35 Young Entrepreneurs From 3 Nations Train in Japan

Thirty-five aspiring entrepreneurs from the Middle East are returning home with new skills and big plans after completing a groundbreaking business training program in Japan.

The United Nations Institute for Training and Research brought young leaders from Egypt, Iraq, and Lebanon to Tokyo and Hiroshima this February for the RISE LAB program. Over nine days, they transformed from early-stage business owners into confident entrepreneurs ready to launch ventures that address food security challenges in their home countries.

The program wasn't just classroom lectures. Participants toured Japanese companies like Satake Corporation to see sustainable business practices in action, learning how innovation works in real agricultural operations. They also received expert coaching on everything from AI technology to financial planning, all tailored specifically to Middle Eastern business environments.

In Hiroshima, the entrepreneurs experienced something unexpected: peace education. They heard directly from atomic bombing survivors and learned how the city rebuilt itself from devastation. That lesson in resilience hit home for participants from regions facing their own reconstruction challenges.

The training concluded with each entrepreneur presenting a ready-to-launch business plan. Every proposal focused on solving real problems in the agri-food sector while creating jobs and building economic strength in their communities.

Nour Elden Tarek from Egypt said the program taught her practical skills like pricing models and market strategies she needs to launch her project. Iraqi participant Rebin Hamarashid called it a major turning point that strengthened his strategic thinking and gave him confidence to create real impact.

The program was funded by the Japanese government as part of their commitment to supporting youth entrepreneurship in the Middle East and North Africa. It combined international expertise with regional mentors who understand the specific challenges young business owners face in these markets.

The Ripple Effect

These 35 entrepreneurs are heading home with more than certificates. They're carrying business plans designed to create jobs, improve food systems, and strengthen local economies in three countries still recovering from instability. When one entrepreneur succeeds in launching a sustainable farming business or food distribution network, entire communities benefit through employment, better nutrition, and economic stability.

The connections formed between participants across the three countries also matter. They're building a regional network of young leaders who can support each other, share resources, and collaborate on solutions that cross borders.

Japan's investment in training these entrepreneurs represents a different kind of international aid: giving people tools to build their own futures rather than temporary fixes.

Thirty-five young leaders just proved that with the right training and support, they're ready to transform challenges into opportunities.