Ahmed Al-Kheerow: Overcoming Adversity to Make a Global Impact in Technology
In a world where challenges often seem insurmountable, Ahmed Al-Kheerow’s journey is a testament to resilience, creativity, and determination. Born in Mosul, Iraq, Ahmed’s life was disrupted when he and his family were forced to flee their city in 2014, leaving behind everything familiar. Though not a refugee, Ahmed was displaced, facing the task of starting over in a new environment with nothing but the will to persevere. It was through these hardships that Ahmed began to forge his path to success in the tech industry.
A Journey of Resourcefulness
Ahmed’s fascination with technology began early. As a child, he couldn’t afford luxury items like gaming consoles or laptops, but that didn’t stop him. Instead, he taught himself how to fix broken Xboxes, PlayStations, and even old computers. His first experience fixing a laptop was at age 12 when he repaired his aunt’s Toshiba, marking his first hands-on experience with technology.
This early exposure to problem-solving shaped his ability to fix, build, and create—skills that would eventually serve him well in the tech world. Ahmed’s resourcefulness became a defining trait in his career, showing that with the will to learn, limitations can become opportunities.
Blending Passion and Profession
Fast forward to 2008, when Ahmed began his first experiments with graphic design using CorelDRAW. By 2013, he had started his own YouTube channel, and in 2017, he entered the tech industry professionally. Despite the challenges of coming from a country with limited access to global resources, Ahmed found ways to thrive, navigating the complexities of fintech, e-commerce, Web3, ESG real estate, and dev tools, while securing clients and collaborating across international markets.
His passion for design and development quickly helped him establish a reputation as a standout in the global tech scene. One of Ahmed’s proudest achievements came when his website design and development were recognized as “Website of the Day” online—a rare feat for someone from Iraq. His work gained further international recognition when he contributed to a startup with one of the best user experiences (UX) in the QA automation market.
“My goal is to make everything 11% better every time I touch it,” he says. This relentless drive to improve has allowed him to leave a lasting impact, blending technical skills with a commitment to positive change in people’s lives.
Overcoming Stereotypes and Challenges
Ahmed faced a unique set of challenges, including the stigma associated with coming from a developing country. Many people were hesitant to work with someone from Iraq, creating roadblocks in building relationships and securing projects. However, Ahmed’s persistence and his ability to navigate stereotypes and cultural barriers helped him overcome these challenges.
By working with clients worldwide, Ahmed proved that talent knows no borders. His work in the FinTech industry is particularly notable. Currently, he is part of one of Africa’s largest FinTech companies, helping people transfer funds from the U.S., UK, and Europe to Africa, improving financial access for families across the continent.
Finding Strength in Struggle
Ahmed’s journey hasn’t been without personal hardships. From losing a loved one to dealing with a severe case of COVID-19 that nearly cost him his life, Ahmed faced several low points in 2020 and 2021. These moments taught him the importance of resilience and faith, seeing struggle as part of the journey to success.
“If you don’t risk it all, you can’t make it,” he reflects. Each obstacle strengthened his resolve, fueling his belief in a bigger plan even when things seemed impossible.
A Vision of Success and Helping Others
For Ahmed, success isn’t about wealth or accolades; it’s about the positive impact he has on others. “Success for me means helping others and leaving them with a positive experience,” he explains. This philosophy has guided him throughout his career, whether in his design work, his contributions to FinTech, or his drive to inspire others to follow their dreams despite the challenges they face.
Ahmed’s story serves as a powerful example of how struggles can lead to strength. His journey from fixing broken consoles in Mosul to helping lead one of Africa’s biggest FinTech companies reminds us that the most successful people often emerge from the toughest circumstances.
Expanding Perspectives and Embracing Happiness
Looking forward, Ahmed hopes to continue expanding his impact. His advice to others? “Don’t limit your perspective. There is more to this world than you can even imagine. Keep pushing forward and expand your view of everything and everyone.” Ahmed believes that true happiness comes from within, and by focusing on helping others, he has found both personal fulfillment and professional success..
Click here to check Ahmed Al-Kheerow’s Instagram .
