18–20 November 2026
Baghdad International Fair
Building on the momentum of previous editions, the Arab SMEs Summit 2026, held under the theme “Accelerating Growth and Entrepreneurial Success” and organized in cooperation with the Ministry of Planning of the Republic of Iraq, comes at a time when advancing SME performance remains central to strengthening resilience, productivity, competitiveness, and economic diversification across the Arab region. The Summit will provide a high-level platform for dialogue, knowledge exchange, and partnership-building among key stakeholders from across the Arab region and beyond. Through a diverse programme of discussions, workshops, networking activities, and collaborative engagements, it will facilitate the sharing of experiences, highlight emerging opportunities, and support collective efforts to strengthen SME ecosystems across the Arab region.
◆ Host partner
The Ministry of Planning is tasked with drawing the map for economic, social, and administrative development in accordance with its law. Through its vision of “Distinguished Planning for Sustainable Development,” it plays a pivotal role in leading national development paths by formulating, governing, and identifying risks for development policies, strategies, plans, and programs. It also determines development priorities; prepares, monitors, and evaluates the feasibility and impact of projects; provides data and statistics supporting decision-making; enhances government performance efficiency; strengthens coordination among government entities; improves resource allocation efficiency; and fosters partnerships with the private sector. Furthermore, it contributes to supporting and developing the private sector's capabilities to implement small and medium-sized projects by preparing stimulating policies and executive plans, working to support them, and linking them to economic diversification, employment opportunities, productivity, and innovation—thereby promoting sustainable economic growth and achieving a tangible social impact that improves services and quality of life. Additionally, it plays an essential role in building and developing human resource capabilities, as well as ensuring standardization, metrology, quality, and reliability for all facilities, services, and goods in the country.
The ESCWA Technology Centre (ETC) drives transformative change across the Arab region by championing a dynamic, market-driven approach to technology and innovation. ETC empowers member countries, MSMEs and local communities to access, transfer and scale up green and frontier technologies. By connecting science, technology, and innovation (STI) systems with market opportunities, ETC bridges the gap between research and real-world impact. ETC’s strategy is anchored in three pillars: advancing technology transfer and STI policy support; strengthening entrepreneurship and MSME capacity; and launching regional platforms that translate innovation into tangible economic and social value. It places special emphasis on empowering women and young people in the Arab region, equipping them with the skills and tools needed in the digital economy.
