Erbil, KRI (February 15, 2022) - Rwanga Foundation signed an in-kind partnership agreement with Orange Corners implementing partner - Mselect, which is an initiative supported and funded by the Kingdoms of the Netherlands with local partners.

Rwanga foundation and the Netherlands consulate in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq both share the vision of strengthening the entrepreneurship ecosystem in Iraq and, in this context, develop programs targeting Iraqi youth under the age of 35.

Through this partnership Rwanga Foundation provides in-kind support to Orange corners incubation program, which is implemented by MSELECT.  The aim for establishing this partnership is to empower Iraqi youth with entrepreneurship skills and thus contribute to a stronger entrepreneurship ecosystem in the country.

The partnership agreement was signed by Mr. Abdulsalam Medeni, CED of Rwanga Foundation and Mr. Hal Miran, CEO of Mselect and witnessed by Mr. Hans Akerboom, the Consul General of the Kingdom of Netherlands in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq.

The event started with an opening remark by Mr. David Tannourji, Business Communication Manager at Mselect. He started by introducing Mselect and giving a quick overview of the orange corners incubation program. He emphasized the significance of this partnership with Rwanga Foundation in supporting young entrepreneurs in the region.

"We are proud to be part of this initiative with orange corners and Mselect," Abdulsalam Medeni (CED of Rwanga Foundation) stated during his speech. Approximately 30,000 students graduate from universities and institutes each year, according to statistics from the ministry of higher education and scientific research. 50,000 jobs are required per year to cover employment needs. One of the major entry points for this is through SME(s), Entrepreneurship, creating the culture for our young people to take initiatives, to start to build and reestablish.” He concluded “We, together, can create a better society for everyone”.

“I am so glad to be here, in this special moment, having a new partner like Rwanga Foundation.” remarked Mr. Hans Akerboom, the Netherlands Consul General in the KRI.