On September 21, SPARK proudly opened the doors to Silphium Labs, the first-ever business incubator in Al-Bayda, Libya, established in partnership with Omar Al-Mokhtar. The new incubator is a key component of the Libya Startup programme, funded by the European Union and implemented by SPARK alongside Super Novae. This programme is designed to provide comprehensive support to startups and small-to-medium enterprises (SMEs) in less accessible areas of Libya, offering invaluable resources such as mentoring, incubation services, specialised training, networking opportunities, and access to funding.

The opening of Silphium Labs holds particular significance, especially for communities near Darna, which have recently suffered devastating floods. By providing crucial support to Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) and local entrepreneurs, SPARK aims to promote economic recovery and resilience in the region. The launch event saw a diverse attendance, including students, entrepreneurs, local community leaders, business experts, and university staff, all coming together to celebrate this pivotal moment for Al-Bayda’s entrepreneurial landscape.

“Our mission with Silphium Labs extends beyond business development,” shared Mussa Aleskandrani, SPARK’s Business Incubation Expert. “We’re dedicated to empowering entrepreneurs and igniting a culture of innovation across Libya. With the Libya Startup programme, we are committed to supercharging the entrepreneurial ecosystem, providing all youth with the opportunity to turn their ideas into impactful realities.”

A noteworthy focus within Silphium Labs will be on startups that address the pressing challenges of the climate crisis and encourage green entrepreneurship. This objective aligns not only with global sustainable development goals but also resonates deeply with the local context of Al-Bayda, capital of the fertile Jabal Al-Akhdar district, which boasts extensive agricultural resources and farmland. The name “Silphium” pays homage to the ancient plant that once thrived in the area, symbolising the region’s rich historical legacy and entrepreneurial potential.

Located within the Faculty of Languages at Omar Al-Mokhtar University, Silphium Labs has transformed a dedicated space into a vibrant incubator, thanks in part to collaboration with local partner ION+. The response to the initiative has been overwhelming; over 803 aspiring entrepreneurs applied for the opportunity to partake in two months of intensive training and personalised mentoring. Ultimately, 64 were accepted into this inaugural programme, representing a diverse array of business sectors.

“Silphium Labs marks a vital step in energising the entrepreneurial ecosystem in Libya,” remarked Mohammed Al-Mansouri, President of the Faculty of Economics at Omar Al-Mokhtar University. “Supporting the private sector is crucial for Libya, especially as our country’s employment landscape has long been dependent on the public sector. By nurturing entrepreneurship, we can create sustainable job opportunities and drive economic recovery, empowering our youth to innovate and thrive.”

With the launch of Silphium Labs, SPARK is poised to catalyse a new wave of innovation and entrepreneurship across Al-Bayda and the surrounding regions. As we support the next generation of business leaders, we are inspired by the resilience and potential of the Libyan youth.