--- title: "Scouting Middle East and North Africa for Promising Startups" url: https://www.seedstars.com/content-hub/newsroom/scouting-middle-east-and-north-africa-promising-startups/ --- 1. [HOME](/) 2. [RESOURCES](/content-hub/) 3. [NEWSROOM](/content-hub/newsroom/) 4. SCOUTING MIDDLE EAST AND NORTH AFRICA FOR PROMISING STARTUPS ![Scouting Middle East and North Africa for Promising Startups](https://seedstars-com.s3.amazonaws.com/images/Scouting_Middle_East_and_North_Af.f8f34ee1..max-1500x500.jpg) MIDDLE EAST AND NORTH AFRICA • TECH ## Scouting Middle East and North Africa for Promising Startups Kamran Samadli FEB. 9, 2018 Oceans of sand, pyramids, camels and shiny super-cars. Is that what you imagine when you think about the Middle East and North Africa? #### WRITTEN BY ![None](https://seedstars-com.s3.amazonaws.com/images/0.max-376x376.jpg) INTERNATIONAL SALES & BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CONSULTANT Kamran Samadli [CONTACT US](/contact-us/) Did you know that besides having a fascinating culture, the whole region is observing a very fast-growing interest for its potential in technology and entrepreneurship? In 2017, Seedstars MENA team traveled to 9 countries in the region to meet with entrepreneurs, investors and tech communities. Finally, we organised local chapters of the global [Seedstars World](https://www.seedstarsworld.com/summit/?__hstc=242025565.1d6559ab48b89a010e5782541e7f57c7.1603967469995.1604048157879.1604052966142.6&__hssc=242025565.1.1604052966142&__hsfp=3717253829) entrepreneurship competitions to find the best early-stage startup of each and every country. This 8-month-long journey was a true eye-opener, as we learned a lot from it. On this post, we want to talk about these learnings. **Gulf Cooperation Council (United Arabic Emirates, Bahraïn, Kuwait) - Governments that were associated only with energy exports, are moving their focus towards technology, innovation and entrepreneurship.** ![gcc](https://seedstars-com.s3.amazonaws.com/images/GCC.width-800.width-800.png) We were truly fascinated by the government support to entrepreneurship we observed in the GCC sub-region. Local governments are actually launching big budget funds and organisations to support SMEs not only to boost entrepreneurship among their population but also to train people and educate them on new technologies. This way, they provide a variety of support, starting from grants and investments to operational help in a startup’s daily activities. For example, Bahrain labour fund [Tamkeen](https://www.tamkeen.bh/) actively helps entrepreneurs in the kingdom launch their start-up and incorporate their business ideas. The fund also tries to provide them with grants to support them until they are financially sustainable. What really surprised us though, was the fact that Tamkeen goes even further and offers to pay up to 70% of the salary when the companies hire fresh Bahraini graduates. Right next to the Bahrain, the kingdom of Saudi Arabia drew our attention with its innovative reforms and huge interest in entrepreneurship support. Saudi Arabia, aligned with its [Saudi Vision 2030](http://vision2030.gov.sa/en), aims at reducing the country’s dependency on oil by boosting other sectors such as tourism and technology entrepreneurship. Recently the kingdom launched a Public Investment Fund with $1Bn budget to support SMEs! Another great initiative comes from Kuwait with a [National Fund](https://www.nationalfund.gov.kw/en/) of $7Bn allocated to support SMEs and entrepreneurs. We were not only amazed by the outstanding support provided by the governments to the entrepreneurs, but also by their vision regarding the future of technology. In 2017, United Arab Emirates appointed a [Minister for Artificial Intelligence](https://futurism.com/dubai-just-appointed-a-state-minister-for-artificial-intelligence/) (hooooly teeech, right?)! ## **North Africa (Morocco, Tunisia, Egypt) - Early-stage ecosystems with incredible potential** ![North Africa](https://seedstars-com.s3.amazonaws.com/images/North_Africa.width-800.width-800.png) Our extensive travels to North African countries and the many interactions we had with entrepreneurs revealed to us an underestimated potential in these countries. Local governments and international organisations are working hand-in-hand with North African entrepreneurs to create a positive impact. For example, this summer the Egyptian government, along with Egypt Ventures and an Egyptian-American Enterprise Fund allocated USD 1M to support startups in Egypt. The specificity of this region might be the high interest shown by Europeans in those countries, due to history bonds