Empowering Libya’s next generation of coders
In a rapidly evolving digital world, coding skills are no longer just an asset but a necessity. Recognising this gap in Libya, Serine Ebridah, a university student from Tripoli, founded ETA Coding, a startup that provides software training courses and workshops to aspiring developers of all levels. A simple initiative to help university peers grasp programming concepts has now grown into a thriving educational hub, equipping Libyan youth with the tools to excel in the tech industry.
Serine’s journey into the world of coding was not a straightforward one. “When I began studying, I didn’t understand what programming was exactly,” she recalls. Struggling to find courses or mentors in Libya who could guide her, she embarked on a self-taught path. It wasn’t long before she recognised that many others faced the same challenge. ETA Coding was born out of this realisation in December 2021, starting with a free online course before transitioning to in-person training in April 2022.
Initially operating from her father’s office, Serine and her team gradually expanded their reach, offering structured courses in programming languages such as Python, Laravel, and AI development. The initiative quickly gained momentum, attracting students of all skill levels, from complete beginners to aspiring software engineers.
Like any startup, ETA Coding faced significant hurdles. Finding qualified trainers who could commit to teaching an entire course was a challenge. Ensuring student engagement and completion rates required constant adaptation and effort. Moreover, broader economic and political instability in Libya posed difficulties in sustaining a smooth workflow. These challenges were compounded by broader economic and political instability. Since 2011, Libya has faced recurring conflicts that have hindered economic growth and disrupted entrepreneurial efforts. For the past 50 years, the country’s economy has primarily relied on the oil industry, with the public sector employing 89% of the workforce, leaving little room for private sector development. However, Serine and her team remained committed to their mission, continuously evolving their training programmes to meet industry demands.
Recognising the need to diversify the economy and empower young entrepreneurs, SPARK partnered with the European Union and Super Novae to launch the Libya Startup programme. This programme aims to equip Libyans with the skills and resources to build careers in sustainable industries, including education, technology, and agriculture.
Serine’s entrepreneurial journey took a new direction when she joined the Tripoli-based Innovation Garden, which is one of four incubators established across the country under the Libya Startup programme. First, Serine was placed under an intensive incubation scheme, which provided structured business support, helping her sharpen her business management skills. “When I started, I was 21 years old and had little experience in business planning and management. The training I received was incredibly valuable,” she says.
Following notable post-incubation development, ETA Coding was then selected for the accelerator competition within Innovation Garden. Competing among Libya’s most promising startups, the team’s hard work paid off when they secured €7,500 in seed funding, which enabled them to refine their course offerings and expand their operations.
With support received from the Libya Startup programme, Serine has ambitious plans for 2025. She plans to launch Athar, a project designed to bridge the gap between ETA Coding’s trainees and the job market. “Through Athar, we aim to be a mediating partner connecting public and private companies with our trainees, providing mentorship and job opportunities,” she explains. This initiative reflects her commitment to not only teaching coding but also ensuring that young Libyans can apply their skills in real-world settings.
As someone determined to create a more inclusive tech industry, Serine is also committed to increasing opportunities for women in technology. One of ETA Coding’s upcoming initiatives is a girls-only programme focused on mobile app development, set to launch after Ramadan. “We want to support young women who already have experience or project ideas but need guidance in areas like software development and marketing,” she explains. The goal is to help them overcome obstacles and successfully launch their applications.
By encouraging innovation and strengthening the entrepreneurial landscape in economically-fragile countries such as Libya, SPARK is advancing SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth. Through tailored support, mentorship, and funding opportunities, SPARK empowers small enterprises such as ETA Coding to scale sustainably, contributing to economic development and job creation.
