Empowering Women Entrepreneurs in Tunisia to Lead, Grow and Thrive

Programme Snapshot

• Client: European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD)
• Funder: European Commission
• Years: 2017–2019
• Participants: 12 mentors, 12 female entrepreneurs
• Location: Tunisia
• Duration: 12 months

Overview

As part of its Women in Business (WiB) initiative in Tunisia, the EBRD partnered with The Human Edge (then Mowgli Mentoring) to deliver a mentoring programme that would unlock the confidence, leadership capacity and business potential of high-potential women entrepreneurs. This initiative was designed not just to support individual growth but to drive inclusive economic participation in a context where women often face systemic barriers to scaling their businesses.

Objective

To strengthen the entrepreneurial, managerial, and leadership capabilities of women-led businesses, increase their confidence and enhance their ability to grow their enterprises sustainably—while also embedding mentoring practices as a core support mechanism within the wider WiB ecosystem.

The Challenge

Despite their drive and potential, women entrepreneurs in Tunisia often operate in under-resourced environments with limited access to finance, networks and tailored support. Family responsibilities and societal expectations further constrain time, mobility and risk-taking. These constraints required a human-centred approach that placed trust, relationship-building and personalised support at the core of the learning journey.

Our Approach

The Human Edge designed a 12-month mentoring programme that blended group learning, one-to-one mentoring and ongoing support. Our work included:

• Mentor training: equipping experienced women business leaders with mentoring tools focused on personal confidence and strategic growth
• Mentee preparation: empowering mentees to engage meaningfully in the relationship
• Strategic matching: careful pairing of mentors and mentees to foster chemistry and accountability
• On-going support: quarterly check-ins and a one-day refresher session to ensure relationship health and programme momentum

This approach ensured that both mentors and mentees were fully equipped to build meaningful, productive relationships over the long term.

Key Results

• 87 new jobs created (7.5 per entrepreneur—2.5× our programme average)
• 100% of businesses remained operational after 12 months
• 58% increased profits
• 83% implemented new governance practices
• 83% reported increased financial confidence and sustainability
• 60% grew in confidence to raise external funds
• 33% expanded their business geographically

In Their Words

“When we talk, it illuminates the path that was there and that I did not see.”

—Najlaa Rekik, Mentee

“I see the mentors helping their mentees think through choices and diminish their risks. Women open up and grow.”

—Anis El Fahem, National Programme Manager, EBRD Tunisia

“My mentor was a total surprise—but we found ourselves on a path rich in discoveries and professional experiences.”

—Inès Chouaib, Mentee

Why It Worked

Mentoring acted as the catalyst that enabled women entrepreneurs to step more boldly into leadership roles, challenge limiting beliefs and take decisions with greater clarity. This programme shows that when mentoring is done right—anchored in preparation, relational trust and continued support—it accelerates not only business growth but broader societal change.