Impact Talk redefines success by sharing stories of businesses that balance profit with social and environmental impact, proving that purpose and profit can go hand in hand. We amplify the voices of business leaders and entrepreneurs from the MENA region who are shaping a new wave of business.Hosted by Nadine Zidani—an influential advocate for sustainability, impact entrepreneur, and founder of MENA Impact—Impact Talk inspires a fresh approach to business, where generating profit also benefits people and the planet.
Listen to episodes
33 recent
June 9, 2026Episode 3334 min
#33-The $100M Fund Conversations - Andreea Danila
<p>In this episode of Impact Talk, we sit down with Andreea Danila, founder and general partner at Global Millennial Capital — a research-driven venture capital firm with $100 million in assets under management, investing at the intersection of technology, innovation, and impact.</p><p></p><p></p><p>Together with our host Nadine, they unpack the "Profit With Purpose" methodology Andreea pioneered, why thematic climate investing has ended, and where the next decade of capital is flowing across MENA, Silicon Valley, and emerging markets.</p><p></p><p></p><p>In this episode, you'll learn about:</p><p></p><ul><li>Why "Profit With Purpose" rejects standalone impact</li><li>How Global Millennial Capital uses research-driven analysis instead of sector chasing</li><li>The three principal data problems holding back climate capital deployment</li><li>The three fundamental shifts reshaping climate VC right now</li><li>Why UAE is positioned to become a global hub for AI, compute, and energy management</li></ul><p></p><p>🎧 Listen to Impact Talk on all major podcast platforms.</p><p>📌 Subscribe for more conversations on sustainability and climate in the MENA region.</p>
January 13, 2026Episode 3251 min
#32-Turning Food Waste Into Protein, Fertilizer, and SAF - Dr. Haythem Riahi
<p>Can insects turn food waste into high-value products — and a profitable climate tech business?<br>In this episode of Impact Talk, host Nadine Zidani sits down with Dr. Haitham Al Riahi, Co-Founder of Circa Biotech, to explore how nature-based biotech can transform organic waste into valuable resources — creating both environmental and economic impact.<br>From engineering facilities that raise black soldier flies to processing thousands of tons of pre-consumer food waste, Dr. Haitham shares how Circa Biotech converts waste into three key products: protein for animal feed, organic fertilizer, and a fat byproduct that can be used as feedstock for sustainable aviation fuel (SAF).</p><p>In This Episode, You’ll Learn About:<br> • How Circa Biotech generate value out of food waste<br> • How a business can mimic nature’s recycling system<br> • Why industrial climate tech scaling is different from software<br> • The journey behind creating an entirely new industry category<br> • How to approach fundraising when you’re not SaaS<br> • A practical growth path for sustainability ventures<br> • The role of the UAE in supporting impact startups</p><p>About Our Guest:<br> Dr. Haitham Al Riahi is the Co-Founder of Circa Biotech and a biotechnology and circular economy leader. With a PhD in biotechnology and years of experience across pharma and biotech, he is focused on turning organic waste into valuable resources through nature-based innovation — helping build a thriving circular bio-industry in the UAE.</p>
December 17, 2025Episode 3140 min
#31-How Ejaby Is Redefining Food Waste Through Supply Chain E-Commerce - Menna Shahin & Maxim Haartsen
<p>Can technology transform food waste into impact at scale?<br>In this episode of Impact Talk, host Nadine Zidani sits down with Maxim Harzen and Menna Shahin, co-founders of Ejaby, a next-generation supply chain e-commerce platform reinventing how surplus and slow-moving inventory reaches consumers and businesses.</p><p>From tackling food waste and supply-chain inefficiencies to building a startup as a couple, Maxim and Menna share the real story behind Ejaby — including their journey across Egypt, the UAE, and Saudi Arabia, the role of technology and AI in their model, and how profitability and environmental impact can grow hand in hand.</p><p>In This Episode, You’ll Learn About:<br> • How Ejaby addresses food waste by intervening early in the supply chain<br> • Why supply-chain e-commerce is a new and critical category<br> • The transition from B2C to B2B — and what triggered the shift<br> • How technology and AI enable scale without warehouses or fleets<br> • Lessons learned from launching in Egypt before expanding to the UAE and KSA<br> • Why revenue growth and environmental impact don’t have to be trade-offs<br> • What it’s really like to build and run a startup as a couple</p><p>About Our Guests:<br>Maxim Harzen is the CEO and Co-Founder of Ejaby, bringing deep experience in commercial strategy and supply chains across Europe, Asia, and the GCC.<br>Menna Shahin is the COO and Co-Founder of Ejaby, an award-winning tech and sustainability entrepreneur with a background in AI and a strong commitment to social and environmental impact.</p>
