There is no sector of society that the Covid-19 pandemic has not impacted and local businesses have especially been hit the hardest. With regional brands struggling to generate revenue, Facebook has teamed up with powerful MENA influencers who have truly used their influence in the right way by raising awareness about the impact of the pandemic on the SMB sector in the region. This strong community of influencers have come together to educate their followers on the importance of supporting local brands with key steps and actions on how they can get involved.
Here’s a look at six celebrities who leveraged their power of influence to support local businesses throughout the pandemic:
1. Adel Emam
Renowned Egyptian actor and comedian, Adel Emam, is one of the most influential celebrities in Egypt. Joining the #Lovelocal campaign, Adel penned a heartfelt note encouraging his followers to support the SMB community during these challenging times and how each one of us has the power to make a difference. This post inspired fellow celebrity Laila Elwi to join the campaign. Read the powerful post here.
2. Laila Elwi
A veteran Egyptian actress and humanitarian, Laila has always been vocal about her love for local brands and pride in her country’s talent. She has, on numerous occasions, supported local enterprises, specifically the handicraft industry in her home country, stating “we must have confidence and pride in our national industry”. See here how she supported the #LoveLocal campaign and encouraged her fan base to buy homegrown products they are proud of.
3. Mohamed Henedy
Egyptian comedian, Mohamed Henedy, has always used his celebrity status for good and to support community efforts. Most recently, he took part in a challenge to donate funds to help those most affected by the pandemic in his home country. With #LoveLocal, Henedy chose to support a local fitness training app, understanding the importance of the youth’s health today given the pandemic and the lack of access to gyms, he encouraged his fanbase to support local and also take care of their health during this pandemic. More here.
4. Nelly Karim
Award-winning actress and model, Nelly Karim, has always been an advocate of supporting local businesses. From making it a point to only wear local designer brands at prestigious international red carpet events to supporting home-grown brands, she has always encouraged her follower base to love local. Here’s a look into how she supported local businesses through #Lovelocal:
5. Sandra Rizik
Miss Lebanon 2000, Sandra Rizik has cemented her position as a role model since winning the coveted title through social service and charity work. With the #LoveLocal campaign, Sandra recorded a series of Instagram stories shedding light on a local restaurant, Mom Burger, which is close to her heart, talking about why one should go and support small businesses. See below:
6. Sara Abi Kanaan
A Lebanese actress and philanthropist, Sara has been a strong advocate for Lebanon and stood in solidarity with her home country after the Beirut blast tragedy. Following this, she has been one of the key advocates for Beirut-based talent and products and, accordingly, supporting #LoveLocal was a natural progression for her. Through her post, she asks her follower base to support homegrown Lebanese products and challenges her friends to do the same. See below:
