Innovative Palestinian Startups Shine at GITEX Africa
In the vibrant setting of the GITEX Africa exhibition held in Marrakech, a group of Palestinian entrepreneurs from Jerusalem stood out by presenting their innovative startups in technology and innovation. These young leaders demonstrated their capacity for creativity and excellence, despite the challenges facing their city. Confidently, they showcased their projects on one of the largest technological platforms in Africa, expressing their ambitions to expand their businesses and forge partnerships with international investors. Their goal is to develop their companies into vital support tools that can pave the way for other aspiring entrepreneurs.
Participation in this international exhibition was not merely about presence; it represented a genuine opportunity to explore new markets and engage with global experiences, with the support of the Jerusalem Fund, an organization under the auspices of King Mohammed VI of Morocco. This backing has proven instrumental in empowering these young innovators to reach new heights.
Among the notable participants was Duaa Al-Balawi, who, alongside her partner Safaa Abu Halou, developed the "GrowApp". She explained that the inspiration for this digital solution came from daily challenges faced in nurseries. The application enables parents to instantly track their children's daily activities while providing an integrated management and financial system for institutions.
Duaa emphasized that their participation in GITEX Africa is not just about presenting an idea but also about the chance to connect with companies from various countries, proving that innovation can flourish even in the most challenging environments. Similarly, Abdul Rahman Barham introduced his project "Hives 360," which employs the Internet of Things to enhance the beekeeping sector through smart monitoring systems and data analysis to boost productivity. He noted that this participation is a continuation of a previous experience where his project ranked among the top 80 companies, and now he aims to expand into the African market, particularly Morocco, and build partnerships with agritech specialists.
Another innovative project featured was "Burhan" presented by Amal Al-Ma’ati, which utilizes artificial intelligence for psychological assessment and recruitment, aiming to align youth skills with market needs. She clarified that the platform seeks not only skills but also interests and passions, striving to redefine the relationship between youth and the job market, assisting companies in selecting the right candidates for the right positions. Amal's journey began with the Jerusalem Fund, progressing through incubation and training phases, ultimately leading to participation in this international event. She highlighted the significant outcomes achieved through networking with investors and gaining deeper insights into African markets, which will facilitate future expansion.
Despite the diversity of their projects, these entrepreneurs unanimously expressed gratitude towards the Kingdom of Morocco and the Jerusalem Fund for providing them with this invaluable opportunity. They affirmed that they were not merely participants but ambassadors for their city and cause. Mohammed Salem Al-Sharqawi, the director managing the Jerusalem Fund, confirmed that the participation of six Palestinian startups in GITEX Africa aligns with the agency's vision to empower youth and enhance their presence in technology sectors as part of its digital strategy for 2024-2027. He noted that this initiative receives continuous support from Morocco, led by King Mohammed VI, as part of efforts to promote sustainable development projects in Jerusalem, alongside direct social and humanitarian assistance.
Al-Sharqawi added that participation in the exhibition provided entrepreneurs with quality opportunities to connect with international investors and explore new markets, asserting that the agency's support begins with incubation, training, and capacity building, culminating in enabling youth to showcase their projects on international platforms. He highlighted that these efforts contribute to transforming ideas into sustainable projects capable of generating jobs and providing stable income sources, thereby enhancing the resilience of Jerusalemites on their land. The Jerusalem Fund distinguished itself at this year’s exhibition by establishing a dedicated institutional booth and a special section for the "BMAQ Innovation Hub," featuring six Palestinian startups across various sectors, including artificial intelligence, fintech, e-commerce, agricultural technology, and digital solutions.
As reported by wafa.ps.
