Ms. Safae Hadri, a master’s student in management sciences at the Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières (UQTR), is at the forefront of a critical initiative aimed at fostering economic empowerment and gender equality. Her research, undertaken as part of the Canadian International Development Scholarships 2030 (BCDI 2030) program, focuses on "Promoting Women’s Entrepreneurship: A Source of Collective Wealth." This ambitious project seeks to dismantle barriers and enhance the entrepreneurial landscape for women in Morocco and Madagascar, thereby improving their opportunities and overall employability. Ms. Hadri commenced her master’s studies in Canada in August 2025, marking a significant step in her academic and professional journey.
The Genesis of a Passion: From Journalism to Entrepreneurial Support
Ms. Hadri’s academic and professional trajectory reveals a deep-seated fascination with the intricate dynamics of the business world and a consistent desire to contribute to its growth. Her early studies in journalism and communication in Morocco provided a foundational understanding of societal narratives and public discourse. This was later complemented by a bachelor’s degree in economics and management sciences, which equipped her with the analytical tools necessary to dissect economic systems. Her experience as a business journalist further honed her ability to identify and articulate complex entrepreneurial challenges and successes.
"From the very beginning of my career, I have been fascinated by the dynamics that shape the business world, and I have always wanted to contribute—at my own level—to its development," Ms. Hadri shared. "From my studies in journalism and communication in Morocco to my bachelor’s degree in economics and management sciences, and later my experience as a business journalist, each step has deepened my understanding of entrepreneurial issues."
This immersive experience in the business ecosystem naturally steered her attention towards the vital, yet often overlooked, role of women entrepreneurs. Ms. Hadri articulates a profound understanding of entrepreneurship’s economic significance: "Entrepreneurship is one of the essential pillars of the economy: it creates value, generates employment, and drives development." It was this conviction that propelled her to enroll in the master’s program in entrepreneurial support at UQTR. She recognized the unique value proposition of the Canadian academic system, its emphasis on knowledge transfer, robust support structures, and the richness of its research environment, as perfectly aligning with her personal and professional aspirations.
The BCDI 2030 Program: Cultivating African Talent
The Canadian International Development Scholarships 2030 (BCDI 2030) program, under which Ms. Hadri’s project falls, represents a significant Canadian commitment to fostering sustainable development and capacity building in partner countries. Launched to align with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 5 (Gender Equality) and SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), the program aims to equip emerging leaders from Africa with advanced academic training in Canada. This initiative is designed to facilitate the transfer of knowledge and skills back to their home countries, thereby contributing to local economic development and institutional strengthening.
The program typically supports students pursuing master’s and doctoral degrees in fields critical to sustainable development, including public policy, environmental science, health, and, as in Ms. Hadri’s case, entrepreneurship and economic development. The scholarships cover tuition fees, living expenses, and travel, ensuring that financial constraints do not impede promising individuals from accessing world-class education. The BCDI 2030 program’s strategic focus on countries like Morocco and Madagascar underscores Canada’s dedication to supporting regions with significant potential for growth, where targeted interventions can yield substantial impact.
Addressing Systemic Barriers: Ms. Hadri’s Research Focus
Upon her arrival in Canada, Ms. Hadri found a supportive environment within UQTR and the BCDI 2030 program. This support has been instrumental in her pursuit of her research objectives. Her work is deeply influenced by her observations of the substantial impact women have in the business world, irrespective of their positions. Whether leading major corporations or steering executive functions, women are driving significant projects across continents. However, Ms. Hadri keenly observes the pervasive challenges they encounter.
"Whether they are CEOs of major companies or executive directors, their impact is significant, and they lead essential projects both across the continent and internationally—despite the many challenges they face," she stated. "Too often, their innovative ideas encounter barriers that prevent them from being fully realized, leaving many projects on the drawing board!"
This stark reality formed the bedrock of her research focus: utilizing entrepreneurial support as a strategic lever to help women overcome systemic inequalities and persistent glass ceilings. Her current research is dedicated to the development of tangible and effective tools designed to transform nascent ideas into viable, thriving businesses. The urgency of this work is underscored by the unfortunate fact that many promising initiatives falter before completion, despite their potential to inject vitality into economies.
Developing Practical Tools for Empowerment
Ms. Hadri’s ambition extends beyond theoretical exploration; she is committed to creating practical instruments that will directly benefit women entrepreneurs. "The tools I am currently developing will allow me to effectively support these women entrepreneurs by drawing on the best practices I have acquired throughout my academic career in Canada," she explained. Her objective is to bridge the gap between innovative concepts and successful implementation, a critical juncture where many aspiring entrepreneurs falter.
A key component of her research involves a comparative study of female entrepreneurship in Quebec, Canada, and Morocco. This approach allows for the identification of best practices and potential transferability of successful models. Her privileged access to both ecosystems, facilitated by her current position and the BCDI 2030 program, provides her with invaluable insights into the dynamics shaping women’s entrepreneurial journeys.
