are pleased to announce the upcoming Conference on

PES and Entrepreneurship “A challenge for inclusive and sustainable economic development”

What roles for PES? New tools, new support methods

Tunis, February 22 and 23, 2024

Entrepreneurship is now one of the key drivers of economic development in countries worldwide.
The assessment, encouragement and support of entrepreneurs who are turning ideas and projects into new businesses is a priority for economic development and involves many actors, including the Public Employment Services (PES).

In many countries of the South, the development of entrepreneurship is seen as an effective way of dealing with the complexities of the labour market. This includes :

• Providing new integration opportunities for the thousands of young graduates entering the labour market each year.
• Contributing directly to the reduction of informal employment by supporting individual initiatives and promoting the social dimension of entrepreneurship through the development of the social and solidarity economy (SSE).
• Reducing inequality and discrimination by facilitating access to support tools and programmes for the most vulnerable groups (promoting women’s entrepreneurship, creating integration activities for young people experiencing difficulties or people with disabilities, etc.).

Entrepreneurship also plays a leading role in driving innovation, seizing the opportunities offered by the development of digital technologies, the emergence of a new economy and new forms of work.

Finally, the future challenges that our societies will face in terms of climate change and demographic change also provide an excellent breeding ground for the promotion of entrepreneurial initiatives in our “business incubators”.

In this context, ANETI is organising an international conference on the 22nd and 23rd of February 2024 on the topic “PES and Entrepreneurship: a challenge for inclusive and sustainable economic development”.

Sharing best practice and learning from successful experiences in promoting entrepreneurship is the overall objective of the conference.

We cordially invite you to respond to the call for contributions, which will be sent to you shortly. Further practical information and details of the event programme will be provided soon.

Program

Day 1: 22 February 2024

Success Story 2: Ms Oumayma Hajjej (Coolni Biscuit project) (5 mins)

Session 2: Entrepreneurship: a lever for action to overcome informality and social exclusion

• The transition from the informal to the formal sector as a logic of opportunity
• Actions and impact of the Social Solidarity Economy on the informal sector
• Facilitating the transition from unemployment to self-employment and business creation

Panellists

• Mrs Evita Simsone – Director of the Latvian State Employment Agency
• Mme Florence Dumontier Director Europe and International Relations Directorate General France Travail
• Céline Jaeggy Director of Legal and Institutional Affairs -UNEDIC (France)
• Mme Asma Ben Hassen – Fondatrice et Présidente « Tunisia Inclusive Labor Institut » et M. Chawki Ghariani – Conseiller Entrepreneuriat (ANETI) « Statut auto-entrepreneur »
• Mr James Kittos – ASURIA (Australia)

Day 2: 23 February 2024

Success Story 4.1: Mr Lotfi Hamadi – Social entrepreneur / Founder Wallah We can (10mn)

Session 4: Entrepreneurship and Megatrends

• Economic development: green and silver?
• What motivates eco-innovative entrepreneurs? How can we support them?
• The Social Solidarity Economy, a lever for economic development and social integration

Panellists

• Mrs Chéma Gargouri – CEO TAMSS – Tunisian Association for Management and Social Stability
• Mrs Živa Štiglic – Senior advisor in international department of the Employment Agency of Slovenia- (Slovenia )
• Mr Anouar Alaoui– Director of Partnership, Communication and Cooperation Agence Nationale de Promotion de l’Emploi et des Compétences ANAPEC (Morocco)
• Mr Aoud Abd Razagh EL BECHIR – Director of the Skills Development Department – TECHGHIL (Mauritania)

Nizar YAICHE

former Finance Minister of the Republic of Tunisia and currently Partner and member of the Global Executive Leadership Team at PwC.

Homme politique et haut fonctionnaire tunisien il occupe le poste de ministre des Finances en 2020.

In March 2021, he presented President Kaïs Saïed with a plan of 500 measures focusing on the economy, social issues, justice and public services, drawn up with the help of around 100 experts.

