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New Economy Initiative's Wafa Dinaro travels to Egypt in the 2025 PFP MENA Reciprocal Exchange program!

April 08, 2026

Executive Director at the New Economy Initiative and Global Ties Detroit partner, Wafa Dinaro, participated in the Professional Fellows Program – Middle East North Africa (PFP MENA) Reciprocal Exchange after hosting Fall 2025 fellow, Asmaa Moaz, from Egypt at the New Economy Initiative in Detroit. During Wafa’s exchange, she traveled to Egypt where she was hosted by Asmaa, gaining firsthand insight into a dynamic and rapidly evolving entrepreneurial ecosystem.

This dual exchange program allowed Wafa to both mentor and collaborate with a fellow in Detroit and, in return, experience Egypt’s innovation landscape—learning how communities navigate challenges and build opportunity through creativity and collaboration.

“Being part of this exchange was incredibly meaningful,” Wafa shared. “Going to Egypt was more than a visit. It was a deep dive into a small business ecosystem driven by resilience, creativity, and necessity.”

Wafa reflected on the people she encountered during her time abroad, emphasizing the human element behind innovation. “What stood out was not just the innovation, but the people behind it—builders who create opportunity where none exists.”

Throughout her exchange, she observed a unique entrepreneurial spirit. “I met founders who are not waiting for systems to work. They are redesigning them in real time. There is an energy in Egypt’s entrepreneurial space that feels raw, collaborative, and deeply human.”

She also highlighted the importance of shared learning and dialogue. “What stayed with me most was not just the businesses, but the conversations—the generosity of ideas, the openness to share, and the belief that growth is something we build together.”

Fall 2025 PFP MENA fellow and entrepreneur, Asmaa Moaz, brought over a decade of experience in program and project management across the tech, social, and nonprofit sectors. Her time in Detroit added a new dimension to her work and vision for impact.

“I’m Asmaa Moaz, and I like to call myself a lucky girl,” she shared. “I am grateful for an experience that went far beyond a typical professional exchange.”

During her fellowship, Asmaa worked closely with Wafa Dinaro and the New Economy Initiative team, participating in key meetings and discussions that deepened her understanding of building intentional and impactful ecosystems.

“I was especially inspired by how NEI supports communities and approaches impact measurement in such a thoughtful way,” Asmaa explained.

She also contributed her own expertise, exploring how artificial intelligence can better support small business owners by making tools more accessible and practical in everyday use. “It was exciting to see how this could connect with community-driven economic development,” she added.

Beyond the professional experience, Asmaa emphasized the personal connections she formed. “What made the experience stand out was the human side of it. Wafa made sure my time in Detroit was rich on every level—encouraging me to explore, connect, and fully experience the city.”

When Wafa later visited Egypt, Asmaa had the opportunity to host her, creating space for continued exchange and mutual learning. “It was just as valuable to see her experience our ecosystem, understand our challenges, and engage in real conversations,” she said.

Reflecting on the program as a whole, Asmaa noted, “At the end of the day, beyond systems and strategy, what stays with me is the people—the openness, the shared curiosity, and the intention to build something that truly matters.”

Global Ties Detroit is proud to support the Professional Fellows Program – Middle East North Africa, fostering meaningful international partnerships through reciprocal exchanges that empower emerging leaders and strengthen global collaboration.

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