Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Meriem Lemrajni
Published on 2024-03-30 16:45:00
– What was the main inspiration behind the creation of EcoTech Expo, and how do you envision its impact on the e-commerce and new technology ecosystem in Morocco?
The primary motivation behind the creation of EcoTech Expo was to meet the increasing demand to encourage e-commerce and technological innovation in Morocco. We saw huge potential in these areas to stimulate innovation, promote entrepreneurship, and contribute to the country’s economic development. Our goal was to create a dynamic platform where key stakeholders from both the public and private sectors could come together to exchange ideas, share knowledge, and explore new opportunities. By highlighting the latest trends and best practices in the technology and e-commerce fields, this exhibition will encourage innovation among entrepreneurs and industry professionals.
The conferences, workshops, and networking sessions organized during the event will enhance capacity and promote entrepreneurship, showcasing startups and innovative companies through dedicated villages such as the Startup Village INDH and the Startup Village MRTB M6P Ben Guerir. Additionally, highlighting local products through the Made In Morocco Village will help promote domestic commerce and strengthen Morocco’s brand internationally.
– As president, what main goals have you set for this edition, and what is its ultimate aim?
Our priority for this edition is to facilitate exchanges and networking, as we strive to create a dynamic platform where e-commerce and new technology actors can meet, share ideas, exchange experiences, and establish strategic partnerships. Furthermore, we are committed to supporting entrepreneurship, especially startups, by providing them a platform to showcase their products and services, meet potential investors, and access resources and growth opportunities.
We also aim to highlight “Made in Morocco” and promote Moroccan products and companies bearing the “Fabriqué au Maroc” label, by showcasing their quality, creativity, and expertise.
– What solutions have been proposed during this initiative?
Several solutions have been considered to stimulate economic and social development, including encouraging businesses to digitize. This initiative aims to encourage companies to adopt digital solutions to improve their operational efficiency. Furthermore, there is a focus on strengthening the entrepreneurial ecosystem by supporting young entrepreneurs through access to resources, funding, and mentoring programs to realize their ideas and projects. Close collaboration between the public and private sectors, bringing together companies, government institutions, and civil society organizations, is also advocated to create an environment conducive to innovation and economic growth.
Efforts are also being made to develop digital skills, particularly through training programs for young people and workers. Finally, the promotion of social and environmental innovation is emphasized, highlighting technological innovation as a means to solve social and environmental issues, supporting sustainability-focused initiatives, social inclusion, and environmental responsibility.
– How do you select the startups participating in the EcoTech Expo, and what is the main opportunity for them at this event?
As president of the “Création” foundation, we place great importance on our partnerships with key entities such as the MRTB program of LM6P, Technopark Morocco, APEBI, and INDH. These partnerships are essential to ensure the success of the EcoTech Expo and provide a rewarding experience for participating startups. We work closely with the LM6P MRTB program to identify and select innovative startups in the field of new technologies, especially those based in Ben Guerir.
Through this partnership, we provide local startups with a platform to showcase their solutions and access growth and development opportunities. We also partner with Technopark Morocco to identify and select emerging startups in the technology and e-commerce fields. The Association of Information Technology Professionals (APEBI) is also a key partner in promoting technological innovation in Morocco.
In collaboration with APEBI, we identify promising startups in the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) sector and invite them to participate in the EcoTech Expo. Lastly, the partnership with the National Initiative for Human Development (INDH) allows us to support social impact startups contributing to the economic and social development of Morocco. Through this partnership, we offer socially responsible startups the opportunity to showcase their initiatives at the EcoTech Expo.
By working together with our partners, we ensure that the EcoTech Expo is an inclusive platform that highlights the diversity and innovation of Moroccan startups in the technology and e-commerce fields.
– How does the EcoTech Expo support innovation and entrepreneurship in Morocco and potentially internationally?
The EcoTech Expo provides a platform for connecting entrepreneurs, startups, investors, government institutions, and private sector actors. This facilitates idea exchange, strategic partnerships, and funding opportunities, stimulating innovation and business growth. Participants have access to valuable resources such as expert advice, training, mentoring, and networking opportunities.
By attracting national and international participants, investors, and media, the EcoTech Expo offers international visibility to Moroccan startups and the country’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. This promotes Moroccan businesses on the global stage and attracts the attention of potential investors and partners.
– How do you see the future of the EcoTech Expo, and what are your plans for the upcoming editions?
The future of the EcoTech Expo is promising, and we have big plans for the upcoming editions. We aim to expand the event by attracting more exhibitors, speakers, partners, and national and international visitors. This could include increasing the number of thematic villages, introducing new programs and activities, and extending the duration of the event to offer a more immersive and enriching experience.
Lastly, we seek to encourage local innovation and highlight the successes of Moroccan entrepreneurs in various fields, including technology, e-commerce, sustainability, health, education, etc.
Read the original article(French) on L’Opinion
