“Bridge’Up, From Innovation To Creation Initiative,” a regional project that aims to foster innovation and entrepreneurship in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, is providing support and training to startups and entrepreneurs who want to scale up their businesses and access international markets.
The initiative, which was launched in April 2023, is funded by the European Union and implemented by Spark, a non-governmental organisation that supports young and ambitious entrepreneurs in conflict-affected regions, and the DOT, the first digital innovation hub in Tunisia, which offers a platform for collaboration and co-creation among innovators, entrepreneurs, and experts.
The initiative targets four countries in the MENA region: Tunisia, Jordan, Lebanon, and Palestine, where it aims to build partnerships with strong impact and connect innovative organisations with shared values. The initiative also seeks to enhance the capacities and skills of the startups and entrepreneurs, as well as the ecosystems that support them.
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A training programme to boost the startups’ potential
As part of the initiative, nearly 35 startups and entrepreneurs from the four target countries, including 10 from Tunisia, have benefited from a five-week training programme, which offered them tailored support and guidance on how to internationalise their activities and gain access to international markets.
The training programme covered topics such as business model validation, market research, customer acquisition, product development, pitching, and fundraising. The programme also provided the participants with mentoring and coaching sessions, as well as networking opportunities with potential partners, investors, and customers.
The training programme was delivered by a team of experts and trainers from Spark, the DOT, and other partner organisations, such as the Tunisian Ministry of Communication Technologies, the Tunisia Foundation for Development, and the German Agency for International Cooperation.
Zeineb Messaoud, the Executive Director of the DOT, said: “The training programme was a valuable opportunity for the startups and entrepreneurs to learn from the best practices and experiences of their peers and mentors, as well as to showcase their innovative solutions and ideas to a wider audience. The programme also helped them to identify their strengths and weaknesses and to develop strategic and operational recommendations for their growth and expansion.”
A regional conference to celebrate the achievements and the challenges
The initiative culminated in a two-day regional conference, which took place on February 15-16, 2024, in Tunis. The conference brought together the key actors of the innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystems in the MENA region, including the startups and entrepreneurs who participated in the training programme, as well as partners, funders, policymakers, experts, and media.
The conference was an occasion to celebrate the achievements and the challenges of the initiative, as well as to exchange best practices and lessons learned. The conference also featured panel discussions, workshops, keynote speeches, and pitching sessions, where the startups and entrepreneurs will present their projects and solutions to a panel of judges and investors.
Challenges facing MENA startups
MENA startups are startups that operate in the Middle East and North Africa region, which consists of 22 countries with diverse cultures, languages, and markets. MENA startups face many challenges, but some of the most common ones are:
Funding: According to a report by ZDNet, MENA startups face difficulties in accessing funding, especially for amounts above $500,000. Many banks and investors in the region do not understand the startup business model and the need for long-term investment. As a result, many startups rely on self-funding or support from family and friends. Although there are some venture capital funds, angel networks, and crowdfunding platforms in the region, they are often insufficient for the startups’ needs.
Red tape: Another report by Dubai Silicon Oasis highlighted the legal and logistical hurdles that MENA startups encounter, such as high fees for business registration and licensing, ownership restrictions, and unclear legal frameworks. These challenges can discourage entrepreneurs from starting or scaling their businesses, as well as limit their ability to operate across different markets and jurisdictions.
Skills and talent: A third challenge for MENA startups is finding and retaining skilled and talented human resources. According to a report by Wamda, MENA startups struggle to attract and retain qualified employees, especially in technical and managerial roles. The report also noted that there is a gap between the skills that the startups need and the skills that the education system provides. Moreover, many startups face competition from the public sector and multinational corporations, which offer higher salaries and benefits to the workforce.
These are some of the main challenges that MENA startups face, but they are not insurmountable. There are also many opportunities and initiatives that support innovation and entrepreneurship in the region, such as incubators, accelerators, innovation labs, government programs, and regional events. MENA startups have the potential to create positive social and economic impact, as well as to contribute to the global innovation landscape.