Dreams Talks: Fostering African Innovation Hive12 & Ichraf Jarray’s Vision

By Metohuey Adoglo 

In the ever-evolving landscape of technology and entrepreneurship, there are individuals who stand out as catalysts for change, igniting the aspirations of the next generation of innovators. Ichraf Jarray, a multifaceted visionary who wears many hats, is undoubtedly one such luminary.

As the founder of “Hive12 Hub “ in the Sahel region, Ichraf Jarray has not only established herself as an entrepreneur but also as an IT business developer, mentor, growth hacker, computer engineer, social activist, and headhunter. Her entrepreneurial spirit, coupled with her technical prowess, has empowered her to bridge the gap between emerging talents and job opportunities in the Sahel region. 

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In this edition of Dreams Talks, we’re set to explore the instrumental role played by the Hive12 Hub in connecting emerging talents with job opportunities, nurturing innovation, and propelling the growth of startups in the Sahel region.

Collaboration as the Key to Innovation

Mutualization and collaboration are the beating heart of Hive12, igniting innovation within its vibrant community. Ichraf shares how startups and entrepreneurs come together to share not only physical workspace but also knowledge, expertise, and even resources.

Dreams Talks : Could you provide insights into the unique role that Hive12 – Hub Entrepreneurial plays as an intermediary between young talents and the job market in the Sahel Region?

Ichraf Jarray : Hive12 – Hub Entrepreneurial definitely plays a unique role as a bridge between young talents and the job market in the Sahel region. We act as a crucial intermediary by identifying and nurturing the potential of these talents and then connecting them with the opportunities and businesses that can benefit from their skills and creativity. We serve as a platform where young entrepreneurs, tech enthusiasts, and job seekers can not only gain skills but also create meaningful connections within the Sahel tech ecosystem. Our role is about facilitating talent discovery, development, and the transition into a professional career, thereby contributing to the region’s economic growth and technological advancement.

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Dreams Talks: Mutualization and collaboration are fundamental principles at Hive12. How have these principles fostered innovation, and could you share specific success stories that exemplify their impact on young startups?

Ichraf Jarray : Mutualization and collaboration are core principles at Hive12, and they have been instrumental in fostering innovation. By creating an environment where startups and entrepreneurs can share resources, knowledge, and experiences, we encourage cross-pollination of ideas and skills. For example, we’ve seen startups sharing not only office space in our coworking space but also expertise, mentorship, and even resources like software licenses or marketing materials and connection or even investment opportunities at some points. One success story to highlight is a startup that, through collaboration with another Hive12 member, developed a new product that significantly expanded their customer base and revenue stream and got the needed investment and now it is on it’s way to internationalization. This approach underlines how pooling resources and knowledge can lead to innovation that may not have been possible in isolation. At Hive12, Greatness is forged.

Empowering Startups for Positive Outcomes

Dreams Talks: The idea of bringing together young startups and guiding them through their evolution is intriguing. Can you share some examples of startups that have benefited from this approach and the positive outcomes they’ve achieved?

Ichraf Jarray : Several startups have benefited from Hive12’s approach. For instance, Startup X came to Hive12 with an innovative idea but limited business experience. Through our mentorship and collaboration with experienced entrepreneurs within the community & experts, they refined their business model, enhanced their product, and successfully secured funding from investors. Another example is Startup Y, which faced technical challenges in its early stages. At Hive12, they found the right technical expertise through collaboration with a neighboring startup, allowing them to develop a cutting-edge product that disrupted their industry. These examples showcase how our ecosystem empowers startups to overcome hurdles and achieve positive outcomes.

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The Impact on Sahel’s Entrepreneurial Landscape

Dreams Talks: Collaboration and synergy are at the core of Hive12’s mission. Could you elaborate on how facilitating meetings and exchanges has led to the emergence of projects that are making a significant impact in the entrepreneurial landscape of the Sahel region?

Ichraf Jarray : Collaboration and synergy are fundamental to Hive12’s mission, and they have led to the emergence of impactful projects in the Sahel entrepreneurial landscape. Through our facilitated meetings, networking events, and community-building activities, we have witnessed startups forming partnerships and collaborative projects. For example, Hive12 organized a hackathon where startups collaborated to create an innovative solution for an environmental tech related issue. This solution not only benefited the local community but also attracted the attention of regional investors and government agencies, highlighting the impact of our collaborative approach in addressing significant challenges in the Sahel region.

Essential Resources for Innovation

Dreams Talks: Your hub provides essential resources for co-workers. How have these resources, such as high-speed internet access and collaborative spaces, contributed to the development and realization of innovative projects, and why are they essential for entrepreneurs in the region?

Ichraf Jarray: The essential resources we provide, such as high-speed internet access and collaborative spaces are vital for the development of innovative projects in the region. High-speed internet enables startups to access global markets, stay updated with industry trends, and leverage cloud-based tools for development. Collaborative open spaces foster creativity, idea exchange, and a sense of community. These resources are essential for entrepreneurs in the region because they help level the playing field and empower startups to compete on a global scale. They reduce barriers to entry and allow entrepreneurs to focus on their core competencies, leading to accelerated growth and success. In essence, these resources are the foundation upon which innovative projects and businesses are built in the Sahel region.

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Dreams Talks Conclusion 

In the ever-expanding African tech and entrepreneurial arena, Hive12, under the visionary leadership of Ichraf Jarray, is poised for a promising future. The hub is steadily becoming a cornerstone for connecting emerging talents with job opportunities, fostering collaboration, empowering startups, and providing essential resources for success.

As we look ahead, one can’t help but anticipate the exciting possibilities that will emanate from this hub of innovation. What groundbreaking projects will take shape, and how will they contribute to the future of the continent’s tech and entrepreneurial landscape? With Hive12’s commitment to nurturing talent and facilitating collaboration, the horizon appears bright, and the potential for transformative contributions to Africa’s tech and entrepreneurship scene is genuinely promising.