November 5, 2025Episode 301 hr 4 min
#30-Can Venture Capital Save the Climate? Lessons from Africa’s Impact Ecosystem
<p>Can climate tech unlock Africa’s trillion-dollar opportunity?<br>In this episode of Impact Talk, host Nadine Zidani sits down with <strong>Maxime Bayen</strong> — Operating Partner at <strong>Catalyst Fund</strong>, an early-stage venture capital fund — to explore how VC can drive climate adaptation, resilience, and innovation across Africa.<br>From venture building and pre-seed investing to empowering founders tackling climate challenges, Maxime shares a data-driven perspective on the evolving African startup landscape — and the power of patient, blended, and inclusive capital to fuel lasting impact.<br><br>In This Episode, You’ll Learn About:<br>-Why climate adaptation and resilience are Africa’s biggest opportunities<br>-How Catalyst Fund evolved from an accelerator to a leading VC fund<br>-The challenges early-stage founders face — and how to overcome them<br>-What investors should know before entering the climate tech space<br>-The story behind Africa: The Big Deal and key funding trends across the continent<br>-The gender gap in VC funding and how Catalyst Fund is driving change<br><br>About Our Guest:<br><strong>Maxime Bayen</strong> is the Operating Partner at Catalyst Fund, where he leads portfolio support and value creation for over 20 startups across Africa. With years of experience in venture capital, startup building, and data insights through Africa: The Big Deal, Maxime is shaping the future of early-stage climate innovation on the continent.</p>
September 25, 2025Episode 2917 min
#29-10 Lessons Every Impact Founder Needs to Succeed
<ul style="list-style-type:disc;"><li>What does it really take to build a business with impact?<br>After 28 conversations with founders, investors, and changemakers on Impact Talk, I’m sharing the 10 most important lessons I’ve learned about impact entrepreneurship, lessons every founder should know.<br>🔗 Sponsor acknowledgment:This episode is brought to you by the World Green Economy Summit (WGES) — one of the world’s leading forums on the green economy, advancing the future of sustainable development.<br>📅 The next edition takes place in Dubai on 1–2 October 2025.<br> 👉 <a href="https://www.wges.ae/">Register here</a> to join the summit.<br><br>In this special solo episode, I cover:<br>Why storytelling beats pitching.<br>The power of measuring your impact.<br>How to build networks that open doors.<br>Why profit is not a dirty word.<br>When VC money helps — and when it doesn’t.<br>Why awareness comes before adoption.<br>The importance of building a community.<br>Pivoting until it works.<br>Finding your support system.<br>And learning to be misunderstood (and still move forward).<br><br>These are lessons drawn from real conversations with founders across MENA, and from my own journey as the founder of MENA Impact, a certified B Corp dedicated to building the regional impact ecosystem.</li></ul><p>Whether you’re a startup founder, an entrepreneur, or simply someone curious about the future of sustainable business, this episode will give you insights you can apply on your own journey.</p><p> 👉 Founders: join the <a href="https://menaimpact.ae">MENA Impact Community</a> to connect with peers, partners, and investors building the ecosystem for impact.</p>
<p>Can venture capital fuel impact beyond profit?In this episode of Impact Talk, Nadine Zidani sits down with Nader AlBastaki — Managing Director of Dubai Future District Fund (DFDF) — to explore how a government-backed VC is reshaping the region’s innovation ecosystem.From startup founder to corporate banker to public sector strategist, Nader’s journey is anything but linear. Today, he leads DFDF, a unique evergreen fund that blends public and private capital to power high-growth ventures aligned with Dubai’s long-term economic, technological, and social agenda.</p><p></p><p>In This Episode, You’ll Learn About:</p><ul><li>What makes DFDF different from traditional VC funds</li><li>How DFDF bridges the gap between government policy and venture innovation</li><li>The role of patient capital and blended financing in impact innovation</li><li>How success is measured beyond unicorn status</li><li>Nader’s advice for impact-driven entrepreneurs</li></ul><p></p><p>About Our Guest:</p><p><strong>Nader AlBastaki</strong> is the Managing Director of Dubai Future District Fund. With a career spanning entrepreneurship, corporate finance, and government strategy, he brings a rare blend of experience to the venture capital world. At DFDF, Nader champions an ecosystem approach to investing — where economic returns, social outcomes, and policy alignment go hand-in-hand to build a resilient and thriving innovation landscape in the UAE and beyond.