In May 2021, he rejoined PwC as partner in charge of strategic aspects and international cooperation between Europe, the United States, the Middle East and Africa and then joined its Leadership Team, which led him, in addition to his regional responsibilities in the field of development aid, to intervene on a global scale with governments and public administrations to refine and implement their strategies, particularly in technological matters and digital transformation.

BEDOUI Mongi

Formation in Human Sciences and Development: Doctorate in Education Science (University of Cergy Paris), Master’s Degree in Development Sociology (University of Tunis), Master’s Degree in Human Sciences (History and Geography, University of Tunis), Postgraduate Certificate in Development (Institute of Lausanne – Switzerland and ITAAUT Tunis) and Higher Certificate in Training and Employment – University of Grenoble. Additionally, holds a professional diploma in training trainers of the World Bank Institute in the FGB Base Management Training Method. Member of the World Order of International Experts OMEI in Geneva/ Researcher and member of the Laboratory “Bonheurs” of the University of Cergy in Paris France.

Mr. Bedoui has 18 years’ professional experience in the Tunisian Administration, serving as the Central Director of Employment and Vocational Guidance, Central Director of Small Enterprises, Director General of Employment and Emigration at the Ministry of Employment and Training, CEO/Founder of the Tunisian Employment Agency, and Vice President of AMSEP for 3 years. He has also served as Secretary of State for Vocational Training and Ambassador representing Tunisia at the League of Arab States in Cairo.

With 22 years as an expert in employment, vocational training, and sustainable development, Mr. Bedoui has worked for various international institutions such as the European Union, World Bank, UNDP, AFD, GIZ, ADB, … He is technical coordinator of projects for an international study company and has been the coordinator and head technical assistance projects in the MENA region, Morocco, Algeria, DRC, Mauritania, Sao Tome and Principe, Syria, Yemen, Gulf states and other countries in organizing, managing, and supporting employment services, entrepreneurship, and mobility in the development of training engineering and professional didactics, as well as providing technical assistance in the management of sustainable local development projects.

Mr Mongi Bedoui has also been a researcher at the University of Cergy (France), Bonheurs laboratory since 1998, working on the themes of vocational training, employment and entrepreneurship.

Youssef Boufaied

CEO & Co-founder | Transforming the Gaming Industry at Herodot Studio

Youssef Boufaied, a computer engineer who graduated from ESPRIT in 2018, has devoted eight years of his career to freelance mobile development.
Driven by a passion for the video game industry, he joined one of the first startups in Tunisia as an iOS developer.

In 2018, he founded Herodot Studio, becoming a key player in this sector in Tunisia. As the CEO and co-founder, he led the studio to success, successfully integrating augmented reality into their creations.

His visionary leadership and commitment to the growth of the video game industry in Africa make him an inspiring figure in the sector.

Karim CHATTI

CEO and co-founder of DeepVolt, one of the TOP 50 mobility startups in Europe, and renewable energy engineer.

Oumayma HAJJEJ

founder and CEO of Coolny Biscuits

My entrepreneurial journey began during my higher education, during which I launched my business at the age of 21, directly from my home. This adventure, born out of a passion for entrepreneurship and challenge, has led me to where I am today: at the helm of a company that employs 8 collaborators and collaborates with some of the most prestigious brands of Tunisia.

Holder of a Master’s degree in Management and Strategy from IHEC Carthage, I have also deepened my skills and understanding of human dynamics through a diploma in mediation. This combination of skills allows me to take a holistic approach in managing my business and professional relationships.

My presentation at this conference will focus on the evolution of Coolny Biscuits, from its humble beginnings in an informal setting to its current status as a formal business success. I will share my journey, the challenges faced, and how I overcame obstacles to realize my vision. My experience underscores the importance of perseverance, innovation, and the ability to navigate the complexities of the business world.

Lofti HAMADI

CEO deWallah We Can

Lotfi Hamadi is a Tunisian French entrepreneur who defines himself as a “Concept Creator”. Born in Kesra in 1976, he left Tunisia at an early age with his family to settle in France. After starting his studies in law, he was drawn into the nightlife scene at Bains Douches and became one of the youngest nightclub managers in France within the Bertrand Group. After opening a summer establishment in Tunisia, he was disappointed by systemic corruption and, more importantly, the lack of a work culture, so he decided not to renew the experience. In 2003, he flew to Canada and achieved success in the nightlife industry, becoming the manager of the best nightclub on the East Coast of Canada at the time, the Tribe Hyperclub.