"At the end of my research, I hope to make recommendations based on my comparative study of female entrepreneurship in Quebec and Morocco," Ms. Hadri outlined. "I am fortunate to already be involved in this ecosystem and to have privileged access to these women and the dynamics that shape their work. My position will allow me to transfer knowledge from one model to another. Through this exchange of knowledge and experience, I aim to make a concrete contribution to the success of these women and the advancement of their initiatives." This cross-cultural analysis is crucial for understanding how different socio-economic and regulatory environments impact women’s entrepreneurship and for developing contextually relevant solutions.
Contributing to Policy and Research Beyond the Master’s
Ms. Hadri’s vision for impact extends far beyond the completion of her master’s degree. She aspires to actively contribute to policy-making, offering guidance and support informed by her extensive research and practical application. "At the end of my research, I hope to actively contribute to decision-making, to advise, guide, and support others drawing on the knowledge I have gained," she stated. "I want to help and to transform the entrepreneurial projects led by these women into concrete and sustainable initiatives by combining research with practical application."
Furthermore, Ms. Hadri is committed to advancing the academic discourse on women’s entrepreneurship. She plans to continue her work, potentially pursuing a doctorate, and to contribute to scientific publications. She highlights a critical gap in current research: "The women entrepreneurship field still lacks substantial data and in-depth studies that would allow many projects to reach their full potential. Contributing to this research effort is, and will remain, a way for me to make a lasting impact." This commitment to generating and disseminating knowledge is vital for the long-term growth and sustainability of women-led businesses globally.
The Transformative Power of International Education
Ms. Hadri passionately advocates for the BCDI 2030 scholarship opportunity, emphasizing its profound personal and professional impact. She views it not merely as an academic pursuit but as a life-altering experience. "I would strongly encourage future scholarship recipients to seize this opportunity, as it is not only enriching but also meaningful on every level," she urged. "Without this initiative, I would not have been able to acquire the tools and experience necessary to contribute to the development of the entrepreneurial sector."
Her personal transformation is palpable: "I am no longer the woman I was a year and a half ago, and I will not be the same in a few months when I return home and complete this journey. This experience transforms, broadens perspectives, and provides a deeper structure to the way we contribute to development and to economic collaboration between Canada and Africa." She also notes the universal nature of entrepreneurial challenges and aspirations, observing that "despite our differences, our challenges are not so far apart. Our goals are the same: to strengthen our entrepreneurial and economic sectors, and to contribute to the development of our countries." This shared pursuit of economic prosperity and innovation fosters a sense of global solidarity.
A Network of Support and Future Outlook
Ms. Hadri acknowledges the crucial role of her support network at UQTR. She specifically expressed gratitude to her master’s supervisor, Ms. Diane Gagné, and the dedicated team at the International Office, whose guidance and encouragement have been invaluable. This testament highlights the importance of institutional support in facilitating the success of international students and the effective implementation of programs like BCDI 2030.
The BCDI 2030 program, through initiatives like Ms. Hadri’s, reinforces its commitment to empowering young Africans, particularly women, in the critical fields of entrepreneurship and business development. The program’s strategic emphasis on skills transfer and knowledge sharing is recognized as a fundamental driver of international economic development. By investing in individuals like Ms. Hadri, Canada is not only fostering academic excellence but also cultivating future leaders who will contribute significantly to the economic and social advancement of their nations and strengthen global partnerships. The overarching message is clear: education and training are potent catalysts for positive change, fostering innovation and driving sustainable growth across borders.
Broader Implications and the Future of Women’s Entrepreneurship
Ms. Hadri’s work resonates within a larger global context where women entrepreneurs are increasingly recognized as a vital engine for economic growth. Studies consistently show that supporting women entrepreneurs can lead to significant economic returns. For example, research by organizations like the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund has highlighted that closing the gender gap in entrepreneurship could lead to substantial increases in global GDP. In many developing economies, women often face greater challenges in accessing finance, networks, and markets compared to their male counterparts. Initiatives like BCDI 2030 and Ms. Hadri’s research are therefore crucial for addressing these disparities.
The implications of Ms. Hadri’s research are far-reaching. By developing practical tools and advocating for evidence-based policy recommendations, she aims to create a more equitable and dynamic entrepreneurial landscape. Her comparative study between Quebec and Morocco is particularly significant, offering insights into how different cultural and economic contexts can be navigated by women entrepreneurs. This comparative approach can inform policy interventions in both regions and beyond, fostering a more nuanced understanding of the challenges and opportunities in women’s entrepreneurship.
The emphasis on knowledge transfer and the potential for future doctoral research suggest a long-term commitment to advancing the field. As Ms. Hadri noted, the scarcity of robust data and in-depth studies remains a significant hurdle. Her dedication to filling this knowledge gap underscores the critical role of academic research in informing practical interventions and policy decisions. Ultimately, her work embodies the transformative potential of international collaboration in education and development, aiming to unlock the full economic potential of women entrepreneurs and contribute to collective wealth creation.
