December 2, 2023 - December 4, 2023 Cairo, Egypt

Within the framework of the Rethinking Yemen’s Economy initiative, the Development Champions Forum convened its tenth meeting from December 2nd to 4th, 2023, in Cairo, Egypt. The discussions during this meeting focused on the requirements for the success of current efforts to enhance the role of local authorities in leading local development. Additionally, the forum delved into the current status of the construction sector and the requirements for its effective participation in the recovery and reconstruction efforts in Yemen.

In the opening session of the forum, the Development Champions discussed the prerequisites for the success of ongoing efforts to strengthen the role of local authorities in leading local development in Yemen. These discussions aimed to understand the current situation and the current efforts in empowering local authorities, examining their challenges and success stories in providing public services to citizens.

The second and third days of the forum were dedicated to a comprehensive discussion of the current status of the construction sector and the requirements for its effective participation in recovery and reconstruction. During these discussions, the focus was on understanding the current situation of the sector, both formal and informal, in Yemen, including ongoing projects, market trends, and workforce participation. The Development Champions discussed the key challenges facing the sector amidst the impact of war and economic recession and emphasized the importance of the construction sector as a key employer of the labor force in Yemen. The Champions also emphasized the importance of empowering women in this sector.

All discussions will be included in detail in the two policy briefs currently being prepared on the Construction Sector in Yemen and Empowering Local authorities to Lead Local Economic Development.

The Rethinking Yemen’s Economy initiative is implemented by DeepRoot Consulting, Sana’a Center for Strategic Studies, and the Center for Applied Research in Partnership with the Orient (CARPO), and funded by the European Union.