Libya's Startups: Pioneering a New Future Amidst Turbulence

Inspired by the Arab Spring that began in Tunisia, anti-government protests erupted in Benghazi in February 2011, marking the start of the First Libyan Civil War. The conflict escalated quickly as police opened fire on demonstrators, ultimately leading to the death of President Moammar Gadhafi in October 2011 after he was captured and killed by rebels.

In recent years, Libya has made headlines for harrowing reasons, including the slave trade exposed in 2017, where migrants and refugees in detention centers were auctioned off. Despite these dark chapters, a new narrative is emerging in Libya, driven by a resilient crop of entrepreneurs determined to rebuild their country. From education to mobile commerce, these startup founders are defying a challenging political and economic landscape to create innovative solutions to Libya’s problems. Here, we explore some of these inspiring startups, many of which participated in the 2018 Seedstars Tripoli Competition.

Leading Startups Shaping Libya's Future

Elham Education
Founded by Mallek Ajaj in 2016, Elham Education is bridging the educational gap in Libyan schools by providing technology-based education. It offers training in website and game development, as well as soft skills, preparing teenagers for the digital age. Elham Education won the 2018 Seedstars Tripoli pitch competition.

She Codes
A social enterprise based in Benghazi, She Codes focuses on teaching girls and women how to code. Targeting children under fifteen, who constitute a significant portion of the Libyan population, She Codes aims to empower the next generation with essential digital skills.

Yummy
Yummy, founded by two women who met at a civics training course in Tunisia, connects home-based female chefs with customers. This Sebha-based startup facilitates easy market access for home-based food entrepreneurs, handling orders and delivery.

Lisan
Lisan, a team of electrical engineering and marketing graduates, developed a prototype device that translates sign language into speech. This innovative solution, inspired by the challenges faced by hearing-impaired customers, was a finalist at the Enjazi Startup Competition.

Sinbad
Led by Mahmoud Abugrin, Aymen Habbouch, and Shaker Algubtan, Sinbad is a mixed board game-and-app that teaches entrepreneurship principles. This Tripoli-based startup encourages players to create business ideas, blending education with entertainment.

Wajabat Online
Wajabat Online is a food delivery service based in Benghazi, helping restaurants and other merchants reach customers more efficiently.

Ematec Health
Ematec Health offers an integrated electronic system for health institutions, catering to both administrative and medical needs, streamlining operations in the healthcare sector.

Libya Crowdfunder
Libya Crowdfunder is a platform designed to help startups raise funds, addressing the challenge of securing traditional financing for new ventures.

Techneon Group
Founded in 2017, Techneon Group focuses on game development, incorporating Libyan culture into its products. Its flagship game, Nitro Bus, is currently in beta.

HomeMade
HomeMade assists housewives and women working from home by providing a platform to sell their products, enhancing their market reach.

Notable Projects and Entrepreneurs

Among the notable projects is Asem Ali's electricity-generating plant using recycled waste. Hussein Kafu, working on an antidote for scorpion stings by extracting venom, won a $3,578 grant in an EU-sponsored competition in 2017. Tameem Eddeeb, co-founder of Future Apps for Mobile Apps Development and Seedstars Ambassador in Libya, is another prominent figure. Future Apps, led by CEO Ziad Elhajjaji, is at the forefront of mobile app development in Libya.

Ecosystem Players Supporting Entrepreneurship

Several organizations are nurturing Libya's entrepreneurial ecosystem. Tataweer Research invests in startups through capacity-building programs and organized the Enjazi Startup Competition with the MIT Enterprise Forum. The Seedstars Group held its first competition in Tripoli in 2018, offering winners opportunities on a global stage. BYTE (Benghazi Youth for Technology & Entrepreneurship) promotes tech leadership and innovation, providing training and a launchpad for young tech enthusiasts. MEDA, in partnership with USAID, supports Libyan women and young entrepreneurs with training, mentorship, and funding access. Hexa Connection advances technological development through events like Libya Blog Initiative and Africa Code Week.

Government entities and organizations such as Libyana, the Oil and Gas Development Company, and the National Programme for Small and Medium-sized Enterprises play crucial roles. International bodies like the UNDP and the European Union are also actively supporting Libyan entrepreneurs.

Conclusion

Despite the economic and political turmoil, including the ongoing conflict and the presence of terrorist groups and militias, Libyan entrepreneurs are demonstrating resilience and innovation. As the country stabilizes, the startup ecosystem is poised for growth, offering a beacon of hope and progress. The determination and ingenuity of these entrepreneurs suggest a promising future for Libya’s tech landscape, making it a space to watch closely.