For the first time, Syria is hosting the Global Entrepreneurship Week (GEW), a landmark event aimed at revitalizing the nation’s innovation landscape and supporting its burgeoning startup community. Held in Damascus under the theme “Together We Build,” the week-long initiative is backed by the Syrian Ministry of Communications and Information Technology and has drawn high-level international attention, including the presence of the Head of the EU Delegation to Syria, Michael Onmacht.
The event marks a significant step towards rebuilding the country’s tech sector, which has faced immense economic and infrastructural challenges. It brings together entrepreneurs, government officials, and international representatives to foster a more resilient and innovative ecosystem for Syrian youth.
A Nationwide Push for Innovation
The inaugural GEW in Syria features an ambitious agenda with over 75 activities, including training sessions and workshops, spread across 25 cities and towns. The program is designed to create networking opportunities between founders and investors while focusing on key themes such as women’s entrepreneurship, access to finance, and the social impact of startups.
Bashar Saad al-Din, Director of the Sand Al-Shabab entrepreneurship program, noted the widespread participation from youth across various provinces, many of whom possess promising ideas that require an incubator environment. He emphasized that the event provides a crucial platform for them to exchange experiences and connect with experts to develop their projects.
Navigating Local Challenges
Despite the optimism, local entrepreneurs continue to face significant hurdles. Khaldoun al-Meqdad, a 28-year-old Syrian entrepreneur, highlighted the key obstacles holding back growth.
“The most significant challenges my colleagues and I face are difficult legislation, administrative routine, and difficulty in accessing financing,” al-Meqdad stated. “Many projects stop due to the absence of laws that support innovation or the difficulty of obtaining licenses. Some promising ideas are lost before they even reach implementation.”
He stressed that targeted government support and streamlined administrative procedures would be key to unlocking the potential of young talent in the tech sector.
International and Regional Support
The event has garnered notable international and regional backing, signaling a renewed interest in Syria’s potential. Michael Onmacht, Head of the EU Delegation, affirmed the international community’s commitment to empowering Syrian youth and helping reintegrate the country into the global innovation map.
“The European Union continues to provide technical and financial support to startups,” said Onmacht. “We are keen to transfer international expertise and provide opportunities for young people to expand their networks and access global markets.”
Adding to this momentum, Saudi investor Mayssara Mashal announced ambitious plans to launch a technology hub in Damascus dedicated to incubating startups.
“We will seek to qualify young people in the fields of management, technology, and innovation, and provide advanced training programs, in addition to supporting viable projects with funding and technical guidance,” Mashal explained. He added that the center will focus on building a network of local and international investors to help Syrian startups access regional and global markets.
Building Bridges for Syrian Entrepreneurs
Organizers like Startup Syria view the event as a critical platform for connecting local talent with capital. Fadi Bishara, Chairman of the Board of Startup Syria, described the week as a unique opportunity to showcase the potential of Syrian ventures.
“Our goal is for local and international investors to see the great potential that Syrian youth possess, and to provide them with an environment that helps them turn their ideas into viable and scalable projects,” Bishara said.
The convergence of government support, international engagement, and entrepreneurial drive at GEW marks a pivotal moment for Syria, representing a determined step towards rebuilding its economic future through technology and innovation.
About Global Entrepreneurship Week
Global Entrepreneurship Week is a massive celebration of the innovators and job creators who launch startups that bring ideas to life, drive economic growth, and expand human welfare. For one week each November, GEW inspires people everywhere through local, national, and global activities designed to help them explore their potential as self-starters and innovators. Powered by the Global Entrepreneurship Network, the initiative now operates in over 200 countries.
Source: Al-Araby Al-Jadeed
