ANIMA Mediterranean Leaders Awards
Celebrating Visionary Leaders Shaping a Stronger Mediterranean
by ANIMA Investment Network
Marseille (2024), Tunis (2025), Athens (2026)
honored across all 3 ceremonies
of ANIMA building Euro-Mediterranean cooperation
A Tribute Born from the Mediterranean
Established in 2024 by the ANIMA Investment Network, the Mediterranean Leaders Awards were created to honor those who shape the future of our region. The award recognizes individuals whose visionary leadership and concrete actions elevate the excellence and global influence of Mediterranean countries and who, through their commitment, embody the values of dialogue, rapprochement, and cross-border cooperation.
More than a distinction, this initiative reflects the core mission of ANIMA: to position the Mediterranean as a competitive, attractive, and sustainable destination for investment and business. By bringing together economic actors from Europe, the Middle East, and Africa, ANIMA champions a shared economic space where innovation, sustainable development, and regional integration lay the groundwork for lasting prosperity.
Countries of the Awardees
Greece
France
Lebanon
Tunisia
Malta
Project’s objectives
The Mediterranean Leaders Awards recognize and celebrate the individuals whose leadership, vision, and commitment actively strengthen dialogue, cooperation, and prosperity across the Mediterranean region.
Recognize Excellence
Identify and honor individuals whose leadership and concrete actions elevate the influence and reputation of Mediterranean countries on the global stage.
Inspire a Community
Shine a light on role models whose journeys and commitments motivate economic, diplomatic, and civic actors across the region to aim higher and lead by example.
Foster Dialogue & Rapprochement
Celebrate those who build bridges between the diverse nations of the Mediterranean, turning differences into strengths and promoting a culture of trust and mutual understanding.
Strengthen Regional Partnerships
Reinforce ANIMA’s mission by creating a shared sense of purpose among European, Middle Eastern, and African actors, driving sustainable cooperation and long-term prosperity across the basin.
Mediterranean Leaders Awardees
Mr. Philippe Yvergniaux – Former director of Invest and International Cooperation at Business France – 2024
For his unwavering leadership and commitment to sharing expertise to advance partner countries as Director of Cooperation at Business France.
Mrs. Philo Meli – Former Ambassador of Malta to Algeria – 2024
For her heartfelt dedication to bringing Euro-Mediterranean countries closer together, leading to her appointment as Malta’s ambassador to Algeria.
Mrs Lilia Hachem Naas – Senior Expert in International Trade and Sustainable Development – 2024
Former Director at UNECA North Africa Office, and former Chief for MENA Office at ITC, she is recognized for her pivotal role in driving economic integration in the Mediterranean region and Africa, empowering women entrepreneurs through use of e-commerce platforms, and enhancing SMEs competitiveness and growth linking with international markets
Mr. Karim Beguir – CEO and co-founder of InstaDeep – 2025
His award was presented by Mr. Georges Catinis, SEBC.
As CEO and co-founder of InstaDeep, Karim Beguir has been a driving force in advancing artificial intelligence and deep learning across the Mediterranean region, fostering technological innovation and empowering local talent to compete on the global stage
Mr. Mehdi Houas – CEO and founder of Talan – 2025
He received his award from Ms. Cécile Couprie, AFD.
As CEO and founder of Talan, Mehdi Houas has played a pivotal role in driving digital transformation and consulting excellence across the Mediterranean, building bridges between innovation ecosystems on both shores of the region and creating sustainable economic opportunities for local communities.
Mr. Badreddine Ouali – Chairman of the Supervisory Board of Vermeg – 2025
His award was presented by Ms. Sonia Fernandez, Amec.
As Chairman of the Supervisory Board of Vermeg, Mr. Badreddine Ouali has been instrumental in shaping the financial technology landscape across the Mediterranean, driving the development of cutting-edge software solutions for the banking and insurance sectors and reinforcing the region’s position as a hub for fintech innovation.
H.E. Anne Guéguen – Ambassador of France to Tunisia – 2025
As Ambassador of France to Tunisia, H.E. Anne Guéguen has played a significant role in reinforcing Franco-Tunisian ties, fostering diplomatic dialogue and strengthening bilateral cooperation across the Mediterranean. Her distinction was officially awarded and presented by Mr. Jalel Tebib, FIPA Tunisia.
Mr. Maroun N. Chammas – CEO, Berytech and Vice Chairman & General Manager, MEDCO – 2026
As CEO of Berytech and Vice Chairman & General Manager of MEDCO, Maroun N. Chammas has demonstrated remarkable resilience, professionalism, and dedication, leading his team through Lebanon’s most challenging times and standing as a true pillar of entrepreneurship and innovation in the Mediterranean region.”
Mr. Constantin Tsakas – Chief Economist, Plan Bleu – 2026
As Chief Economist at Plan Bleu, Dr. Constantin Tsakas has played a central role in shaping the economic foundations of the Mediterranean Strategy for Sustainable Development (MSSD). In this capacity, he operates at the interface between research and policy, leading pioneering research while advising and building capacity among 21 governments on sustainable finance instruments and the reform of environmentally harmful subsidies.
In his previous leadership roles at the World Bank’s Centre for Mediterranean Integration (CMI) and at FEMISE, he contributed to advancing sustainable development, inclusive growth, and the integration of global value chains across the Mediterranean region. This trajectory reflects a sustained commitment to strengthening cooperation and delivering concrete, policy-relevant solutions across the Mediterranean that speak to a wide range of stakeholders, including governments, international partners, and the private sector—bridging research and action in support of a more inclusive and sustainable regional future.
Dimitris Skalkos – Secretary General for International Economic Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Chairman of the Board, Enterprise Greece – 2026
Represented by Vasso Kyrkou, Enterprise Greece.
As Secretary General for International Economic Affairs of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Chairman of Enterprise Greece, Dimitris Skalkos has been instrumental in advancing Greece’s economic diplomacy and strengthening its international business partnerships. His work combines strategic vision with practical action, helping to connect investors, companies and institutions across the Mediterranean and to position Greece as an active, reliable and outward-looking partner in the region.
Stay tuned
Explore the next awardees! In Cyprus in June!
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Emmanuel NOUTARY
General Delegate
Virginie RUYER
Communication Manager
Souriko VANNAXAY
Web & Digital Communication Manager
Maïté DEBRUE
Communication & Graphic Designer
For more than 10 years now, ANIMA and Berytech have worked together across different initiatives, across the Mediterranean region, but more importantly around a shared vision, one that believes in long-term ecosystem building, in collaboration across borders, in building bridges, and in connecting people, institutions, and opportunities
Chairman & CEO
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