International Conference on the Entrepreneurial Ecosystem: What avenues to revitalize entrepreneurship in Morocco?

From April 25 to 27, 2024, the ISCAE Group, in partnership with the University of Sherbrooke and the Moroccan Management Association (AMG), hosted the 4th edition of the International Conference on the Entrepreneurial Ecosystem. This prestigious gathering, under the theme “Cultivating Entrepreneurial Resilience in a Changing Environment”, brought together key thinkers and influential players in the field.

The opening ceremony was marked by the presence of Minister Younes Sekkouri and other renowned personalities who explained the relevance of entrepreneurship in the face of current socio-economic challenges. Professor Tarik El Malki, Managing Director of the ISCAE Group, underlined the crucial importance of innovation and entrepreneurship for Morocco and the region.

Tarik El Malki addressed the repercussions of multiple crises, such as geopolitical tensions and climate crises, on the Moroccan economy, and highlighted the role of entrepreneurship as a vector of change. He called for increased support for startups and small businesses, describing them as potential “gazelles” of international trade.

Ghita Lahlou, president of the CGEM International Commission, expressed the private sector’s commitment to improving the entrepreneurial ecosystem. It highlighted the need to support entrepreneurship not only as a means of job creation but also as a strategic response to Morocco’s major economic challenges.

The conference was also an opportunity for Ms. Saras Sarasvathy, a renowned American economist, to deliver a masterful lecture on strategies for strengthening entrepreneurial resilience. His presentation was complemented by interactive roundtables and workshops, led by experts and practitioners, who shared best practices and innovative ideas for successfully navigating an uncertain world.

This conference not only enriched the dialogue on entrepreneurship but also laid the foundations for future initiatives. Participants left with a renewed vision and practical tools to contribute to the development of a robust and resilient entrepreneurial ecosystem.

In short, this event clearly demonstrated that strengthening entrepreneurship is crucial for Morocco’s economic development and that close collaboration between the public and private sectors is essential to achieve this vision. The discussions and commitments made during this conference promise to stimulate new dynamics in the entrepreneurial landscape of Morocco and beyond.