Khadija Abdelqader Saleh Al-Janga

Khadija Abdelqader Saleh Al-Janga, 24, has been interested in cooking since childhood, when she would help her father prepare food. Following his passing, she decided to transform this passion into a professional venture and began producing meals from her home. She developed her skills through training and hands-on experience. Starting a business at a young age was her first major challenge, but it also strengthened her determination to succeed. The SheLeads programme helped Khadija continue developing the project, gain a better understanding of its finances and organise its growth more effectively.

Matbakh Bayti prepares and sells a broad selection of traditional Libyan dishes and spicy foods, including rice platters, stuffed vegetables and vine leaves, meat and chicken dishes, shawarma wraps, savoury pastries, mini pizzas, baked dishes, individual meal boxes and sharing platters. The business generates revenue, which has increased by 60% to 80% since the programme. It employed six people before receiving support and has since recruited 12 additional team members. The business is not yet registered, mainly because it does not have dedicated premises. It has also not yet sought financing, as its business plan and financial documentation still require further development. Khadija aims to increase the company’s profits and create sustainable sources of income for her team.