TAFISA Member Wins "Social Innovation Award" at Davos World Economic Forum

DAVOS, Switzerland, 17 January – On the sidelines of the World Economic Forum’s Annual Meeting 2024,  which is being held from January 15 to 19 in Davos around the theme of "Rebuilding Trust", the Schwab Foundation, in partnership with the World Economic Forum, announced Amine Zariat, President of Tibu Africa, as one of the winners of the 2024 Social Innovation Awards.

Every year, the Schwab Foundation for Social Entrepreneurship identifies some of the most inspiring social innovators from across the world who are dedicated to addressing pressing global challenges. This award, awarded at a prestigious ceremony held on January 17, 2024, in Davos, recognizes Amine Zariat's remarkable efforts in the field of social inclusion through sport in Morocco and Africa.
This international recognition underscores the significant impact of his work on the continent. Tibu Africa, under the leadership of Amine Zariat, has established an integrated model of social and economic development based on sport, aligned with Morocco's ambition to build an inclusive "Social State". This model is now being replicated in several African countries.

Founded in 2011, Tibu Africa has established itself as a pioneering social laboratory, deploying sport-based social innovations. Its programs aim to provide educational and leadership opportunities for young people, especially in disadvantaged areas, thereby contributing to the emancipation and empowerment of youth and women.
Upon receiving the award, Amine Zariat expressed his pride: “To be recognized as the only Sports Social Entrepreneur in Africa among the winners is a huge honour. This is a testament to Africa’s strength and potential in creating innovative solutions for social social development”. Our work at Tibu Africa is not limited to teaching sport, but extends to instilling the values of leadership, resilience and collaboration, which are essential for the future of our continent. Our model, after proving its effectiveness in Morocco, is now deployed in 5 African countries."

As a leading organization in the education and integration of young people through sport in Morocco and Africa with a wide national coverage in more than 35 cities in the 12 regions of the kingdom and 5 African capitals, serving more than 250,000 beneficiaries, Tibu Africa is committed to contributing to the achievement of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the United Nations and sees them as an opportunity to position sport as a powerful tool for designing innovative solutions to the complexity of the challenges of the 21st century. 

The Social Innovation Award 2024 highlights outstanding leaders who have developed and implemented innovative solutions to pressing social problems, particularly focusing on social and environmental change models and initiatives that prioritize vulnerable, excluded, or marginalized populations, along with the protection of their natural ecosystems.
The recognition of Amine Zariat's commitment by the Schwab Foundation and the World Economic Forum confirms the growing importance of social innovation towards building a more sustainable and inclusive future.

About Tibu Africa:
Tibu Africa is an innovative Moroccan NGO that uses sport as a lever for social inclusion, education and empowerment of youth and women. Since its inception, it has been committed to positively transforming the lives of thousands of people in Africa through integrated sports and education programs, with a focus on the development of essential life skills. Tibu Africa is a TAFISA Member. For more information: www.tibu.ma 

Amine Zariat's Bio-Express:
Amine Zariat is a former professional basketball player and a visionary social entrepreneur. As the founder of Tibu Africa and Ashoka Fellow, he has demonstrated an exceptional passion and commitment to the development of Africa's youth. His career exemplifies an inspiring journey of leadership and innovation in the field of social inclusion through sport.

About the Schwab Foundation for Social Entrepreneurship and the Schwab Foundation Social Innovation Awards.
The Schwab Foundation for Social Entrepreneurship, a sister organization of the World Economic Forum, is a leading global community of pioneering social innovators driving systemic change. Every year, it identifies some of the most inspiring social innovators from across the world through its Social Innovation Awards.
The 2024 Schwab Foundation Social Innovation Awards recognize 16 outstanding organizations making a profound difference in the lives of millions worldwide. This year's awardees include initiatives focused on empowering Indigenous peoples in the Amazon, promoting youth development through sports in Morocco, fostering a culture of peace through youth leadership in Colombia, and using technology to provide legal services to citizens in Uganda.

About the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting 2024
The World Economic Forum Annual Meeting 2024, taking place on 15-19 January in Davos-Klosters, Switzerland, convenes the world's foremost leaders under the theme "Rebuilding Trust." For further information, click here