</p><p></p><p>Follow Nadine Zidani:</p><p><a href="https://www.instagram.com/nadine.zidani/">Instagram</a> – <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/nadine-zidani/">LinkedIn</a> – <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@nadinezidani1">TikTok</a> – <a href="https://nadinezidani.com/">Website</a></p><p></p><p>Listen to Impact Talk:</p><p><a href="https://podeo.co/play/?type=podcastsid=17613count=5beta=true">Podeo</a> – <a href="https://play.anghami.com/podcast/1041913949">Anghami</a> – <a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/54OWUyAx0DfSQQi8oPPmcT">Spotify</a> – <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/ae/podcast/impact-talk-with-nadine-zidani/id175569744">Apple Podcasts</a></p><p></p><p>Follow Impact Talk:</p><p><a href="https://www.instagram.com/impact.talk/">Instagram</a> – <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/impact-talk-with-nadinezidani/">LinkedIn</a></p>
July 4, 2025Episode 2731 min
#27-Building a Farming Ecosystem in the Heart of Dubai
<p>What if farming could heal the planet — and ourselves? In this episode of Impact Talk, Nadine Zidani sits down with Mohammed Aissaoui, founder of My Farm Dubai, to explore how one small farm in the desert is transforming the future of food, sustainability, and community. From regenerative agriculture and zero-waste farming to teaching school children and empowering urban growers, Mohammed shares the inspiring story behind building My Farm Dubai — an ecosystem rooted in circularity, education, and deep respect for nature.</p><p>What started as a personal passion has grown into a movement, showing that sustainable farming in the desert isn’t just possible — it’s necessary.</p><p>This episode is a must-watch for anyone passionate about climate resilience, food security, and reconnecting with nature in the modern world.</p><p>In This Episode, You’ll Learn About:</p><ul><li>What it takes to build a zero-waste farm in the Dubai desert</li><li>The permaculture principles behind My Farm Dubai</li><li>Why community and education are essential for sustainable impact</li><li>The real health benefits of reconnecting with nature</li><li>How small-scale urban farming can scale for national food security</li><li>Lessons in entrepreneurship, efficiency, and staying grounded<br>About Our Guest:</li></ul><p><strong>Mohamed Aissaoui</strong> is the Founder and CEO of <strong>My Farm Dubai</strong>, and a fifth-generation farmer with a background in engineering. He blends low-tech and new-tech approaches to optimize organic food production while preserving the ecosystem. At My Farm, Mohamed champions circular farming systems as a pathway to food security in the UAE. His farm prioritizes quality, giving time for plants, fruits, and vegetables to grow naturally in forest soil—without disturbing the environment.</p><p>Follow My Farm Dubai:</p><p><a href="https://myfarmdubai.com">Website</a></p><p><a href="https://www.instagram.com/myfarmdubai/">Instagram</a></p><p><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/my-farm-dubai/">LinkedIn</a></p><p>Follow Nadine Zidani:</p><p><a href="https://www.instagram.com/nadine.zidani/">Instagram</a></p><p><a href=" https://www.linkedin.com/in/nadine-zidani/">LinkedIn </a></p><p><a href=" https://www.tiktok.com/@nadinezidani1">TikTok</a></p><p><a href=" https://nadinezidani.com/">Website</a></p><p>Listen to Impact Talk:</p><p><a href="https://play.anghami.com/podcast/1041913949">Anghami</a></p><p><a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/54OWUyAx0DfSQQi8oPPmcT">Spotify</a></p><p><a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/ae/podcast/impact-talk-with-nadine-zidani/id175569744">Apple Podcasts</a></p><p>Follow Impact Talk:</p><p><a href="https://www.instagram.com/impact.talk/">Instagram</a></p><p><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/impact-talk-with-nadinezidani/">LinkedIn</a></p><p><a href="https://menaimpact.ae/newsletter/">Subscribe to our newsletter</a></p>
June 13, 2025Episode 2644 min
#26-Beyond Passion: The Truth About Leading a Climate Tech Startup