and geographic proximity reasons. The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development has allocated around [120 million euros](http://www.ebrd.com/news/2017/ebrd-approves-us-500-million-for-private-renewable-projects-in-egypt.html) for Egypt and [20 million euros](http://www.ebrd.com/news/2017/ebrd-pumps-new-funds-into-moroccan-smes-.html) for Morocco to boost green and renewable energy companies. ## **Levant (Lebanon, Jordan, Turkey) - Diverse, dynamic and full of surprises for startups** ![Levant](https://seedstars-com.s3.amazonaws.com/images/Levant.width-800.width-800.png) Looking at the startups from the Levant region, you can clearly notice the drive in their attitude and unique yet ambitious business models. We believe being located at the crossroads of Europe and Eastern World gave these countries its uniqueness. Indeed, Levant is a great place to get access to investments, and is a great gate to access very complementary markets: Europe and Middle East. In either case, Levant is experiencing lots of interest and attention from all across the globe. As an example, we can mention an upcoming entrepreneurship support project by World Bank where the organisation injects USD 100,000 into Jordanian entrepreneurship ecosystem, to support accelerators, business incubators and investors. They are also considering training angel investors and providing incentives to make them active in Jordanian Market. One startup was selected from each of the 9 countries we visited, to participate in [Seedstars Summit 2018](https://www.seedstarsworld.com/summit/?__hstc=242025565.1d6559ab48b89a010e5782541e7f57c7.1603967469995.1604048157879.1604052966142.6&__hssc=242025565.1.1604052966142&__hsfp=3717253829). Discover which startups were selected from these countries to participate in the big finals and what happened during the MENA Summit [here](https://www.seedstars.com/2018/01/22/happened-seedstars-mena-summit/)! ARTICLE SEEDSTARS WORLD 2019/20 MIDDLE EAST AND NORTH AFRICA BAHRAIN TECH ENERGY EFFICIENCY ## More like this [ ![None](https://seedstars-com.s3.amazonaws.com/images/Untitled_design_1.max-320x550.png) CENTRAL AND EASTERN EUROPE • INVESTMENT #### How to support impact investment in CEE and what chess to do with it | Olena Boytsun Olena leads Luminate's funding activities in Central and Eastern Europe, including Ukraine, Georgia, and the Baltics. Jan. 11, 2021 ](https://www.seedstars.com/content-hub/life/how-t-support-impact-investment-in-cee/) [ ![Fifteen Tech Startups from Latinamerica Advance to Regionals of Seedstars World Competition 2020](https://seedstars-com.s3.amazonaws.com/images/f.max-320x550.png) LATIN AMERICA • TECH #### Fifteen Tech Startups from Latinamerica Advance to Regionals of Seedstars World Competition 2020 Let’s take a closer look at some of the promising startups in the region that have made it to the LATAM Regional Finals of the Seedstars World Competition 2020/21. Dec. 03, 2020 ](https://www.seedstars.com/content-hub/newsroom/fifteen-tech-startups-latinamerica-advance-regionals-seedstars-world-competition-2020/) [ ![17 Tech Startups from CEE Advance to Regionals of Seedstars World Competition 2020](https://seedstars-com.s3.amazonaws.com/images/cee-thumbnail.max-320x550.png) CENTRAL AND EASTERN EUROPE • TECH #### 17 Tech Startups from CEE Advance to Regionals of Seedstars World Competition 2020 Out of the 570 applications we received, we had selected 17 of the most promising startups in the batch to move on to the next stage. Dec. 03, 2020 ](https://www.seedstars.com/content-hub/newsroom/17-tech-startups-cee-advance-regionals-seedstars-world-competition-2020/) [ ![Expansion Program, Colombia 2020](https://seedstars-com.s3.amazonaws.com/images/thumbnail7startups.max-320x550.png) LATIN AMERICA • OTHER #### 7 startups selected for the final phase of the Expansion Program, Colombia 2020 The MinTIC, APPS.CO and Seedstars, the consortium running the Expansion Program, have selected seven startups with a mission to expand their business to international markets. Nov. 25, 2020 ](https://www.seedstars.com/content-hub/newsroom/meet-7-startups-selected-final-phase-expansion-program-colombia-2020/) [ ![Moldova startups](https://seedstars-com.s3.amazonaws.com/images/moldova-thumbnail.max-320x550.png) CENTRAL AND EASTERN EUROPE • OTHER #### Five startups from Moldova vie for a spot at the Seedstars World Competition 2020/21 Five up-and-coming tech startups from Moldova are set to pitch on November 26th at 16:00 at the Online Seedstars Chisinau Competition 2020/21 Nov. 25, 2020 ](https://www.seedstars.com/content-hub/newsroom/five-startups-moldova-vie-spot-seedstars-world-competition-202021/) [ ![UNITEL partnership](https://seedstars-com.s3.amazonaws.com/images/Untitled_design_-_2020-11-05T091332.418.max-320x550.png) AFRICA • EDUCATION & CONSULTING #### Seedstars Partners with UNITEL for Seedstars World Competition to Grow a Startup Ecosystem in Angola This year, we partnered with UNITEL Angola to make sure more entrepreneurs in the country have access to quality learning and investment opportunities. Oct. 29, 2020 ](https://www.seedstars.com/content-hub/newsroom/seedstars-partners-unitel-seedstars-world-competition-grow-startup-ecosystem-angola/) [ ![Applications for Online Startup Competition](https://seedstars-com.s3.amazonaws.com/images/Seedstars_Brings_Its_Startup_Competition_Onl.max-320x550.png) GLOBAL • INVESTMENT #### Seedstars Brings Its Startup Competition Online: 2020 Applications Are Open We are happy to announce that Seedstars World Competition 2020/21 will be held exclusively online and the call for startups is open until July 31st. Jun. 25, 2020 ](https://www.seedstars.com/content-hub/newsroom/seedstars-brings-its-startup-competition-online-2020-applications-are-open/) [ ![Running Events In The Times Of Coronavirus](https://seedstars-com.s3.amazonaws.com/images/Running_Events.max-320x550.jpg) GLOBAL • ECOSYSTEM ENABLER #### Online Is The New Black: Running Events In The Times Of Coronavirus Event organizers are no strangers to crisis management. Last-minute speaker cancellations, Wi-Fi connectivity issues, missing files… The list goes on Apr. 14, 2020 ](https://www.seedstars.com/content-hub/learning-resources/online-new-black-running-events-times-coronavirus/) [ ![Seedstars World Competition](https://seedstars-com.s3.amazonaws.com/images/online-summit.max-320x550.png) GLOBAL • OTHER #### Online Seedstars World Competition 2019/20 How does it feel to compete with the 44 most promising startups from all over the world? And how does it feel when your name is announced as the winner? Mar. 17, 2020 ](https://www.seedstars.com/content-hub/life/online-seedstars-world-competition-2020/) [ ![None](https://seedstars-com.s3.amazonaws.com/images/Celeste_Lupe_Solofa.max-320x550.png) OCEANIA • FINANCIAL SERVICES #### Bringing Online Payments to the Population with 3% Credit Card Penetration | Celeste (Lupe) Solofa Mar. 17, 2020 ](https://www.seedstars.com/content-hub/life/bringing-online-payments-population-3-credit-card-penetration-celeste-lupe-solofa/) [ ![The Mag Education](https://seedstars-com.s3.amazonaws.com/images/the_mag_education.max-320x550.png) GLOBAL • EDUCATION & CONSULTING #### The Mag: Education Living in the era of the ‘technology Renaissance’ as the digital merges with the physical, and robots are capable of executing surgeries on the human brain, requires a completely new approach to education starting in early childhood, continuing throu Mar. 17, 2020 ](https://www.seedstars.com/content-hub/life/mag-education/) [ ![The Mag](https://seedstars-com.s3.amazonaws.com/images/accessiblity.max-320x550.png) GLOBAL • HEALTHCARE #### The Mag: Accessibility According to the World Bank research, one billion people, or 15% of the world’s population, experience some form of disability, with prevalence higher in developing countries. Mar. 17, 2020 ](https://www.seedstars.com/content-hub/life/mag-accessibility/) [ ![Migration](https://seedstars-com.s3.amazonaws.com/images/migratiob.max-320x550.png) GLOBAL • OTHER #### The Mag: Migration Everyone is a migrant, and most people are not a native of the place where they are born. So, why is the world divided into migrants and “natives”? Mar. 17, 2020 ](https://www.seedstars.com/content-hub/life/mag-migration/) [ ![Environment](https://seedstars-com.s3.amazonaws.com/images/environment.max-320x550.png) GLOBAL • ENERGY & NATURAL RESOURCES #### The Mag: Environment Around 3.5 billion to 7 billion trees are cut down each year, and during 2018 alone, 3.6 million hectares (8.9 million acres) of primary tropical forest disappeared. Mar. 17, 2020 ](https://www.seedstars.com/content-hub/life/mag-environment/) [ ![Marc Berrebi](https://seedstars-com.s3.amazonaws.com/images/P1.max-320x550.png) MIDDLE EAST AND NORTH AFRICA • HEALTHCARE #### From $100 M USD Exit to Street Art Activism | Marc Berrebi It is difficult to present Marc Berrebi in just a few sentences. An entrepreneur since he can remember, but an artist at heart, this multi-exit founder has, what one could say, lived it all. Mar. 15, 2020 ](https://www.seedstars.com/content-hub/life/100-m-usd-exit-street-art-activism-marc-berrebi/) [ ![Kenza Lahlou](https://seedstars-com.s3.amazonaws.com/images/P2.max-320x550.png) MIDDLE EAST AND NORTH AFRICA • INVESTMENT #### How Kenza Traveled