In the heart of Libya, a transformative movement is unfolding. The Sebha Startup Success Lab, a key component of the Ruwwad Project under the Deraya initiative for Entrepreneurship, is setting a new standard for entrepreneurship by focusing on innovation as the driving force of change. This 10-day program has brought together 20 of the region’s most ambitious entrepreneurs to reshape Libya’s economic and entrepreneurial ecosystem with creative, forward-thinking solutions.
What makes this program unique isn’t just the intensive training or mentorship—it’s the focus on redefining possibilities through innovation. The lab is cultivating startups that address real-world challenges with fresh ideas, cutting-edge solutions, and a deep commitment to making a difference. And as the lab draws to a close, only 10 winners will emerge, earning financial grants or personalized mentorship to turn their visions into reality.
Innovation as the Key to Transformation
At its core, the Sebha Startup Success Lab is about more than just building businesses—it’s about reimagining Libya’s entrepreneurial landscape. By encouraging innovative thinking, the program is fostering a culture of creativity, resilience, and growth that will ripple across the nation.
The journey has been nothing short of transformative. Over 10 action-packed days, participants engaged in intensive training and mentoring designed to equip them with the tools they need to succeed. Each step of the lab focused on turning raw ideas into impactful, sustainable ventures:
Days 1-2: Participants explored problem-solving, idea refinement, and business model development, building a foundation for innovation.
Days 3-4: Teams dived into market analysis and crafted marketing strategies to navigate competitive landscape.
Days 5-6: Financial management and planning took center stage, with startups focusing on profitability and long-term growth.
Day 7: Human resources and organizational development sessions highlighted the importance of effective team building and operational strategies.
Days 8-9: Pitching practices refined participants’ ability to communicate their ideas with impact, leading to final rehearsals and live feedback sessions.
Day 10: The grand finale featured polished pitch presentations and business plan reviews, setting the stage for the selection of the top 10 winners.
Throughout the 10-day program, participants not only engaged in intensive training but also benefited from daily mentoring sessions lasting three hours each. These sessions covered a wide range of critical topics, such as problem-solving and solution development, business model design, market segmentation and competitiveness analysis, marketing and sales strategies, financial management fundamentals, revenue and cost structure optimization, profitability forecasting, risk management, and team composition. Additionally, they received guidance on understanding the legal framework and conducting financial analysis, including break-even points, ROI, and IRR.
Meet the Innovators: Sebha’s Startup Stars
These 20 startups are not just businesses—they’re solutions to some of Libya’s most pressing challenges, each with a unique and innovative edge:
- South Organic Fertilizer Factory: The South Organic Fertilizer Factory focuses on collecting and processing animal fertilizers, packaging them for sale to farmers and traders. The goal is to offer high-quality local organic fertilizers at competitive prices compared to imported alternatives.
- Al Memar Al Shamekh for Agricultural Services: The company specializes in the production and sale of high-quality local alfalfa seeds at affordable prices, competing with imported products.
- Matehayrish Application for Freelance Workers: A digital platform connecting freelance workers and customers, allowing freelancers to showcase their skills and making it easier for citizens to find reliable service providers.
- Nafartiti Training: Nafartiti Training.
- Natural Care Products: The project focuses on producing and selling natural and organic beauty products that are free from harmful chemicals. These products aim to provide safer alternatives for skincare, haircare, and body care, catering to people seeking natural remedies for their beauty routines.
- Tomoh Women’s Company for Computer and Mobile Phone Repair: A women-led company providing computer and mobile repair services for women who prefer female technicians for privacy and security reasons.
- Bahja for Entertainment and Creativity: A creative space for children aimed at enhancing creativity and fostering effective communication between parents and children. The space offers age-appropriate games, various artistic and educational activities, and is the ultimate destination for safe entertainment.
- Al Yosr for Legal Training: The company provides legal training and consulting services, focusing on developing legal expertise, particularly among female graduates, and supporting startups with legal assistance. The goal is to enhance employment opportunities and provide legal consultancy services
- RBN: A service business specializing in photography and advertising, using 3D motion graphics to enhance product marketing for clients. The business focuses on collaborating with women entrepreneurs to make the marketing process more comfortable and effective
- Victoria: A project aimed at producing antivenom using the venom of local scorpions, designed to reduce child mortality from scorpion stings in Libya.
- Alaska for Frozen Fruits: Alaska is a food industry startup focused on producing frozen fruits and ice cream. The business aims to offer locally produced and affordable products to the people of Sabha and nearby areas. By reducing transportation costs and maintaining the quality of frozen products, Alaska will fill a market gap created by the high cost of imported frozen foods.
