
End of year – 2024
A Year of Trials and Triumphs: Reflecting on 2024
As 2024 draws to a close, the world remains in the grips of immense challenges. The war on Gaza continues to devastate, Lebanon’s fragile economy falters under the strain of ongoing conflict, and Libya still reels from the catastrophic floods of last year. The war in Ukraine shows no sign of ending, leaving communities in peril. In Syria, after over 13 years of strife, there is renewed optimism for a united and stable future.
Yet, amid the hardship and heartache, 2024 has also been a year of perseverance, solidarity, and innovation. Across regions affected by conflict, the global community has come together to forge new paths of hope and opportunity. We have seen governments take bold strides toward addressing climate change, implementing sustainable practices, and harnessing digital innovation to uplift marginalised communities.
For SPARK, 2024 has been a year of rising above challenges and creating lasting impact. From the resilience of young entrepreneurs in Palestine to the groundbreaking initiatives launched in Libya and Lebanon, our commitment to driving change has never been stronger. This year, we continued to empower youth, create jobs, and inspire growth, even in the most challenging environments.
In Palestine, we supported young innovators through the Palestine Launchpad with Google programme, providing them with the skills to enter the high-demand tech industry. In Libya, our Silphium Labs Business incubator in Al-Bayda supported entrepreneurs in rebuilding their lives and businesses following the devastating floods. In Lebanon and beyond, we focused on encouraging sustainable growth by supporting youth and working with partners to craft policies that promote innovation, sustainability, and inclusivity.
This spirit of collaboration was reflected at our flagship event, the IGNITE Conference, which brought together over 650 changemakers from more than 12 countries. Together, we explored the pressing issues of our time – climate change, digital innovation, sustainable tourism, and the future of entrepreneurship. The conference highlighted the incredible determination of individuals and organisations dedicated to shaping a better future.
As we reflect on the lessons of this year and the progress made despite the challenges, we are reminded that no challenge is insurmountable when we work together. With hope and determination, we move into 2025, ready to build on the successes of 2024 and continue impacting lives and communities across the globe.
SPARK in numbers during 2024
+1,500 entrepreneurs received access to finance
+2000 entrepreneurs participated in business skills training
+3,300 people matched with internships or traineeships
+1,100 businesses supported to grow and create new opportunities
+1900 jobs were created through businesses supported by SPARK
5 curricula in employability and entrepreneurship curricula developed or enhanced at higher education institutions, benefiting thousands of students
Revitalising entrepreneurship in the wake of crisis, Libya
Libya’s path to recovery took a bold step forward this year with the inauguration of Silphium Labs, the first business incubator in Al-Bayda. This initiative, launched in partnership with Omar Al-Mokhtar University and the European Union as part of the Libya Startup programme, seeks to support startups and SMEs in some of Libya’s most underserved regions, particularly in the aftermath of the devastating floods. In addition to mentoring, Silphium Labs provides incubation services, training, networking, and funding opportunities while promoting green entrepreneurship, focusing on sustainable practices to address climate change. It taps into Libya’s vast agricultural potential, driving innovation while contributing to the country’s recovery efforts.
Enhancing the digital skills of young professionals in Palestine
The Palestine Launchpad with Google programme has continued to drive change by offering Palestinian youth fully funded nanodegrees in tech fields such as AI, data analysis, and web development. By providing graduates with access to job placement opportunities upon completion, we are not just teaching tech skills—we are creating pathways to economic independence and stability for young Palestinians. One such graduate, Sondos, is already working full-time as a data analyst, proving that with the right support, young people in conflict-affected regions can lead the way in innovation.
Sustainable tourism to generate employment opportunities
In partnership with Google.org, we launched the Maharat for Tourism programme in Saudi Arabia, aiming to build sustainable tourism as a driver for economic growth. The programme trains youth in vital skills for the tourism and hospitality sectors, enabling them to contribute to the Kingdom’s growing tourism industry. By focusing on the intersection of sustainable development and job creation, we are empowering the next generation to take the lead in preserving and promoting their cultural heritage.
Entrepreneurs developing climate-resilient solutions
SPARK is also committed to promoting green business initiatives in Jordan. Entrepreneurs like Muthana are drastically changing traditional farming practices into sustainable, eco-friendly methods. Through the STEP programme, we are supporting these green ventures, we are helping ensure that the next generation of businesses contributes to a healthier planet while creating new economic opportunities for communities.
Local partnerships and stimulating local economies
In Burundi, the Akazi Keza Programme – meaning “nice job”in Kirundi – celebrated its successful closure with a vibrant ceremony in Gitega. Over the past three years, this programme has equipped young people in rural and peri-rural areas with the skills they need to succeed in entrepreneurship, vocational training, and employment. By encouraging local partnerships and boosting local economies, Akazi Keza leaves a lasting legacy of growth and opportunity for Burundi’s youth. This momentum will carry forward as we continue to invest in the next generation of entrepreneurs.
Seed funding fosters community innovation
Through The STEP Programme, Ejet Elkahraba, founded by Abdulkader Khateeb, received seed funding after months of incubation and competitions. The startup tackles Lebanon’s electricity crisis with a user-friendly app delivering real-time power updates, empowering users, optimizing energy consumption, and creating vital job opportunities amidst nationwide challenges.
Creating pathways to employment
The Networks of Change II (NoC II) programme launched its second campaign, “Work for Work,” in Iraq, following the success of its first initiative, “Don’t Leave, Fix It.” The campaign focuses on providing youth in the Kurdistan Region with practical skills and advocating for stronger partnerships between the private sector, government, and universities. With a focus on youth employability, the programme is equipping young people with the tools they need to build meaningful careers without having to migrate for work.
Enabling MSMEs to scale and thrive
Taghamuta Agro, a youth-led entrepreneurial venture based in Tunisia, is making waves in the agricultural sector by addressing the challenges faced by farmers and consumers. Founded in 2020, Taghamuta has established a supply chain that involves purchasing products from local farmers and transforming them into high-quality consumer goods.
Global Recognition: SPARK Alumni in Forbes 30 Under 30
In 2024, SPARK celebrated three remarkable alumni—Omar Itani, Yasmine Darwich, and Yahya Bouhlel—who were featured in Forbes’ prestigious 2024 30 Under 30 list in the Social Impact category. This well-deserved recognition underscores their dedication, ingenuity, and the significant positive impact their ventures are making in Lebanon, Tunisia, and beyond.
Closing the year at the IGNITE conference
The IGNITE Conference, held in Amman, Jordan, was a fitting conclusion to our year of progress. The event brought together innovators, leaders, and changemakers from around the world to discuss and collaborate on pressing issues such as AI, sustainability, and the future of entrepreneurship. SPARK’s unwavering commitment to purposeful leadership was evident in every discussion, workshop, and inspiring moment that emerged from the conference.
As we look ahead to 2025, we remain inspired by the resilience of the communities we serve. Thank you for your continued support in 2024. Together, we will continue our journey toward a brighter, more sustainable future.