In 2011, spurred by the Tunisian Revolution, , convinced that economic development is the key to establishing democracy. He launched the Wallah We Can initiative, aiming to work voluntarily for childhood, believing that investing in education to support students’ development is crucial for the country’s progress. At the same time, he dedicated the rest of his free time to his professional career in his field as a consultant for hotels and restaurants, ensuring his economic independence and partially financing Wallah We Can projects.

His approach includes creating entrepreneurial solutions to meet social and environmental issues, convinced that only income-generating solutions can have a real impact and sustainability. Thus, he founded GreenSchool, a model public school financed by an energizing farm (producing 45,000 kilowatts/year) and an agricultural farm (producing 150 fruits and vegetables/year). He also established Ecolibree, which advocates for menstrual justice by producing and selling washable sanitary pants, with profits funding free distribution for those facing menstrual poverty.

In 2016, he was listed among “the personalities who will leave their mark on Africa.”

In 2024, he secured financing of 1 million euros from the Netherlands to expand his model to the scale of the Bizerte Governorate.

Faten AYARI

ANETI

Faten AYARI has over twenty years’ experience with the National Agency for Employment and Self Employment in Tunisia. She oversaw the Executive Employment Office in Sousse, which gave her extensive knowledge of the region’s economic fabric and business environment. She was then given the task of setting up the Espace Entreprendre, for which she is still responsible.

She has played an active role in boosting entrepreneurship in the Sousse region by establishing partnerships and helping to create networks between the various players involved in business creation. She has also been a member of several think tanks on improving EAPs in Tunisia.

Faten AYARI has, among other things, taken part in an expert mission to the National Employment Fund – Cameroon as part of South-South cooperation, and she has also been asked to act as an expert in the TEAM project, to give an account of the expert’s missions between issues and personal and professional challenges.

Walid BARHOUMI

Professor of computer science at the National School of Engineers of Carthage

Walid Barhoumi is a professor of computer science at the National School of Engineers of Carthage. He is also Tunisia’s national ICT contact point for the European Commission’s “Horizon Europe” framework programme. He was director of the virtual education department at the University of Carthage from 2020 to 2021.

Walid Barhoumi has held the position of director of the Student Entrepreneur Pole at the University of Carthage (PEEC) from 2018 to 2022. Additionally, he served as the director of the Career and Skills Certification Center (4C) at the University of Carthage from 2017 to 2020.

Imen GHELALA

Head of Division at the National Agency for Employment and Self-Employment-ANETI

Head of Division at the National Agency for Employment and Self-Employment-ANETI
Chief Inspector – 26 years’ experience at ANETI

Education: – Master’s degree in Accounting Management – ISCAE
Master’s degree in education sciences specialising in Adult Education

Certifications :
– International Expert in Entrepreneurship, Vocational Guidance, and Soft Skills
– Certified International Trainer by the International Labor Organization (ILO)
– Facilitator for “Education for Employment-efe” by BYB
– Soft Skills Coach
– Sports Development Coach
– Trainer of Trainers at ANETI
– Advisor to the Student Entrepreneur Pole of Carthage (PEEC) within the project “Structuring and Supporting Student Entrepreneurship in the Maghreb” (SALEEM).

Séverin LEKOUMBA

Administrative and Strategy Director of the National Employment Promotion Pole.

Holder of a Master’s degree in Accounting and Finance, he has held various positions, including Project Engineer responsible for assisting companies in implementing Technical Reassignment Units for employees laid off for economic reasons, Provincial Agency Manager, Head of Organization and Methods Department at the General Management, Research Officer and Adviser to the General Manager. Expert in business creation and management, he is also a Certified Trainer on the TRIE-CREE-GERME methodology of the International Labour Organization. He brings a total of 18 years of experience in training and supporting entrepreneurship in business creation and management.

