Aden Hosts the First Angel Investment Forum in Yemen 2025
The first Angel Investment Forum in Yemen 2025 kicked off in the city of Aden, organized by Deep Root Company in collaboration with the “Ruwad” Foundation as part of the “Wathba” program funded by the European Union, under the slogan: “Enhancing the Entrepreneurial Environment and Empowering the Growth of Startups through Angel Investment.”
The forum, the first of its kind in the country, brought together investors, entrepreneurs, and local and international experts to discuss early-stage funding opportunities and the challenges facing startups—a step described as a turning point for Yemen’s investment environment.
Minister of Industry and Trade, Mohammed Al-Ashwal, emphasized the importance of holding the forum amid the current economic conditions, highlighting the government’s commitment to empowering entrepreneurs and supporting investment initiatives. He also announced the establishment of a dedicated unit within the ministry to support entrepreneurs, praising the generous support provided by the European Union for entrepreneurial projects in Yemen.
European Union Ambassador Patrick Simone reaffirmed the EU’s commitment to supporting developmental initiatives that strengthen the economy and accelerate inclusive growth, noting existing partnerships with the Yemeni private sector, including the Social Innovation Lab in collaboration with the Hail Saeed Anam Group.
The forum featured specialized presentations on angel investment, including a presentation by Jordan’s Beyond Capital company on the differences between angel investment and venture capital, in addition to discussion sessions with investors and founders sharing practical experiences in early-stage startup funding.
Shawqi Ahmed Hail, in a contribution, called for funding highly sensitive small projects during times of crisis, highlighting the experience of Al-Tadhamon Bank in supporting innovative youth and funding entrepreneurial events in several governorates.
The “Wathba” project director, Ahmed Nour Al-Din, concluded the event with a speech explaining the mechanisms for joining angel investor networks in Yemen, affirming that the forum marks a real beginning for building an investment network that meets the ambitions of youth and reshapes the investment environment in the country.
The event was held yesterday, September 22, 2025, at the Crowne Resort Hall.