Clicks to Progress: Celebrating Libyan Youth’s Role in Digital Transformation

In a vibrant display of creativity and innovation, Over 100 Libyan youth gathered in Benghazi for “Clicks to Progress,” an event aimed at highlighting their role in the country’s digital transformation. Hosted by SPARK as part of the Libya Startup programme, the event featured panel discussions, workshops, and a startup exhibition, focusing on the potential of young innovators to shape the future of Libya.
As Libya navigates a challenging economic landscape, digitalization has emerged as a transformative avenue for growth and development. The urgency to modernize critical sectors such as healthcare, education, and commerce has become increasingly apparent, as these efforts are essential for improving efficiency and enhancing service delivery. The country’s youthful and tech-savvy entrepreneurs are recognizing these needs and are driving the push for digital innovation.
To harness this potential, SPARK plays a role in fostering economic resilience by empowering Libyan youth to turn their innovative ideas into successful startups. Through its Libya Startup Programme, SPARK supports digital startups in Libya by providing incubation, seed funding, and access to investment. Additionally, SPARK promotes these businesses locally by hosting dynamic events that facilitate engagement with the community, thereby helping to create a thriving ecosystem for development and growth.
On August 28, 2024, SPARK hosted “Clicks to Progress,” inviting digital entrepreneurs and technology enthusiasts to gather for a day full of inspiring discussions, hands-on workshops, and innovative showcases. The atmosphere was electric, with a palpable sense of excitement as attendees connected, shared ideas, and inspired one another.
“Our work under the Libya Startup programme heavily focuses on serving youth and promoting entrepreneurship through various activities, including public thematic events tailored for young individuals,” said Abdulgader Shahlol, the programme’s Youth and Skills Expert.
“Therefore, we hosted the Clicks to Progress event to bring youth together in a peer-to-peer context by featuring young professionals from the digital realm to showcase their expertise and share their unique insights on their fields and digital skills with their young peers,” he added.
Understanding Digital Entrepreneurship in Libya
The day commenced with a workshop on digital entrepreneurship led by Salem Al-Sayeh, an entrepreneur with several digital startups under his belt. He discussed the challenges and opportunities of navigating the digital landscape in Libya.
“Libya has seen so many new trends in recent years which open the door of possibilities for digital entrepreneurs to create something new and unique,” said Salem. “For example, there is an increase in mobile and internet penetration more now than ever before. With over 75% smartphone penetration, there’s a growing demand for mobile apps that address local needs.”
After examining the increasing number of businesses moving online due to convenience and growing internet penetration, he founded Artisans, a full-service digital solutions provider that helps organizations thrive in the digital age. It offers a wide range of services, from strategy consulting to experience design, and deployment and monitoring, to help businesses achieve their digital transformation goals.
However, Salem noted that there remain some barriers that block Libya’s path to digital transformation, including poor digital infrastructure, lack of supporting laws, and absence of venture capital for digital startups. To engage with the audience and stimulate creative thinking, he presented those challenges as a group activity during the workshop, asking them to come up with entrepreneurial solutions.
Inspiring Voices in Panel Discussion
Following this vibrant session, a panel discussion featuring young leaders from the tech and startup ecosystem was held. Each of the speakers talked about the passion, challenges and aspirations that drive their work in various digital-focused fields. Mustafa Aftita, co-founder of Why Studio, emphasized the significance of digital content in engaging audiences effectively. “Harnessing the power of storytelling in the digital age is crucial for brands looking to connect with their customers,” Aftita stated.
Sukaina Asmieda, founder of Women Techmakers Benghazi initiative, passionately advocated for increased female representation in technology. “It is essential that we empower young women to pursue careers in tech, ensuring a diverse and inclusive innovation landscape,” she remarked.
Hashem Buzer, a front-end developer and trainer who founded the Google Developers Groups (GDG) in Benghazi, highlighted the need for educational initiatives that equip youth with essential tech skills, urging attendees to seize global opportunities in technology.
Mawadda Alobidy, an experienced marketing manager, brought her unique perspective to the discussion. Her approach to digital marketing blends creative strategy with targeted messaging, helping organizations connect with their audiences meaningfully. Currently at Tatweer Research, she leads marketing efforts to promote numerous projects in collaboration with local and international partners.
Learning and Sharing: Mini-Workshops and Exhibition
The event also included hands-on mini-workshops, allowing participants to gain practical insights. Mawadda led a session on digital marketing strategies, while graphic designer Zain Steita instructed attendees on effective design principles. These workshops aimed to provide participants with actionable skills to apply in the real world.
The energy in the room was palpable as participants eagerly engaged in discussions, sharing their own experiences and ideas. Attendees were not just passive listeners; their enthusiasm created an interactive environment that fostered collaboration and creativity. The workshops sparked lively debates and brainstorming sessions, with many participants expressing excitement about the new skills they were acquiring.
One of the event’s major highlights was the digital startup exhibition, showcasing innovative ventures developed by young entrepreneurs. These startups, supported by the Asarya Business Incubator under the Libya Startup programme, underscore the potential of Libyan youth to tackle local challenges with innovative solutions.
Among the featured startups was Spitar, an app designed to enhance healthcare access by streamlining appointment scheduling and payments. Kayan, another notable startup, focuses on improving communication between retailers and suppliers through its mobile platform. Your Doctor To Your Home offers a unique approach to healthcare, providing domiciliary care services to patients. Meanwhile, Homam connects users with local businesses for delivery services, and Hamza provides a wide range of online courses to promote education access. The platform Evento assists users in planning various events, from weddings to corporate gatherings.
Opportunities Ahead
Following a month of open call for applications, SPARK and Asarya Business Incubator are set to launch the next round of the incubation program in Benghazi. Over 900 SMEs and startups have applied to join, many of which are digital startups, reflecting a vibrant interest in entrepreneurship and innovation within Libya.
“Libya’s digital ecosystem is evolving, with a young, tech-savvy population driving demand for digital services. Despite political and economic challenges, there’s a notable rise in startups focused on app development, e-commerce, and digital services,” said Salem.
The Libya Startup Programme is dedicated to cultivating a vibrant and sustainable entrepreneurial ecosystem in Libya. Funded by the European Union and executed in partnership with Super Novae, the programme offers a range of support including mentoring and incubation services, training and workshops, networking opportunities, and access to funding. By addressing the need for effective business development services, the programme plays a crucial role in supporting the growth of start-ups and fostering economic resilience in Libya.
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