Building a New Future in Al Hoceima: Inspiration from Dutch Entrepreneurs, Jewish Heritage, and Islamic Teachings

Today is my last day in Al Hoceima Morocco to join Ibrahim and the Molengeek team to support them with laying the early foundations for the next Silicon Valley in Africa. I am here to bring my critical thinking, challenge the Molengeek team, spot opportunities, join the workshops and engage with the local youth and students to share Molengeek's ambitious vision.

Inspiration from Dutch Entrepeneurs

At home, one of the best parts of my day to day job is to work with entrepreneurs in tech. During the last years I have seen Dutch entrepreneurs grow their companies from startups to established and recognized businesses in the Dutch and even international tech ecosystems. Relatively new businesses and start-ups like 1uur.nu, Nedscaper , WorkplaceBuddy grown in the last years into established names with an extensive footprint in the Dutch tech ecosystem. Their founder's entrepreneurial mindset and belief in their mission, themselves personally, their business potential have inspired me. While the Netherlands might be economically more viable, also the founders of these companies needed to overcome tremendous challenges that they felt sometimes to be impossible to overcome. Their vision, entrepreneurial mindset, persistence, resilience, and capacity to build partnerships is from my perception what made this Dutch business succeed. These characteristics also apply to the upcoming tech ecosystem in Al Hoceima to become successful.

Conversations on local culture and diaspora

In between our meetings and workshops, I had a conversation with Imad El about how we can encourage and motivate the young generation of Al Hoceima to see the potential in themselves and go for a future within Al Hoceima. This is not self-evident because most people in this area have moved to the bigger cities and to the Netherlands for economic reasons. We need to encourage to build Al Hoceima together regardless of the current lack of a tech ecosystem. I believe that with the right entrepreneurial growth mindset, change is possible in a relatively short time. The growing popularity of the Dutch Moroccan Youtube Channel High Frequency Podcast on returning to Morocco and starting business here shows the promising thoughts of the Moroccan diaspora returning and giving back to their community. It would be good for the Moroccan economy and community when the Moroccans who are in diaspora would decide to return with all their knowledge and experience to their native and ethnic home. Regardless of all of this I believe that Al Hoceima is becoming new Silicon Valley and in my latest blog I share why.

Talking to the youth in Al Hoceima, I was impressed by their level of mathematics and English. This already proofs that, even though they are not in an international environment and English is not commonly heard in Al Hoceima, the quality of their education, mindset and desire to be part of the new world will become a reality. At the same time, I saw the new generation didn’t have many hopes or expectations on a brighter future in Al Hoceima. This is understandable in the context of local history, which includes a lot of suffering, pain, and sadness.

From pain to purpose - my Jewish story

All this suffering is nothing to be positive about. I can relate through my Jewish background which thought me about oppression, the holocaust, pogroms and even currently we face humiliation of my family by the Dutch media and authorities by how they criminalized my mother and even locked her away in prison for political reasoning. You can read more in my Iboga Story blog. Yet, after all this suffering both the Jewish people in general and my family members, we have become quite successful in this worldly life. This is because of our resilience, persistence and creative ability of survival instincts and eagerness to proof that we are worthy. Like the Jewish people the Amazigh people have these traits together with their entrepreneurial mindset.

Redefining potential from an Islamic perspective

Imad and I discussed the potential of the local people and how they could redefine their own worth and potential. For too long the definition of success for the Moroccan youth has depended on European ideas of success like materialism, esthetics, and instant gratification. Instead, they could focus on their Islamic values which already have proven to be more spiritual, character and value based and with that more ethical and sustainable. As I became Muslim, Islam has given me many tools to move not only from pain to purpose but also from purpose to practical actions and mindset to change my life and empower those around me.

Imad and I explored the significance of asking Allah for the highest of rewards and the power of trusting in His generosity. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) taught us to always strive for the best, saying, "When you ask Allah for Paradise, ask Him for Al-Firdaus" — the highest level of Paradise. When we pray to Allah and seek His assistance in attaining the highest goals, it reflects our unwavering belief in His infinite generosity and grace. When we belief, we imprint our subconsciousness and with that we program ourselves to act accordingly. In the west people copied this idea and left Allah out of it to call it the ‘secret’ or ‘law of attraction’.

As the hadith states, "Allah is with His servant as he expects." The more we ask, the more we acknowledge His limitless provision and recognize our dependence on Him. When our prayers are ambitious, it signifies our faith in Allah's generosity, and that we value His guidance. He loves for us to sincerely ask and have high expectations. As an example, I like to ask Allah after my prayers for protection from people with bad intentions as they have murdered my family before and still, I see and hear frequently how people despise me. Because I ask for protection and believe that he will protect me I can be calm, can step away from fear, vigilance and survival mode and focus on my growth and goals.

I keep reminding myself that a lack of expectations can signify that we underestimate our worth or limit Allah's ability to provide. The powerful phrase, "La hawla wa la quwwata illa billah" reminds us that there is no power or might except with Allah. Only through His will can we progress, achieve our aspirations, and navigate the challenges we face. I am learning this sentence to be a mantra as a reminder to bring light and guidance when I feel humiliated or down.

Trusting in Allah is crucial for motivation, patience, discipline, resilience, and character building. By relying on Him, we find the confidence to strive for greatness. Trust is an invaluable resource that propels us toward achieving our goals. A common psychological issue arises when people seek validation from others, often leading to anxiety over social status and material success. An Islamic mindset instead focuses on seeking guidance, gratitude, and affirmation from Allah. This intention leads to a natural attitude of gratitude and serves as a healthy mindset with a foundation for pure intentions and sincere worship.

Dua for the People of Al Hoceima

O Allah, the Most Merciful and Compassionate, we ask You to bless the people of Al Hoceima. Grant them strength, resilience, and wisdom as they build a brighter future for their community.

O Allah, instill in their hearts a deep sense of faith and trust in Your infinite generosity. Guide them towards unity and collaboration and help them to realize their full potential through the values of persistence, resilience, and ethical entrepreneurship.

Bless their efforts to create a thriving tech ecosystem and inspire them to seek the highest of rewards and goals. Protect them from any harm or evil intentions and surround them with Your divine protection and guidance.

O Allah, elevate their spirits, and fill their hearts with hope and ambition. Allow them to find success in their endeavors, and let their achievements be a source of pride and inspiration for future generations.

May their community thrive with the blessings of knowledge, innovation, and a steadfast commitment to their Islamic values. Ameen.

Thank you

Thank you for taking the time to read this blog. We hope it will inspire you. :)