January 25, 2025 - January 27, 2025 Amman, Jordan

The Twelfth Development Champions Forum (DCF XII) was held from January 25–27, 2025, in Amman, Jordan, bringing together Yemeni experts and development partners to address key economic challenges. The Forum focused on strengthening Yemen’s manufacturing industry, scaling up exports, and institutionalizing the Development Champions Forum to ensure its long-term sustainability.

A key outcome was the announcement of the institutionalisation of the Development Champions Forum (DCF) as an independent entity, reinforcing its role in shaping Yemen’s economic policies. Participants discussed strategies to enhance the Forum’s sustainability, stakeholder engagement, and evidence-based decision-making, alongside plans to expand outreach and secure long-term support.

Discussions also emphasized the importance of Yemen’s manufacturing sector in economic recovery and job creation. Experts highlighted key challenges such as financial constraints, infrastructure limitations, and supply chain disruptions, stressing the need for policy reforms, investment incentives, and stronger public-private partnerships to boost industrial growth.

Another major topic was scaling up Yemeni exports to enhance economic resilience. Participants explored strategies to improve trade facilitation, access new markets, and implement regulatory reforms that would enhance Yemen’s competitiveness. Strengthening export diversification, trade infrastructure, and adherence to international quality standards were identified as key priorities.

The Rethinking Yemen’s Economy program is led by DeepRoot Consulting, the Sana’a Center for Strategic Studies, and CARPO, and is funded by the European Union.