In recent years, Morocco has witnessed a remarkable surge in its startup ecosystem. According to StartupBlink’s 2023 report, Morocco is ranked as the 4th leading startup ecosystem in Africa and 71st globally, reflecting the nation's dynamic entrepreneurial spirit, marked by a vibrant community of innovators and leaders striving to make a difference. However, the journey is not without its challenges, particularly in the realm of mental health and leadership.
The Growth of Morocco's Startup Ecosystem
The Moroccan startup landscape has been flourishing, driven by a supportive government, increased access to technology, and a growing community of entrepreneurs. Initiatives such as the establishment of tech hubs and the introduction of financial incentives for startups have played a pivotal role in this development. Cities like Casablanca, Rabat, and Marrakesh have emerged as key centers for innovation, attracting both local and international talent .
Despite this growth, Moroccan entrepreneurs face significant hurdles. High youth unemployment rates, limited access to capital, and a nascent support infrastructure can make the entrepreneurial journey particularly challenging. Moreover, mental health remains a critical yet often overlooked aspect. Entrepreneurs frequently encounter high levels of stress, anxiety, and burnout, exacerbated by the pressures of building and sustaining a business in a competitive environment (Citi News) (WHO | Regional Office for Africa). Especially in a culture like Morocco's, where opening up, sharing difficulties, and showing vulnerability is not common, these behaviors can lead to accumulated mental health conditions.
Building a Foundation for Change in Collaboration with Global Shapers Hubs in Morocco
To address these intertwined challenges, we partnered with the Global Shapers Fez Hub in Morocco.
Born out of the World Economic Forum, the Global Shapers Community is a network of inspiring young people under the age of 30 working to address local, regional, and global challenges. Under the Global Shapers banner, the Fez Hub brings together young Fassi Moroccans to develop and carry out social projects in a variety of areas—from economic development to climate education—to shape their community with the goal of making Fez one of Morocco's most recognizable cities.
From June 5th to 7th, we met with local stakeholders and young leaders and, guided by members of the Global Shapers Fez Hub, were able to see and learn about Fez's prominent history, culture, institutions, and ecosystem that oversee the city and draw in global traffic. Starting from a startup, Mobdie, that uses digital and tech innovation to help educate children, we visited the Chamber of Commerce Fez, KUB 789 - Incubator of the Private University of Fez (UPF), Incubooster, and also participated in the Inaugural Conference of the Healthtech Hackathon at the Faculty of Medicine, Pharmacy, and Dentistry of Fez.
Two sessions we had a chance to run in Morocco are:
A moderated interview event on June 6th comprised of a presentation, interview, and Q&A session. Topics discussed include mindful leadership, culture, communication, mindset, current trends, and more.
A national meetup and talk event on June 26th in Marrakesh, Morocco. The event invited young leaders from 4 different regions—Fez, Casablanca, Rabat, and Marrakesh—to engage in deep conversations about the social entrepreneurial journey across sectors, mental well-being, challenges and resilience, and tips and insights on navigating a path forwards.
The efficient execution and delivery of these two hybrid sessions was made possible by the aligned values and passion of progressive and active community leadership teams.
A Movement for Sustainable Change
Comentários