Marjorie MONTAGNIES

ACTIRIS

With a Master’s degree in Applied Communication from the Institute of Higher Studies in Social Communications (IHECS), Marjorie initially worked in the communication and media sector.

Driven by a strong interest in the development of knowledge and skills and their transfer in a professional context, she continued her career in the field of adult education. She initially worked in a sectoral training centre and then within the University Institute for Continuing Education of UCL (Catholic University of Louvain).

She has been working for Actiris, the Brussels Regional Employment Office, for over 10 years. As the Brussels public employment service, Actiris aims to become, with its partners, the public provider of employment solutions in Brussels, recognized as such by both jobseekers and employers.

Marjorie coordinates various types of partnerships, especially those related to entrepreneurship.

Launching calls for projects, selecting partners, meeting with the various structures and organising the Brussels ecosystem, taking part in round tables, etc. are all part of the day-to-day work of the partnership project managers, with the goal of offering high-quality support to Brussels jobseekers, helping them to find or create sustainable and quality employment.

Séverine INTINI

ACTIRIS

Séverine Intini holds a degree in clinical psychology and a master’s degree in psychopedagogy in adult education (Catholic University of Louvain-la-Neuve). For many years, Séverine worked in the field, initially as a psychosocial counsellor with young people in disadvantaged neighbourhoods and later with women who were victims of human trafficking. For almost 20 years, she has been involved in the socio-professional integration sector, starting as a career counsellor and, since 2012, at Actiris, the Brussels Regional Office for Employment, within the Partnerships department. Séverine manages various partnership “measures”, including those related to entrepreneurship, in collaboration with Marjorie Montegnies.

She also coordinates a range of partnerships designed to support the employment of specific target groups, such as (ex)prisoners, illiterates, people with mental or physical health difficulties or disabilities, and people living in extreme poverty. Additionally, she oversees a measure that provides support to jobseekers interested in the artistic field and looking to develop or promote their activities. Each measure is evaluated, it involves launching calls for proposals through the drafting and publication of project specifications, selecting applications, concluding agreements, and, of course, supporting these partners in achieving our common goal: the employment integration of Brussels jobseekers.

Florence DUMONTIER

Director of Europe and International Relations, France Travail

Florence DUMONTIER , Director of Europe and International Relations at France Travail, has many years’ solid and wide-ranging experience of PES management, holding operational management positions in the network at all levels, including national, and responsibilities in the field of human resources. She set up and directed Pôle emploi’s Management University, and then launched the project to create an e-university within the French public sector. Today, as part of her department, she supports the development and structuring of international mobility support services for both working people and companies, and continues to professionalize and strengthen France Travail’s expertise in international cooperation.

Céline JAEGGY

UNEDIC France

Céline Jaeggy has been Director of Legal and Institutional Affairs at Unédic since January 2021.
From 2016 to the end of 2020, she was Counselor for Social Affairs at the French Embassy in the United States.
She has also worked for local authorities and held various positions at the Ministry of Labor and the Ministry of Health and Social Affairs. Between 2014 and 2016, she was in charge of employment policies in the office of the Minister of Labor.
She is a graduate of the Strasbourg Institute of Political Studies and a former student of ENA.

Asma BEN HASSEN

President of The Tunisia Inclusive Labor Institute

Asma Ben Hassen is the president of The Tunisia Inclusive Labor Institute, an economist fromTunisia who has spent the last ten years working to empower vulnerable Tunisian women and men. She holds a postgraduate degree in economic sciences and is working on a doctoral thesis on informality and Formalization strategies.

Asma has ten years of experience in higher education, where she specialized in microeconomics and labor market issues, has a strong experience in project management and evaluation, and business creation. Her work has focused on creating sustainable economic development through the promotion of self-employment and entrepreneurship. Asma has worked over her career to build strong partnerships with governments across North Africa, focusing on creating inclusive economies and empowering marginalized populations.

