Essma Ben Hamida, co-founder and executive director of enda inte- arabe (Tunisia), was recognized as a leading social innovator during a plenary session at the World Economic Forum on the Middle East and North Africa, on October 26th. Enda inter-arabe was co-founded by Essma Ben Hamida and her husband, Michael Cracknell, in 1990. Today it is the first and only best-practice microfinance institution in Tunisia with a staff of 750 across 60 branches. Enda serves 140,000 active clients with a US$ 48 million loan portfolio and a repayment rate above 99 percent.

The award was presented by The Schwab Foundation, which  works with media and corporate partners to select the most accomplished social entrepreneurs every year. A jury then elects “The Social Entrepreneur of the Year.”  The criteria include innovation, sustainability and social impact.

Related Link: http://www.weforum.org/en/media/Latest%20News%20Releases/NR_MENA10_SE_Aw...