Corporate Ambassadors Program

"Algeria Corporate Ambassadors Program - October 2009"

The Association des Algeriennes Managers et Entrepreneurs (AME), under the high patronage of President Bouteflika and as part of its membership in the MENA Businesswomen’s Network, held its first, ground-breaking Corporate Ambassadors Program in Algiers, Algeria, in partnership with the U.S. Department of State’s Middle East Partnership Initiative (MEPI) and Vital Voices Global Partnership. AME is the first women’s organization in Algeria to receive the patronage of the President, which just exemplifies the hard work and dedication the leaders of AME have put in to making it one of the leading associations in Algeria, in addition to the credibility and capacity-building that its membership in the MENA Businesswomen’s Network has provided.

From October 28 – 30, 2009, three top American businesswomen traveled to Algeria to participate in a three-day program, with a one-day highly interactive and dynamic conference featuring these high level female executives from the U.S. as the Corporate Ambassadors (Virginia Littlejohn (President and CEO, Quantum Leaps, Inc. and Senior Adviser to the OECD for Women's Entrepreneurship); Karina Jensen (Principal, Global Minds Network); and Dr. Claudia Mobley, Director of the Center for Retailing Excellence at the Walton College of Business) and outstanding Algerian experts. The theme of the conference was “The Competitiveness of SMEs in a Changing World Market”, with the goal of increasing growth, profit and competitive advantage of Algerian SME/Is through innovative strategies and effective implementation in the global market.

This pivotal exchange is part of the Corporate Ambassadors Program, a new program designed to develop women’s entrepreneurship overseas by connecting high-level female executives from the United States with emerging businesswomen leaders from other countries. This program empowers women in the MENA region with the management, business development, marketing and communications skills necessary to expand their enterprises, help provide for their families, and create jobs within their communities. The program aligns with AME’s vision to give new possibilities for Algerian businesswomen and craftswomen to be connected to the business world and help them in growing and sustaining their businesses.

The Algerian Corporate Ambassadors Program began on October 28th, when the Corporate Ambassadors were treated to a visit to AME’s headquarters in Algiers, and then a study tour visit to one of AME’s member’s businesses, ARGILEV, an Algerian natural cosmetics company. The afternoon culminated in a half-day conference at ANSEJ, an institute that supports unemployed youth start their own businesses, where the Corporate Ambassadors and AME members offered advice to the young entrepreneurs.

On October 29th, at the Sheraton Hotel Algiers, Mme Khedidja Belhadi, President of AME, opened the main event, emphasizing the importance of AME’s programs and training events for women entrepreneurs such as these. "We must develop our network, and establish common meeting places for us to have the same opportunities as men to find new markets," she said. She was followed by remarks from a representative of the Ministry of SMEs and Artisans who commended AME on their innovative programs to advance women’s entrepreneurship and announced the legal recognition of AME as an Algerian association, the first NGO in Algeria to receive its legal certification since 2001.The Ambassador of the United States, David D. Pearce, added his support and then detailed U.S. economic development initiatives in Algeria. Aida Merabet, AME Hub Manager for the MENA Businesswomen’s Network, concluded the opening session by detailing the Network’s mission, objectives and exciting future as the leading businesswomen’s network in the region. AME and the MENA Businesswomen’s Network congratulate Aida for passing her Master’s degree oral examinations just two days later!

Attracting over 150 AME members from all over the country, professionals including business owners, and an unprecedented participation of 6 government ministries, the packed yet diverse schedule delved into new strategies for navigating a changing global market while opening the door to networking opportunities and interaction. The first session on “New Strategies and Technologies for SMEs in a Global Market”, led by Corporate Ambassador, Virginia Littlejohn, and Algerian Expert, Dr. Mourad Preure, provided attendees with concrete strategies and tools to manage the current global economic environment, with an emphasis on global market readiness strategies.

With those optimistic remarks, participants were inspired into the second session on “The Keys to Competitiveness: Fostering Strong Corporate-University Relations” led by Corporate Ambassador, Dr. Claudia Mobley, and Algerian Professor, Rafika Kesri. The workshop presented the idea of private sector involvement in increasing educational and research opportunities with local business schools, and outlined how businesses and universities can work together in educating the next generation of business leaders and to become a well-known point for communications and exchange of ideas, research, publications and data for universities, businesses, government, and individuals.

Corporate Ambassador, Karina Jensen, and Algerian Expert, Abderrahim Abdou facilitated the final workshop of the Corporate Ambassadors Program on “Managing Change to Maintain Competitiveness in a Global Market.” The two presenters kept it interesting and interactive, taking both an international and local perspective on sustaining your business in a changing global market. Attendees came away with concrete and innovative tools, strategies, and an in-depth knowledge to increase their competitiveness and grow their business as the Algerian economy becomes more and more globalized.

AME reported that the response to the event has been extremely positive and the participants left with increased knowledge on weathering globalization and renewed passion for growing their businesses despite the uncertain economic environment. The extensive press coverage of the event has definitely boosted AME’s name and credibility in a way that will help them expand their reach even more throughout Algeria. In addition, AME members have started signing up to the MENA Businesswomen’s Network website to become more connected within their region and abroad. After the success of this event, AME further solidified its commitment to creating brighter prospects for women entrepreneurs and the community at large. Celebrating its fourth anniversary since it was created in October 2005, this is just the beginning for AME as it embarks on developing many more similar landmark events and programs.