Showcasing Palestinian Ingenuity at GITEX Africa
At the heart of the GITEX Africa - Marrakech exhibition, amidst competing ideas from around the globe, Palestinian entrepreneurs stood out with their innovative projects in the fields of technology and innovation. These young leaders showcased their presence not just as specialists but as capable youth committed to creativity and excellence, despite the numerous challenges faced by their city. With remarkable confidence, they presented their projects on one of the largest technological platforms in Africa, expressing ambitions to expand their businesses and build partnerships with international investors. This initiative aims to develop their companies into instruments of support and resilience while paving the way for other emerging entrepreneurs.
Their participation transcended mere attendance at an international fair; it represented a genuine opportunity to discover new markets and engage with global experiences, supported by the Al-Quds Bayt Mal Agency, which operates under the auspices of the Moroccan King Mohammed VI, the President of the Jerusalem Committee.
Transformative Projects from Jerusalem's Young Innovators
Among the notable presentations was that of Dua Al-Blawi, who, alongside her partner Safaa Abu Halou, developed the "GrowApp". She explained that the idea emerged from daily challenges within nurseries before evolving into a digital solution that allows parents to monitor their children's daily activities in real-time, alongside providing a comprehensive administrative and financial system for institutions. Al-Blawi emphasized that their participation in GITEX Africa is not merely an exhibition of their idea but a chance to connect with companies from various countries, proving that innovation can thrive even in the most challenging environments.
In another corner of the exhibition, Abdul Rahman Barham showcased his project "Hives 360", which utilizes the Internet of Things to enhance honey production through intelligent monitoring systems and data analysis, contributing to increased productivity. He noted that this participation follows a previous experience where his project ranked among the top 80 companies, adding that they are now presenting a clear plan to expand into the African market, particularly Morocco, and to forge partnerships with agricultural technology specialists.
Amal Al-Ma'ti presented the "Burhan" platform, which leverages artificial intelligence for psychological evaluation and employment, aiming to align youth skills with market demands. She explained that the platform seeks not only to identify skills but also to explore interests and passions, redefining the relationship between youth and the job market and assisting companies in selecting the right individuals for the right positions. Al-Ma'ti highlighted her journey with the Al-Quds Bayt Mal Agency, which began with incubation and training, leading up to this international event, stating, "We achieved significant results by connecting with investors and gaining a deeper understanding of African markets, which will aid our future expansion."
Despite the diversity of their projects, these entrepreneurs share a sense of gratitude towards the Kingdom of Morocco and the Al-Quds Bayt Mal Agency for providing them this opportunity. They affirm that they are not merely participants but ambassadors for their city and their cause. Mohamed Saleh Al-Sharqawi, the director in charge of the Al-Quds Bayt Mal Agency, confirmed that the participation of six Palestinian startups in GITEX Africa - Marrakech aligns with the agency's vision of empowering youth and enhancing their presence in technology sectors as part of its digital strategy for 2024-2027. He emphasized that this initiative is continuously supported by the Moroccan Kingdom under King Mohammed VI's leadership, focusing on sustainable development projects in Jerusalem, alongside direct social and humanitarian assistance.
Al-Sharqawi added that participation in the exhibition provided entrepreneurs with qualitative opportunities to network with international investors and explore new markets, reiterating that the agency's support starts from incubation and training to capacity building, ultimately enabling youth to present their projects on international platforms. He pointed out that these efforts contribute to transforming ideas into sustainable projects capable of creating job opportunities and providing stable income sources, thereby reinforcing the resilience of Jerusalemites on their land.
The participation of the Al-Quds Bayt Mal Agency in the fourth edition of the exhibition was marked by establishing an institutional pavilion and a dedicated section for the "BMAQ Innovation Hub", featuring six Palestinian startups operating in various fields, including artificial intelligence, financial technology, e-commerce, agricultural technology, and digital solutions.
As reported by pnn.ps.
