As part of the Libya Startup programme, funded by the European Union and co-implemented by SPARK and Super Novae, an engaging panel discussion titled “Accelerate Action” was held in Benghazi, focusing on the experiences of Libyan women in entrepreneurship.

The panel featured three prominent female entrepreneurs: Hadeel Al-Muntaser, Project Manager at ION+ and manager of the Silphium Labs business incubator in collaboration with SPARK and Omar Al-Mukhtar University; Yasmine Afritis, founder and director of Flamingo Studio for Media Services; and Sara Al-Zawi, founder of the Sara Centre for Sweets, a specialist training company in cake and pastry making.

The speakers offered valuable insights into their entrepreneurial journeys, shedding light on the challenges of transforming business ideas into successful ventures, navigating Libya’s complex business landscape, and the ongoing struggle to balance professional and family responsibilities. Their stories highlighted the rising influence of women in Libya’s economic development.

On the sidelines of the event, SPARK announced the winners of the Scale-up competition, launched under the Libya Startup Programme to support established companies with high growth potential. Winning businesses were selected based on key criteria including market readiness, expansion strategy, and their expected impact on the Libyan entrepreneurial ecosystem.

The winners of the Scale-up Competition are:

• Delivery Benghazi – A fast-growing delivery and logistics services provider.

• Spitar App – A digital healthcare platform offering medical booking and enquiries through electronic payment.

• Flamingo Studio – A leading media and photography services company based in Derna.

• Sara Company for Cake and Sweets Training – A sweets production and vocational training centre.

• Radio Dar Al Salam 88.5 – A Tobruk-based radio station operated by Al Fakhr Media Production Company.

• JustFit – Healthy Food Company – A producer of nutritious food products tailored to diverse customer needs.

• ASAS Company – A provider of medical expense management services aimed at simplifying healthcare procedures and approvals.

The Scale-up competition provides grants and technical support to help businesses expand according to their commercial strategy. To be eligible, companies must have been registered for at least two years, generate a minimum annual turnover of €20,000, and demonstrate clear product-market fit and growth potential.

SPARK remains committed to fostering a vibrant and inclusive entrepreneurial ecosystem in Libya, with a strong focus on innovation, sustainability, and economic opportunity.