CGEM launches “CGEM for Tech Founders” to support Moroccan startups

Mr. Chakib Alj, president of the CGEM. Photo credits: Ahmed Boussarhane/LNT

The General Confederation of Moroccan Enterprises (CGEM) announced, during an event in Casablanca, the launch of its “CGEM for Tech Founders” program. This initiative aims to support the country’s technology startups by offering them practical solutions to facilitate their development.

The “CGEM for Tech Founders” offer offers several services intended to simplify administrative procedures for startups. Dedicated corridors have been set up in partnership with organizations such as the Directorate General of Taxes (DGI) and the Office des Changes. The aim is to reduce the bureaucratic obstacles that often hinder the growth of young companies.

This program also allows startups to participate in speed-networking sessions organized by the CGEM, thus facilitating meetings with investors and potential partners. In addition, startups will have access to a network of more than 90,000 Confederation members, providing opportunities for collaboration with other companies.

The CGEM is also committed to representing the interests of startups to public authorities, by integrating their needs and demands into its reform proposals.

A framework consistent with the national strategy

According to Ms. Mezzour, tax incentives and adapted infrastructure, such as the cloud, have been put in place to encourage startups to develop quickly and position themselves in international markets. She also mentioned that Morocco aims to become a recognized technological hub in Africa and globally.

Challenges and opportunities for startups

Chakib Alj, president of CGEM, clarified that the “CGEM for Tech Founders” offer brings real added value to startups by offering them tools to overcome challenges such as market access. He recalled that the development of startups depends on their ability to find commercial opportunities and that this initiative aims to facilitate this task. Mr Alj also spoke of the need for increased financial support for start-ups, including through venture capital, direct grants and easier access to credit.

Mohamed Benchaaboun, general director of the Mohammed VI Investment Fund (FM6I), for his part indicated that the Fund aims to support the growth of Moroccan startups. He explained that the selection process for startup funds, carried out in partnership with the Caisse de Dépôt et de Gestion (CDG), had aroused strong interest with 47 applications, and that the results of this preselection will be announced soon.

Expert perspectives and testimonials

During a roundtable organized as part of the event, several speakers shared their perspectives on the main challenges facing Moroccan startups. Mehdi Cherif Alami, CEO of Freterium, highlighted the difficulty of accessing the market, particularly large private groups and the public sector, a problem that “CGEM for Tech Founders” seeks to resolve. He also highlighted the improvement of the image of startups, which facilitates the recruitment of talent.

Omar Laalej, Managing Director of Al Mada Ventures, emphasized the importance of continuing training for entrepreneurs and strategic support for startups to help them grow and access more mature financing. .

Finally, Ismail Bargach, co-founder of Wafr, insisted on the need to attract more foreign investment to strengthen the Moroccan technological ecosystem and allow local startups to develop internationally.

The “CGEM for Tech Founders” initiative is part of the desire to support the growth of Moroccan startups by offering them solutions adapted to their specific needs. It adds to the efforts of public authorities and private actors to create a more dynamic digital ecosystem, in line with the objectives of the “Maroc Digital 2030” strategy. The challenges, particularly in terms of financing and market access, remain, but the commitment of the CGEM and the Mohammed VI Fund for Investment suggests promising prospects for the development of startups on a national and international scale. .