- SDC (Sabha Dental Course): SDC offers an interactive dental education course designed to develop skills and knowledge in modern dentistry through specialized learning and hands-on practice. It aims to bridge the gap in practical training and modern dental techniques.
- World of Protection for Technical & General Equipment: A startup providing IT services and solutions, focusing on offering practical technical training to IT graduates and equipping them with hands-on experience. The business also serves as an implementation partner for IT solutions in government and private sectors.
- Taraf Perfumes: A perfume business that offers custom fragrance cloning services. If customers cannot find their preferred perfume, the business recreates the scent using a mix of ingredients.
- Azhar Al-Mustaqbal: Azhar Al-Mustaqbal is a preschool educational institution catering to children aged 3 to 6. The nursery provides a stimulating, safe environment where children can develop cognitive, social, and motor skills. Through interactive learning, games, arts, and storytelling, children will learn basic concepts such as numbers, letters, and colors while also enhancing communication, problem-solving, and collaboration skills. The nursery also focuses on fostering independence and building self-confidence, preparing children for primary school
- Talae Academy for Sports: A sports academy aimed at filling the gap in recreational sports activities for children in Sabha by providing specialized training in football and promoting physical health.
- Alrawan Libyan First: The company focuses on creating innovative storage solutions for agricultural products, such as dates, vegetables, and fruits, in order to prevent spoilage and extend shelf life. By developing a cooling storage unit, the project addresses the issue of food waste due to high temperatures and lack of proper storage facilities in Sabha.
- Plastic Recycling Project: A project focused on collecting, sorting, and recycling plastic waste into reusable materials and products, helping reduce environmental pollution and creating a more sustainable plastic cycle
- Dareek Project: Dareek is a digital platform designed to simplify and streamline the process of finding furnished apartments and hotels. The application connects property owners with travelers, students, and families seeking flexible and easy-to-use accommodation solutions. It offers a seamless and secure booking experience with a focus on quality accommodation options and a wide variety of choices to suit different budgets and preferences
- Heritage Platform for Traditional Crafts: A digital platform for selling traditional handcrafted products, aiming to expand market reach both locally and internationally, while providing sustainable support to artisans.
Each of these startups is a testament to the creativity and determination of Libya’s entrepreneurial talent. By addressing local needs with innovative solutions, they’re driving change not just for themselves, but for their communities and beyond.
Creating Ripples of Change
The Sebha Startup Success Lab is about building a vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem where innovation thrives. Here’s how this initiative is shaping the future of Libya:
Fostering a Culture of Innovation: By prioritizing creativity and fresh thinking, the lab is encouraging entrepreneurs to break free from traditional models and explore new possibilities.
Boosting Economic Growth: These startups are not only solving local problems but also creating jobs and boosting the local economy, reducing reliance on imports, and maximizing the use of local resources.
Building Networks and Collaboration: Through mentorship and partnerships with key organizations like Flat6Labs, Tatweer Research, and more, participants are gaining access to networks that amplify their impact.
Inspiring Future Entrepreneurs: The success of these startups sets a powerful example, inspiring others to take bold steps and contribute to Libya’s entrepreneurial future.
The Final Countdown: Announcing Sebha’s Top 10 Startups 🌟
In a thrilling ceremony, the 10 winning startups were revealed, each representing innovation, impact, and the potential to reshape Libya’s entrepreneurial landscape. Let’s meet the champions:
1. South Organic Fertilizer Factory
2. Matehayrish Application for Freelance Workers
3. Nafartiti Training
4. Natural Care Products
5. Tomoh Women’s Company for Computer and Mobile Phone Repair
6. Bahja for Entertainment and Creativity
7. Al Yosr for Legal Training
8. RBN
9. Victoria
10. Alaska for Frozen Fruits
A Celebration of Innovation
The final ceremony was an inspiring showcase of how creativity, dedication, and innovation can spark meaningful change. The event not only celebrated the winners but also highlighted the Sebha Startup Success Lab’s impact on the entrepreneurial ecosystem in Libya. Each of the 20 participants walked away with new skills, fresh perspectives, and a network of mentors and peers to support their journeys.
For the 10 winners, this is just the beginning. With financial support or expert mentorship, they now have the tools to scale their ideas, tackle challenges, and make a lasting impact on their communities and beyond.
Looking Ahead: What’s Next for the Winners?
The 10 winners of the Sebha Startup Success Lab are now equipped to bring their visions to life. With financial grants and personalized mentorship, they’ll scale their businesses, refine their strategies, and contribute to a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem in Libya.
Their success is a beacon of hope, proving that with the right support, local talent can overcome challenges and drive meaningful change. These startups will not only grow individually but also inspire a wave of innovation that impacts the entire country.
At Ruwwad, we’re shaping a future where creativity and entrepreneurship thrive in Libya.