Inga BALNANOSIENE

Director of the Employment Service under the Ministry of Social Security and Labour of the Republic of Lithuania

Coordinating at the national level the implementation of labour market policy, actively participating in drafting new efficient employment services and methods, coordinating the national research on the labour market needs, supply, and demand, evaluation/assessment of the efficiency in the field of employment services, motivation, planning of staff, training needs analysis, supervising performance indicators establishment and coordinating the performance management policy. The participation in the preparation of the National Reform Programme is in line with the EU Employment Strategy and EU 2025, the National Programme for the Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF). Active participation in the Public Employment Services network (EU level) provided many opportunities for learning from best practices in the other Member States in designing and implementing employment, social inclusion, and work-related policies.

Evita SIMSONE

Director of the State Employment Agency of Latvia

Evita Simsone is the director of the State Employment Agency of Latvia since December 2016. Before that, for more than 10 years she worked as a manager of one of the local offices of the State Employment Agency of Latvia.

Since November 2016, she has been a member of the board of the Network of Employment Services (PES) of the European Union Member States and from 2017 to 2020, Evita Simsone was the first deputy chairman of the PES board.

Evita Simsone has a higher education in social sciences, obtained the certificate of the internal auditor of the Quality Management System, in addition to her practical work, she has developed her knowledge in the field of organization and personnel management, internal control and internal audit.

Olivia BYRNE

International Relationships, Department for Work and Pensions (Royaume Uni)

Mohamed SALAH FRAD

President of ATIC
General Manager, UGFS North Africa

Mohamed Salah Frad is the General Manager of United Gulf Financial Services – North Africa (a subsidiary of Kipco Group), which is a portfolio management company offering a wide range of services such as managed portfolio services, fund services, and consultative services.

Mr. Frad has a large experience in Corporate Finance, Asset Management,

Financial Restructuring, and Evaluation. Before joining the Kipco Group in 2008, Mr. Frad served as the Director of Research at MAC SA and led the initial public offerings of 6 companies as the head of the research department.

Mr. Frad holds an International Certificate of “Investment Analyst (CIIA)” and an Executive MBA, in addition to a diploma from the Higher School of Commerce (HEC). Mr. Frad is a member of the ATA (Tunisian Association of Financial Analysis).

Since August 2017, he has also held the position of President of the Tunisian Association of Venture Capital Investors “ATIC.”

James KITTOS

Director, Marketing and SE, ASURIA

Chéma GARGOURI

Founder-Director of TAMSS

Chéma Gargouri is the Founder-Director of TAMSS, a national NGO specializing in the economic and social empowerment of women and youth. Through TAMSS, Chéma has designed and managed over 200 development programs, impacting more than 12,000 women and youth. She is also a consultant for NGOs and international development organizations, having held the position of Country/Program Director.

Her main areas of expertise include the creation and consolidation of social enterprises, women’s entrepreneurship, and livelihood development for disadvantaged populations. A graduate of the University of Tunis in languages and human sciences, Chéma has also an MBA in Impact Entrepreneurship offered by the E4Impact Foundation, University of Central Tunisia, and ALTIS Graduate School of Business in Milan, Italy. She is expected to graduate at the end of February 2024.

Chéma is a Summer Fellow of the Center on Democracy Development, and Rule of Law (2009) at Stanford University, USA. She graduated from the Executive Management of NGOs program (2014) at Georgetown University, USA, and holds a certificate of completion from the Executive Social Entrepreneurship Program at the Graduate School of Business, Stanford University (2016).

Živa STIGLIC

Expert in the International department of Employment Service of Slovenia (ESS)

Živa Štiglic holds a master’s degree in law and is currently working as an expert in the International department of Employment Service of Slovenia (ESS). Its functions include the implementation of interstate labor and employment agreements, as well as cooperation with other labor market players and public employment services in other countries. Previously she has been in charge of the Central Office for Employers at ESS, responsible for developing and implementing new approaches and services for Employers and has been working mostly on employer engagement challenges.

Her rich previous experience also include working as a project manager and head of advocacy in the NGO sector, as well as working as an expert for Socieux+ to share knowledge and experiences through short-term missions and activities that enhance the capacity to design, manage, and monitor inclusive, effective, and sustainable employment strategies and social protection systems.

Anouar ALAOUI

Director of Partnership, Communication and Cooperation Agence Nationale de Promotion de l’Emploi et des Compétences ANAPEC (Morocco)