Since its establishment in 2006, Tamkeen has stood as the symbol of economic empowerment in Bahrain, contributing to the Kingdom’s growth by upskilling local talent and supporting businesses. Led by its visionary CE, Her Excellency Ms. Maha Mofeez, Tamkeen continues to drive initiatives that ensure the private sector thrives as the backbone of Bahrain’s economy, adapting to global and local economic shifts with a forward-thinking approach. She shares her thoughts with Woman This Month.
“Our mission has always been to empower Bahraini talent and enable the private sector to be the key economic driver in the Kingdom,” says Ms. Mofeez. Tamkeen’s programmes are designed to help individuals and enterprises reach their highest potential. This involves a meticulous process of tailoring initiatives based on market feedback, industry insights and robust data analytics to remain relevant in an ever-changing world.
Adapting to a Digital Future
In a global economy where technology is transforming industries at an unprecedented pace, Tamkeen has made tech sector development a top priority. “Technology is transforming economies worldwide,” Ms. Mofeez asserts. “We have focused on enabling enterprises to adopt innovative technologies and digitally transform, while also reskilling and upskilling Bahrainis in high-demand tech specialisations.”
Tamkeen’s initiatives in this domain include supporting tech-focused training programmes and fostering a pool of professionals capable of leading digital transformation. This dual approach not only enhances the competitiveness of Bahraini businesses but also ensures that the Kingdom has a robust talent pipeline equipped for the demands of the future.
Complementing this strategy is Skills Bahrain, an initiative established to bridge the skills gap in the labour market. “Skills Bahrain works closely with employers, education providers and government stakeholders to ensure our workforce transitions seamlessly from education to employment,” says Ms. Mofeez. To date, nine sector-specific skills reports have been published, offering critical insights into the evolving needs of Bahrain’s economy.
Data-Driven Decision Making
Tamkeen’s commitment to impactful and measurable outcomes is evident in its reliance on data. “Our data analytics department continuously measures the outcomes of our support, enhancing our ability to track market impact and make informed decisions,” Ms. Mofeez explains. This approach ensures that resources are utilised efficiently and that the organisation remains agile in responding to the needs of Bahrain’s economy.
Since its inception, Tamkeen has supported more than 188,000 individuals and 82,000 enterprises, investing BD2.4 billion to bolster the Kingdom’s economic resilience. This extensive reach underlines Tamkeen’s integral role in shaping Bahrain’s economic landscape, particularly through empowering women and Bahrain’s workforce.
Empowering Bahraini Women
Aligned with Bahrain’s vision under the leadership of HM King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, and Her Royal Highness Princess Sabeeka bint Ibrahim Al Khalifa, the Consort of His Majesty the King and President of the Supreme Council for Women (SCW), empowering Bahraini women has been a cornerstone of Tamkeen’s strategy. The Labour Fund has consistently championed initiatives aimed at integrating women into the labour market, enhancing their skills and supporting their entrepreneurial ambitions.
“Empowering Bahraini women has always been a priority for us,” Ms. Mofeez states. Since 2006, Tamkeen has trained over 92,600 women, supported more than 15,800 female-led enterprises, and enabled the establishment of 7,100 startups. These achievements reflect Tamkeen’s dedication to fostering gender inclusivity in the workforce.
One of Tamkeen’s standout initiatives is the Riyadat Programme, developed in partnership with the Bahrain Development Bank. This programme addresses one of the most significant challenges faced by female entrepreneurs: access to funding. “The initiative provides subsidised loans to help women launch and grow their businesses,” says Ms. Mofeez. This has been instrumental in increasing the number of women-led enterprises in Bahrain, paving the way for their active participation in the economy.
Ms. Mofeez celebrates the success of Bahraini women, noting their contributions to the Kingdom’s progress. “Today, Bahraini women are board members, CEOs, business owners and executive leaders. Their remarkable capabilities are integral to national economic development,” she says proudly.
A Vision for Sustainable Growth
Tamkeen’s efforts extend beyond immediate economic benefits to ensuring long-term sustainability for Bahrain’s workforce and businesses. Collaborations with key public and private stakeholders enable the organisation to continuously evolve its programmes, ensuring alignment with Bahrain’s economic goals.
From supporting digital transformation to empowering women, Tamkeen has cemented its role as a key enabler of economic progress in Bahrain. “Our journey is ongoing, and we remain committed to creating opportunities that drive sustainable growth and prosperity for all,” Ms. Mofeez affirms.
