Programme Details
Overview
Since 2010, countries in the MENA (Middle East and North Africa, incl. Turkey and Iran) region have been undergoing political and economic shifts paving the way to new development models. The Geopolitics and Business Environment in the MENA Region executive education certificate program will equip participants with the skills required to achieve their professional projects and gain insights into the transformations at play.
It will specifically focus on the future landscape in this strategic region, Including, but not limited to:
- Understanding the geopolitical and security considerations of the region
- Adapting to the new economic order, and understanding new emerging growth sectors resulting from economic diversification strategies
- Acquiring the tools and knowledge to launch and run a successful project or business venture
- Gaining critical insights into the MENA region’s sociocultural and legal context
This certificate program is aimed at diplomats, public sector executives and directors of companies and institutions looking to develop their expert knowledge about a region where they work currently or plan to work and gain a specialized understanding of the economic challenges and opportunities
This executive education certificate – delivered by specialists and regional stakeholders recognized in their field, some of whom work in the MENA zone – will also allow participants to master specific practices in the region related to commercial and financial negotiations, project management, and financing and investing.
In partnership with:
The program will give the necessary skills and help build a professional network to support formulating and implementing business strategies, projects, and relations in the MENA region. By the end of the program, professionals will be able to:
- Perform a deep dive into the region’s economic and political situation and challenges
- Understand the geopolitical shifts and regional security context
- Formulate and lead strategies for setting up operations and finding investment opportunities in the MENA region
- Understand and adapt to the prevailing social and cultural environments
- Apply solid knowledge of diversification strategies and new growth sectors
- Identify decision-making processes and mechanisms
- Foster a top-tier professional network and choose the most suitable partners
- Establish and promote your own position and that of your organization
Enroll in the Geopolitics and the Business Environment in the MENA Region certificate program if you are:
- A director or manager in a private company, public institution, or consulting firm, anywhere in the world, and looking to develop your business relations with North Africa and/or the Middle East (including Iran and Turkey)
- A diplomat already posted or to be posted in the region
- An executive who is seconded to or regularly visits the MENA region for work or professional projects
- Professionals in sectors like energy (oil, gas, nuclear, and renewable energy), environment, sustainability, water management, infrastructure (transport, hotels, tourism), technology, finance, insurance, health, education, culture, leisure, or sport
- Eric Alter, Professor and Dean of Graduate Programs at AGDA
- Alexia Krief, Program Manager at Sciences Po Executive Education
With this program, you can continue working while you develop your knowledge and practices through:
Fundamental classes delivered by top-tier academics from Sciences Po’s and AGDA’s teaching body, including:
- Lectures giving you the essential knowledge and skills
- Case studies where you can apply the theory learned to real-life situations
Contributions from professionals from the private and public sectors and civil society as part of:
- Regular coursework during the program
- Master classes for more focused learning with specialists
Personal support:
- Provided by the teaching team
- From a tutor or mentor overseeing your individual executive project, as part of an accredited program
01: MODULE VISION
Understand the geopolitical and security considerations in the MENA region:
- Geopolitical, socio-political, demographic, cultural, and religious characteristics
- Political transitions: current and future transformations
- Regional security and defense challenges
- Relations with Europe, Asia, Africa, and the United States: colonial legacy, security and defense cooperation, antiterrorism, migration flows
- New economic partners, specifically evolving Gulf-Asia-Africa axis – strategic and geo-economic considerations
02: MODULE STRATEGY AND TRANSITIONS
Understand the social, economic, and societal trends of the MENA region:
- Social, economic, and societal transitions in the MENA region
- Diversification strategies in search of new development models
- Key trends and perspectives: (generational revolution, science and technology, green growth)
- Governance: Role of the state and government in fostering public-private dialogue
- Case studies: Saudi Arabia, UAE, Iran, Turkey
03: MODULE FROM PROSPECTING TO SET-UP: KEYS FOR SUCCESS
Gain critical insights into the MENA region’s business environment:
- An evolving business environment: the legal and regulatory framework
- Risk and opportunity analysis and identification
- Selecting the right partner and managing your socials
- Mastering decision-making processes and mechanisms
- Different ways to set up operations
- Fund raising and innovative financing solutions for projects, including the role of Islamic finance
- Negotiation and networking techniques: practical workshops and simulations
- Understanding and adapting to the MENA region’s cultural environment
- Intercultural management: hiring and managing local staff
- Interpreting recent commercial successes and failures
04: MODULE SECTOR FOCUS: SECTORAL PERSPECTIVES AND DYNAMICS
Understand sectoral dynamics and detect growth opportunities:
- Energy and water
- Infrastructure, transport, and major projects
- Financial institutions, investments, and the role of sovereign wealth funds
- New economy, including digital and space sectors
- Health
- Education and culture
- Leisure and tourism
- Green growth
Each sectoral theme will be taught by an expert bringing solid professional experience in the sector
The overall assessment scheme for the award of the qualification is as follows:
- One reading note: a detailed analysis of a book or article connected to the program’s content and objectives
Or
- Individual written case study: a practical assessment of a public policy associated with the issues facing the MENA region
- Teamwork: a workshop led by program participants, with a final presentation to a panel of examiners — Tutoring and methodological assessment of the various stages of the professional thesis
- Professional thesis: topic chosen by the participant in relation to their professional plans, in close conjunction with the course team
- Viva Voce examination: Candidates will have 15 minutes to present their research to a panel of examiners, followed by 15 minutes of Q&A with the panel
Duration: A bespoke accredited certificate program over a minimum of 10 days (8 hours/day)
Format: In-person
Cost: Please contact us for details
Our courses can be adapted to accommodate various accessibility requirements
Please do not hesitate to contact us to discuss any necessary adjustments at logistique.exed@sciencespo.fr
Contact
Program Manager
Alexia Krief-Tenenbaum
T. +33 (0)1 45 49 63 03
alexia.krief@sciencespo.fr
Submit your application
February until June 15th.
To register, please follow the steps below:
Fill out the registration form (click here)
Fill out the application form you will receive on your registered email address.
Send the filled form to the same email you received.