<p>In this powerful conversation, Nadine Zidani sits down with Ragy Ramadan, founder of NoorNation — a bold clean energy startup from Egypt on a mission to bring solar power and safe water to underserved communities across Africa. From quitting his full-time job to facing project cancellation just 45 days later, Ragy opens up about the emotional rollercoaster of building a climate tech startup.</p><p>He shares how resilience became a core value at NoorNation, and why real impact requires more than passion — it demands persistence, sacrifice, and truth. We dive into the challenges of being a founder, the pressure of delivering payrolls, and the illusion of fast success in the world of social entrepreneurship. This episode is a raw, honest look at what it takes to bounce back — and keep going.</p><p>In This Episode, You’ll Gain Insights On:</p><ul><li>How NoorNation is transforming access to clean energy in remote rural areas.</li><li>Ragy’s personal journey from corporate life to full-time purpose.</li><li>The funding journey — and why choosing the right investors matters.</li><li>Why innovation should come from within the region.</li><li>The emotional and financial toll of building a startup.</li><li>Advice for aspiring climate and impact entrepreneurs.</li></ul><p>About Our Guest:</p><p><strong>Ragy Ramadan</strong> is the founder of NoorNation, a clean energy venture aiming to empower 1 million people by 2028 through sustainable power and water solutions. With over 12 years of experience, he has trained 600+ professionals across the MENA region and is committed to impact-driven innovation.</p><p>Follow NoorNation:</p><p><a href="https://www.noornation.com/">Website</a></p><p><a href="https://www.instagram.com/noornation/">Instagram</a></p><p>LinkedIn</p><p>Follow Nadine Zidani:</p><p><a href="https://www.instagram.com/nadine.zidani/">Instagram</a></p><p><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/nadine-zidani/">LinkedIn</a></p><p><a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@nadinezidani1">TikTok</a></p><p><a href="https://nadinezidani.com/">Website</a></p><p>🎧 Listen to Impact Talk:</p><p><a href="https://podeo.co/play/?type=podcastsid=17613count=5beta=true">Podeo</a></p><p><a href="https://play.anghami.com/podcast/1041913949">Anghami</a></p><p><a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/54OWUyAx0DfSQQi8oPPmcT">Spotify</a></p><p><a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/ae/podcast/impact-talk-with-nadine-zidani/id175569744">Apple Podcasts</a></p><p><a href="">📢 Follow Impact Talk:</a></p><p><a href="https://www.instagram.com/impact.talk/">Instagram</a></p><p><a href=" https://www.linkedin.com/company/impact-talk-with-nadinezidani/">LinkedIn</a></p><p>📰 <a href="https://menaimpact.ae/newsletter/">Subscribe to our newsletter</a></p>
June 13, 2025Episode 2532 min
#25-Revolutionizing Healthcare Access in the Arab World
<p>Welcome to another episode of Impact Talk!In this inspiring episode, we sit down with Jalil Allabadi, Co-Founder and CEO of Altibbi, the largest digital health platform in the MENA region. What began as a humble Arabic medical dictionary created by his father, has now grown into a revolutionary telehealth company delivering 24/7 doctor access, AI-powered health tools, and vital content to millions.</p><p>Jalil shares his journey of building Altibbi to bridge healthcare access gaps in the Arab world, from empowering patients with knowledge to innovating real-time doctor consultations via mobile—without even needing internet access.</p><p>We also unpack how AI is transforming the way medical information is accessed, the powerful stories of impact from underserved communities, and how Altibbi balances profit and purpose in a region where social entrepreneurship is still evolving.</p><p>In This Episode, You’ll Gain Insights On:</p><ul><li>The origin story of Altibbi and how it evolved from a physical dictionary to a health-tech platform.</li><li>The critical healthcare challenges in the Arab world.</li><li>How Altibbi provides 24/7 access to verified doctors within minutes.</li><li>The power of AI in revolutionizing telehealth and personalized healthcare.</li><li>Real-life impact stories from communities in Gaza, Jordan, and beyond.</li><li>Jalil’s perspective on building a for-profit business with deep social impact.</li><li>Why redefining social entrepreneurship in the MENA region is essential.</li></ul><p>About Our Guest:</p><p>Jalil Allabadi is the co-founder and CEO of Altibbi, the largest digital health platform in the Arab world, providing 24/7 telemedicine, AI-powered health content, and access to certified doctors. A Schwab Foundation fellow and board member of multiple organizations, Jalil is dedicated to democratizing healthcare across the MENA region.