Beyond Extractivism: Toward a Feminist and Just Economic Transition in Morocco and Egypt

The extractive economic model, deeply entrenched in neocolonial practices, continues to drive resource depletion, environmental degradation, and economic inequality in the Global South. Transnational corporations, often with the support of international financial institutions and governments from the Global North, extract wealth from resource-rich regions while local communities bear the social, economic, and ecological costs. This model disproportionately affects marginalized groups, particularly women, Indigenous peoples, and rural communities, exacerbating existing inequalities and undermining their rights to land, water, and livelihoods.

At the same time, feminist and grassroots movements across the Global South are developing alternatives rooted in economic justice, sustainability, and collective well-being. These initiatives challenge the dominant logic of endless growth and resource extraction, advocating instead for sufficiency-based economies, care-centered models, and local ownership of resources.

This webinar marked the launch of a critical report by MENAFem, in cooperation with Greenpeace MENA, analyzing extractive investments in Egypt and Morocco, their impact on communities, and the pathways towards a feminist just wellbeing economy.

The webinar was moderated by Shereen Talaat, Director of MENA Fem Movement for Economic, Development, and Ecological Justice. It featured a presentation of key highlights from the report by Farah Galal – MENAFem, as well as a series of interventions from Shady Khalil – Oil Change International, Faith Lumonya – Akina Mama Wa Afrika, Melania Chiponda – Shine Collab, and Hanan Keskes – Greenpeace MENA.