Salwa Smaoui

Hello, my name is Salwa Smaoui,

Welcome to a Vision of Unity and Enlightenment

Join me, on a heartfelt journey towards a world brimming with inspiration and inclusivity. Imagine a place where the pursuit of knowledge isn’t just a path but a passionate way of life – where every soul is empowered to reach beyond the stars.

Our Shared Dream

I envision a global community, a sanctuary where safety and acceptance are the cornerstones of society. Here, knowledge – 'le Savoir' – is the golden key that unlocks the potential of nations, fostering kindness and tolerance among the benevolent people.

A Campus Without Borders

Picture our countries as boundless campuses under the vast sky, a universal vault where learning knows no limits. This sky is our library, rich with books, classes, tales, and paragons of success. It's a place where art dances with math, technology shakes hands with civics, and music harmonizes with nature, all orchestrated by the grandest symphony of love.

The Pursuit of Happiness

The true north of our mission is the happiness of humanity – a quest to discover oneself and create a meaningful impact. It's about igniting that inner spark, that sense of purpose that guides you to who you truly are. On this platform, we extend hands, share wisdom, and nurture hearts, building a community that thrives on mutual support and care.

Inclusive Progress

The world as we know it has been shaped by a few, but it's time for every culture, every voice, to be heard. Relevance is the bridge that connects us, the thread that weaves our stories into the tapestry of human experience. I am inspired by the profound wisdom of 'اطلب العلم من المهد الى اللحد' – 'Seek knowledge from the cradle to the grave.'

BAOBAB: A Symbol of Resilience and Growth

In the spirit of the Baobab, the tree that thrives in the harshest conditions and grows to become a pillar of life, I invite you to plant your roots in our mission. Together, let's grow a forest of knowledge, resilience, and unity. This is more than a mission; it's a promise to each other and to the future. A promise of a world where every individual can flourish, where every dream has the space to soar, and where together, we redefine the possible.

My experience

With over 25 years of experience, Salwa Smaoui stands as a luminary in digital transformation, her journey marked by pivotal roles at global powerhouses like Microsoft, where she drove unprecedented business growth and spearheaded digital strategies across 79 countries. At the forefront of innovation at Injazat Middle East, she’s crafting a digital blueprint for the UAE’s future. Her expertise extends across US, Europe, Middle East and Africa, where her adept negotiation skills have forged key business deals and her commitment to cultural sensitivity has built influential C-level relationships. Beyond the boardroom, Salwa champions women’s advancement in tech and fervently supports education and entrepreneurship as foundations for smarter nations.

Founder & CEO of Baobab & Innovatics Middle East

SEPTEMBER 2023 - PRESENT

Chief Commercial and Marketing Officer

(2021 - 2023, by Core 42 a G42 group company)

Revitalized Injazat ME's market strategy and brand, significantly boosting market share and revenue through strategic deals and team empowerment.

Government and Smart City Business Leader

(Jan 2016 - Dec 2020, Microsoft - Middle East and Africa):

Drove digital transformation in MEA, achieving strong revenue growth through government deals and smart city strategies, adapting swiftly to COVID-19 challenges.

Windows Client and Devices Business Group Leader

(Nov 2013 – Jan 2016, Microsoft - Western EU):

Managed over $1Bn revenue in Windows and Devices business, leading successful product launches and tripling commercial surface business revenue.

General Manager of Advertising & Online

(Nov 2013 – Jan 2016, Microsoft - MEA)

Led Microsoft's advertising sector in MEA, driving revenue growth and market share through innovative business models and strong sales practices. Working on the digital advertising of the top fortune 500 companies

CEO

(Jan 2006 - Jun 2011, Microsoft - Tunisia)

Empowering startups guided Microsoft Tunisia to unprecedented growth through strategic partnerships, product launches, and team leadership.

Regional General Manager

(Mar 2004 - Jan 2006, Noor - Tunisia, partnership with telecom Operators across North Africa)

Launched mobile and web services, including a pioneering private cloud data center, driving significant content downloads and media partnerships.

VP Marketing and Business Development

(Dec 2000 - Mar 2003, Alcatel - Tunisia)

Developed and executed Alcatel's marketing strategy, leading to the successful launch of Tunisia's first GSM network and a robust distribution network.

Chief Technology Officer

(Sept 1992 - Nov 1999, Canal+ Africa)

Implemented Canal+ France's information system in Africa, establishing innovative online banking subscriptions and enhancing customer management systems.

A prominent ambassador for women empowerment in the workplace by leading the Middle East and Africa Women@Microsoft Initiative.

Member of Women in AI Association.

Member of the global board of Education For Employment (EFE) Foundation

Leads the NGO Tari9i that she founded in 2011 after the Tunisian revolution to help young entrepreneurs and startups.

Let your dreams be as boundless as the stars; for as vast as your dreams grow, so too does the earth beneath your feet – على قدر حلمك تتسع الأرض- . There are no limits to where your dreams can take you.”

- Salwa Smaoui

Tailored Services for a Digital Age

Salwa’s suite of services is meticulously crafted to meet the demands of a rapidly evolving world:

AI National Plans:

Crafting the blueprint for a nation’s future, Salwa’s strategic vision lays the foundation for integrating Artificial Intelligence into the fabric of society, driving growth and innovation at a national scale.

GTM Advisory:

Salwa’s expertise in Go-To-Market strategies ensures that your products and services don’t just enter the market but make a lasting impact.

Organization Transformation:

Guiding entities through the metamorphosis of digital change, Salwa ensures that organizations not only adapt but thrive amidst the tides of technological advancement and market shifts.

Startups Mentoring and Scaling:

Nurturing the seeds of tomorrow, Salwa provides the mentorship and guidance startups need to scale, succeed, and sustain.

Sales and Operations Excellence Advisory:

With a hands-on approach, Salwa elevates sales and operations to new heights, propelling them from mere functions to the pinnacles of excellence, making superior performance an everyday standard.

Leadership Coaching:

Transformative leadership is at the heart of every successful organization. Salwa empowers leaders to unlock their potential and inspire their teams to greatness.

Your Partner in Transformation

With Salwa Smaoui, you’re not just choosing a service; you’re partnering with a visionary who brings a wealth of knowledge, a global mindset, and a personal touch to every endeavor. Embark on your transformation journey with Salwa and turn the page to a new chapter of digital excellence.