Houda Elafdel, En Xi Tan
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Andalus Committee MENA Center

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This policy report, released by the Andalus Committee's MENA Center, examines the structural and institutional barriers hindering youth-driven digital innovation across the Middle East and North Africa, with a particular focus on Tunisia and Jordan. It analyses the educational, financial, and governance gaps that continue to exclude young people — and especially young women — from participating in technology and AI-driven sectors. The report explores key drivers of regional divergence, including the UAE's advanced digital infrastructure and AI strategy, the demographic potential of the region's youth population, and the growing momentum toward knowledge-based economic reform across the Gulf Cooperation Council. It concludes with five interlinked policy recommendations to establish a regional youth digital innovation lab, integrate AI literacy into education systems, expand inclusive entrepreneurship finance, harmonize AI ethics frameworks, and strengthen regional policy dialogue through institutions such as ESCWA and the Union for the Mediterranean, enabling a collaborative and equitable approach to digital development across the region.