Editor: In an era of economic challenges, how does an Algerian youth turn his dream into an inspiring reality? Today we interview Abdallah Malik, founder of Algeria’s first private business incubator “Silabs,” named among Forbes Africa’s Top 30 Entrepreneurs in 2018.
The Beginning: From Bab El Oued to Business Leadership
Abdallah Malik: “I was born in Algiers’ Bab El Oued neighborhood during the turbulent 1990s. Surrounded by destruction during the Black Decade, I learned that ruins aren’t endpoints—they’re foundations. At 13, I started small jobs not just for money, but to cultivate initiative. What others saw as hardship became my school of resilience.”
Failure as Fuel
- First venture: A tech startup after university failed due to “misunderstanding Algeria’s market specifics.”
- Second attempt: Collapsed under bureaucratic barriers.
Malik’s insight: “I treated failure as progress! Edison needed 100 attempts for the lightbulb. Those losses taught me that local adaptation is key in Algeria.”
Building “Silabs”: Transforming Crisis into Opportunity
National Vision
“I observed Algeria’s investment culture prioritized hoarding money over building businesses. Even youth funds like ANSEJ were often misused. That’s when I created an incubator to shift mindsets.”
Founding Journey
| Stage | Challenge | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Design (2015) | Lack of entrepreneurial culture | Created “Silabs Forum” connecting startups/government |
| Funding | Investor skepticism | Showcased successes like “Algeria Reads” publishing |
| Execution | Legal complexities | Partnerships with regulatory experts |
Results:
- 50+ startups launched in 3 years
- “Algeria Reads” became a major player at international book fairs
Challenges in Algerian Entrepreneurship: Barriers & Breakthroughs
Social & Technical Hurdles
- Cultural mindset: 75% of Algerians see government jobs as the only security (2024 data)
- Funding gaps: 42% of youth ventures fail from capital shortages
- Gender disparity: Women represent just 7.6% of entrepreneurs
Solutions Implemented
- “Fikra” Project: With Toufik Lerari, built platforms connecting ministers, philosophers and entrepreneurs
- Women Empowerment: “Silabs” training birthed ventures like “Freedoc” simplifying administrative procedures
Abdallah Malik’s Advice for New Entrepreneurs
- Start small, dream big:
“Don’t wait for revolutionary ideas. Solve daily problems like Abdelhak Benjabbar who created Freedoc after bureaucratic struggles.” - Cultivate mindset before capital:
“Create entrepreneurship clubs in universities. My math degree taught me to calculate success coordinates.” - Failure proves effort:
“Two ventures failed before Silabs. Had I quit, successes like Mizanya Pay wouldn’t exist.” - Invest in community infrastructure:
“Follow models like Nedjmeddine Bouzid’s ‘Startup Valley’ turning ideas into action plans.”
Algerian Entrepreneurship’s Future: Dawn of Hope
Abdallah Malik: “We’re at an entrepreneurial awakening:
- 25% startup growth since 2022
- Ventures like ‘Dorouskom’ e-learning prove innovation thrives in adversity.”
His closing words: “Algeria isn’t Silicon Valley, but it’s land where resilient trees—those weathering storms—become ships that conquer oceans.”
“The explosion that destroyed Issad Rebrab’s factory didn’t kill his dream—it birthed the Cevital empire. That’s our lesson: What doesn’t destroy you forges your legacy.”
Roadmap for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
| Step | Action | Algerian Example |
|---|---|---|
| Research | Study local market needs | Abdelghani Sefal analyzed artisans’ needs before engineering solutions |
| Funding | Utilize ANSEJ support | Successful plumbing ventures cited by Toufik Lerari |
| Innovate | Solve local problems | “Freedoc” app streamlining government procedures |