</p><p>Follow Altibbi:</p><p><a href="https://www.altibbi.com/">Website</a></p><p><a href="https://www.instagram.com/altibbi/">Instagram</a></p><p><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/altibbi/">LinkedIn</a></p><p>Follow Nadine Zidani:</p><p> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/nadine.zidani/">Instagram</a></p><p><a href=" https://www.linkedin.com/in/nadine-zidani/">LinkedIn</a></p><p><a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@nadinezidani1">TikTok</a></p><p><a href="https://nadinezidani.com/">Website</a></p><p>🎧 Listen to Impact Talk:</p><p> <a href="https://podeo.co/play/?type=podcastsid=17613count=5beta=true">Podeo</a></p><p> <a href="https://play.anghami.com/podcast/1041913949">Anghami</a></p><p> <a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/54OWUyAx0DfSQQi8oPPmcT">Spotify</a></p><p> <a href=" https://podcasts.apple.com/ae/podcast/impact-talk-with-nadine-zidani/id1755697441">Apple Podcasts</a></p><p><a href="https://menaimpact.ae/newsletter/">📰 Subscribe to our newsletter</a></p><p> 📢 Follow Impact Talk:</p><p> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/impact.talk/">Instagram</a></p><p> <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/impact-talk-with-nadinezidani/">LinkedIn</a></p>
March 14, 2025Episode 930 min
#24-The Reality of Social Entrepreneurship in the Middle East
<p>Welcome to another episode of Impact Talk! In this inspiring episode, we sat down with <strong>Nivine Hachem</strong>, Co-Founder and CEO of Paltic, a Lebanon-based pioneering social enterprise tackling plastic waste in the MENA region through sustainable innovation. By transforming discarded plastics into eco-friendly panels, Paltic is reshaping the way we think about waste, design, and circular economies.</p><p>Nivine shares her journey from corporate finance to social entrepreneurship, highlighting the pivotal moments that led her to take the leap. From the challenges of having a sustainability-focused business in Lebanon to Paltic’s expansion to the UAE, she offers deep insights into resilience, impact investing, and the role of aesthetics in sustainable products.</p><p><strong>In this episode, you’ll gain insights on:</strong></p><ul><li>Nivine’s journey from corporate finance to founding a social enterprise with her business partner Hala Al-Naamani.</li><li>How Paltic transforms plastic waste into innovative construction materials with their Eco-Friendly Panels.</li><li>The challenges faced introducing Paltic’s Eco-Friendly panels to the public and the role of awareness in changing consumer mindset</li><li>The importance of aesthetics and design in sustainable products to change consumer perceptions.</li><li>The challenges of having a sustainability-driven business in Lebanon and the shift to the UAE.</li><li>Practical tips to start your social enterprise in the Middle East.</li></ul><p><strong>Want to see the faces behind the voices? You can watch this episode on </strong><a href="https://youtu.be/DQSN0qwDqAw"><strong>YouTube.</strong></a></p><p><strong>About Our Guest:</strong></p><p>Nivine Hachem, Co-Founder and CEO of Paltic, a Lebanon-based social enterprise tackling plastic waste in the MENA region through sustainable innovation. Nivine began her professional journey in auditing and financial planning at global firms before her transition into social entrepreneurship, where she now drives environmental impact through innovative solutions.Recently recognized as the Most Innovative Climate Tech CEO of 2024, Nivine is a true advocate for sustainability. Through education, advocacy, and impactful business solutions, she’s inspiring a shift towards a more sustainable future.</p><p><strong>Follow Paltic:</strong></p><ul><li><a href="https://palticstudio.com/">Website</a></li><li><a href="https://www.instagram.com/palticstudio/">Instagram</a></li><li><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/paltic/">LinkedIn</a></li></ul><p><strong>Follow Nadine Zidani:</strong></p><ul><li><a href="https://www.instagram.com/nadine.zidani/?hl=en">Instagram</a><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/nadine-zidani/">, LinkedIn</a>, <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@nadinezidani1">TikTok </a></li><li><a href="https://menaimpact.ae/">MENA Impact Website</a></li></ul><p>Don't forget to follow Impact Talk on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/impact.talk/">Instagram</a><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/impact-talk-with-nadinezidani/?viewAsMember=true">, LinkedIn</a> and subscribe on <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCf-wSPHhV6LtGt93rvnWANg">YouTube </a>for the latest updates. Subscribe to our <a href="https://menaimpact.ae/newsletter/">newsletter</a> to stay informed about upcoming episodes.If you enjoyed this episode, we’d love it if you’d leave a review and share it with your community.</p><p></p>
Is this your show?
Claim this listing to keep it up to date, reach guests who want to pitch you, and manage bookings with Guestify.
