Middle East and North Africa

CDC Development Solutions has worked in the Middle East and North Africa on a range of issues related to trade, post-conflict reconstruction, and the agribusiness, B2B, tourism, and ICT industries. CDC Development Solutions has partnered with US government agencies - including the Department of State, the Department of Defense, and USAID - and we have managed initiatives sponsored by private foundations. Below, please find brief descriptions of the work CDC Development Solutions has done in the region. Click here for more information about our work in the Middle East & North Africa or contact Kate Ahern.

CDS in the Middle East and North Africa

Bahrain

In preparation for the Free Trade Agreement between the United States and Bahrain, CDC Development Solutions conducted a survey of key Bahraini industries that could be impacted by the agreement. Under the program, which was funded by the US State Department’s Middle East Partnership Initiative (MEPI), CDC Development Solutions provided the Bahraini government with a report on US firms and their interest in trade with potential suppliers in Bahrain. In addition to the US Embassy in Bahrain, CDC worked closely with the Bahraini government, the US Embassy in Bahrain, Global Access Corporation, and the International Senior Lawyers Project.

Iraq

Beginning in 2004, CDC Development Solutions has implemented two economic growth initiatives in post-conflict Iraq. Under the Iraq Private Sector Development Initiative (PSDI), funded by USAID, we undertook a country-wide business survey in 20 sectors and delivered training and technical assistance to SMEs, entrepreneurs, and microfinance providers.  For the Creation and Operation of Business Centers program, funded by the Department of Defense, CDC Development Solutions developed a manual of best practices for business centers in Iraq; worked to establish a new business center in Baghdad, provided technical assistance to other business centers in the country; and designed and undertook a survey of businesses and business associations in Baghdad and other regions.

Jordan

In Jordan, CDC Development Solutions worked on the Women’s Access to Development and Trade (WAEDAT) program, which provided Jordanian women entrepreneurs the tools to succeed in competitive domestic and international business.CDC Development Solutions focused specifically on opportunities for women-owned businesses in the agricultural and B2B sectors in the country.  We conducted a comprehensive assessment of the Jordanian B2B sector for small and medium size enterprises to determine the best entry points for woman-owned firms and provided training courses and consulting assistance to firms in these areas.

Lebanon

CDC Development Solutions worked with USAID/Lebanon to design its 2007-2010 mission strategy for economic growth and opportunity. CDC Development Solutions fielded an assessment team comprised of experts in municipal governance, tourism, agribusiness, and information technology, and the team met with hundreds of stakeholders representing private business, NGOs, academic institutions, donor agencies, and Lebanese municipal and national government.  Upon completion of field research, we developed a comprehensive strategy document that provided a framework for future economic growth and municipal development activities in Lebanon and a set of recommendations for USAID funding.

Morocco

In Morocco, CDS manages IBM’s Corporate Service Corps, an innovative initiative that seeks to promote economic growth in emerging markets while providing new global business and leadership opportunities for IBM employees. CDS coordinates diverse teams of IBM staff to provide support to a number of local NGOs, universities, and government agencies. IBM’s pro bono assistance in areas including IT, marketing, training, and strategic planning, promote the ability of local stakeholders to generate sustainable growth and continued stability in Morocco. Our partners in Morocco include the Near East Foundation, AMIGHA, and a local government entity, the Regional Council Souss Massa Draa.

West Bank and Israel

In the West Bank and Israel, CDC Development Solutions was contracted by a private foundation to undertake an assessment for trade opportunities between Palestinians and Israelis that would form a foundation for cooperation and peace. The assessment team conducted research, interviews, focus groups, and analysis to identify opportunities for joint Israeli/Palestinian activities that would promote cooperation, civil society, understanding and tolerance. The team met with women’s groups and cross-border activity stakeholders in both Israel and Palestine to develop a program that could be implemented with relative ease and with maximum impact.

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