MENA Women in Smart Energy (MENA WISE) network meeting 2025 in Tunisia strengthens regional collaboration
The MENALINKS programme hosted its annual MENA WISE network meeting from 2-3 December 2025 in Tunisia. The event brought together over 50 professionals spanning policy stakeholders, technical experts, and gender networks from all MENALINKS countries (Egypt, Jordan, Morocco, Türkiye, Tunisia). The network meeting served to strengthen regional collaboration, promote knowledge exchange, and empower experts working on sector coupling and smart grid topics across the MENA region.
One key milestone of the event was the soft launch of the MENA WISE Database, designed to enhance the visibility of all network members, partner organisations, and experts in the field of smart technologies in the power sector. Technical and regulatory expert inputs covered topics around smart mini-grids, battery energy storage systems (BESS) and industrial flexibility, with facilitated discussions to identify country-specific challenges and needs related to the presented solutions.
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Technical and regulatory workshop and facilitated discussions
The first workshop day focused on technical discussions on the importance of power system flexibility. Inputs from MENALINKS workstreams were provided by consortium lead Guidehouse Germany, together with its consortium partners Elia Grid International and Fraunhofer ISI, featured expert presentations on smart mini-grids, BESS and industrial flexibility. The speakers emphasized the need for tailored solutions and robust regulatory frameworks for the power sector. Following the presentations, participants engaged in further exchanges on the challenges and opportunities of implementing these solutions within their respective national context.
Soft launch and feedback session on the MENA Women in Smart Energy (MENA WISE) Database
Central to the event was the launch of the MENA WISE Database, connecting professionals in smart energy across the region. The database facilitates networking and mentoring opportunities across the MENA countries and allows professionals to showcase their expertise and availability for speaking opportunities. In a dedicated feedback session, participants shared their user experience with the database and contributed suggestions for a final name of the database.
Private sector perspectives and gender equality in the workplace
The second day showcased the private sector’s pivotal role in accelerating the energy transition. A presentation by Scatec and a panel discussion with Assad Group, Philadelphia Solar and Energy Pool highlighted innovative BESS projects, demand-side management strategies, and sustainable mobility solutions. The experts shared insights on project development, cost trends, and the importance of local adaptation and sustainability. The second day also featured an interactive workshop on building inclusive workplaces, with participants developing actionable recommendations for recruitment, workplace culture, work-life balance, and leadership.
Key outcomes and next steps
The event underscored the importance of technical innovation, regulatory support, and private sector engagement in advancing the energy transition in the MENA region. Participants also emphasized the need for more networking events at both national and regional levels to enhance cross-country collaboration, as well as the ongoing promotion of the MENA WISE Database to increase visibility and opportunities for women experts.