards represent one of the highest forms of recognition granted by the Egyptian state, describing them as the culmination of long and distinguished careers marked by creativity and dedication.

Hano reaffirmed the state’s continued commitment to supporting intellectuals and creators who contribute to strengthening Egypt’s cultural identity and promoting values of diversity, openness, and awareness, the statement pointed out.

source/content: english.ahram.org.eg (headline edited)

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EGYPT