the World to Find Her Calling and Started an African VC Fund | Kenza Lahlou Kenza was born in Morocco, but has quite a rich international experience: from France and Singapore, all the way to the USA. At some point, she found her calling and decided to go back to her home country. Mar. 15, 2020 ](https://www.seedstars.com/content-hub/life/how-kenza-traveled-world-find-her-calling-and-started-african-vc-fund-kenza-lahlou/) [ ![People with Disabilities](https://seedstars-com.s3.amazonaws.com/images/Untitled_design_31.max-320x550.png) LATIN AMERICA • HEALTHCARE #### Transforming the Lives of Millions of People with Disabilities Around the World | Alvaro Rios After watching the US TV show “The Six Million Dollar Man” at the age of 5 in Colombia, Alvaro Rio, founder of Human Assistive Technologies, knew exactly what he wanted to do with his life. Mar. 15, 2020 ](https://www.seedstars.com/content-hub/life/transforming-lives-millions-people-disabilities-around-world-alvaro-rios/) [ ![Energy Market](https://seedstars-com.s3.amazonaws.com/images/City_by_night.max-320x550.png) ASIA • ENERGY & NATURAL RESOURCES #### Disrupting the One Billion Energy Market, One Household at a Time | Sebastian Groh Sebastian comes from a middle-income family in Germany and originally pursued a career as an investment banker. Mar. 15, 2020 ](https://www.seedstars.com/content-hub/life/disrupting-one-billion-energy-market-one-household-time-sebastian-groh/) [ ![Advancing Learning for Millions of Kids](https://seedstars-com.s3.amazonaws.com/images/Kukua.max-320x550.png) AFRICA • EDUCATION & CONSULTING #### Advancing Learning for Millions of Kids Through Entertainment | Lucrezia Bisignani Lucrezia wanted to be an actress and started her entrepreneurial journey when she was 8 years old, selling crafts to give to those most in need. Mar. 15, 2020 ](https://www.seedstars.com/content-hub/life/advancing-learning-millions-kids-through-entertainment-lucrezia-bisignani/) [ ![Kenneth Katafono](https://seedstars-com.s3.amazonaws.com/images/P4.max-320x550.png) OCEANIA • FOOD & BEVERAGES #### From Bait to Plate: How Traseable Is Increasing Food Security | Kenneth Katafono Come with us to the middle of the Pacific, where Kenneth is shaping the future of the fishing industry. Did you know that around 70% of the world’s tuna comes from the Pacific? Mar. 14, 2020 ](https://www.seedstars.com/content-hub/life/bait-plate-how-traseable-increasing-food-security-kenneth-katafono/) [ ![Ann Pichestapong](https://seedstars-com.s3.amazonaws.com/images/P5.max-320x550.png) LATIN AMERICA • TECHNOLOGY #### Three Continents, One Data-Driven eCommerce Startup and a Baby | Ann Pichestapong In this episode, we meet Ann, founder and CEO of DataCue, who not only launched her own company but did it with her husband as her co-founder whilst travelling across Central and South America for their honeymoon! Mar. 14, 2020 ](https://www.seedstars.com/content-hub/life/three-continents-one-data-driven-ecommerce-startup-and-baby-ann-pichestapong/) [ ![Seedstars Summit 2020](https://seedstars-com.s3.amazonaws.com/images/online-summit.max-320x550.png) GLOBAL • EDUCATION & CONSULTING #### Seedstars Summit 2020 Is Going Online Given the growing concerns around the COVID-19 outbreak in Europe, we’ve decided to redesign the Seedstars Summit and bring it fully online to ensure everyone’s safety. Mar. 05, 2020 ](https://www.seedstars.com/content-hub/newsroom/seedstars-summit-2020-going-online/) [ ![Monthly Revenue](https://seedstars-com.s3.amazonaws.com/images/podcast_thumbnail.max-320x550.png) CENTRAL AND EASTERN EUROPE • EDUCATION & CONSULTING #### From $300 to $60K Monthly Revenue and Serving 400,000 Students Worldwide | Daria Kroshkina With a passion for learning, growth and continuous development, Dasha turned the knowledge she used herself to secure scholarships. Mar. 03, 2020 ](https://www.seedstars.com/content-hub/life/300-60k-monthly-revenue-and-serving-400000-students-worldwide-daria-kroshkina/) [ ![Impact Investors](https://seedstars-com.s3.amazonaws.com/images/Untitled_design_28.max-320x550.png) CENTRAL AND EASTERN EUROPE • INVESTMENT #### Winning Marathons and Advising Billionaire Impact Investors | Tenke Zoltani From a Hungarian refugee family who emigrated to the United States, Tenke Zoltani is running fast as part of the Hungarian national running team. Mar. 03, 2020 ](https://www.seedstars.com/content-hub/life/winning-marathons-and-advising-billionaire-impact-investors-tenke-zoltani/) --- ## Sitemap - [Sitemap](https://www.seedstars.com/sitemap.md): every public page on this site - [llms.txt](https://www.seedstars.com/llms.txt): what Seedstars does and where to start