In the warm embrace of an Algerian summer, the sun was not the only thing that shone bright in July 2016. The spirited city of Algiers was abuzz with the energy of youthful ambition and the winds of change. I found myself amid this fervor, participating in the Global Entrepreneurship Network Algeria's first major event: Entrepreneurship Summer School Algeria (ESSA).

As a speaker and a workshop conductor, my role was dual. The speaking sessions held a special place in my itinerary—addressing a sea of eager faces, young Algerians who carried the future of the nation in their curious minds and relentless spirits. I spoke of synergy, the harmony and collaborative potential between different pillars of society—the private sector, public enterprises, academia, investors, and the vital startups. My words emphasized the creation of an ecosystem where innovation was not just encouraged but was a cornerstone.

The workshops were hands-on and dynamic. It was in these close-knit circles that the real magic happened. We delved into the myriad of technology tools available to small and medium businesses, those simple yet profound enablers that could make or break a burgeoning business in today’s digital age. "Technology is your ally," I would say, showing them the latest in project management, financial software, and customer relationship platforms, tools that promised efficiency and growth.

The event was like a grand symphony where each note was a student's realization of potential, each chord was a connection made for future collaboration. It was heartening to witness the attendees’ transformation from passive listeners to active participants, their questions punctuated with insightful thoughts and the spark of ideas that could very well light up the world.

The days were long, but the energy never waned. As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting long shadows over the Houari Boumediene University of Sciences and Technology campus, the spirits soared even higher. Conversations spilled into the cool evenings, under a sky turning a deep shade of twilight blue. The gender balance, the meritocracy, the communal respect—it was all part of a narrative that Algerians were ready to tell the world.