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Rabat – Morocco’s startup scene is thriving as the country now ranks sixth in Africa and second in North Africa in the latest global startup ecosystem index for 2022.
Following its startups’ success, Morocco aims to climb further up the global rankings.
In light of Morocco’s startup growth, Morocco World News (MWN) interviewed Ranya Alaoui, a senior public relations and corporate affairs professional specializing in innovation, technology, and entrepreneurship. In the interview, we discussed how a stronger startup ecosystem can be built in Morocco.
Bringing journalism to technology, entrepreneurship, and innovation
Alaoui’s background in journalism and social sciences is one of her biggest assets. As the objectivity and analytical skills that come with this academical backgrounds managed to add value to Corporate affairs related to the technology and entrepreneurship fields.
Speaking about the underrated impact of social sciences in the field of technology and innovation, Alaoui said, “We need technical talents but we also need social sciences competencies, people to work on policies, legal frameworks, and reshape the narratives of the countries.”
When asked about the reason she chose to specialize in technology and innovation given her background in journalism, she said her joining of Jumia’s PR department was down to “a mix of coincidence, chance, and fate.”
Alaoui found herself in charge at work from the early age of 24. “I found myself with top-decision makers co-constructing PA strategies; discussing regulatory framework, personal data protection, and policies,” she explained.
Though her work was a labor of love, “I genuinely fell in love with these topics and couldn’t imagine myself working in anything else,” Alaoui enthused.
Developing Morocco’s entrepreneurial ecosystem
Entrepreneurship is a key topic at the heart of Morocco’s ambitions, she said, citing several initiatives in the field by both the private and public actors.
“Today Morocco counts over 4,000 startups, 500 of which received funding, and 60 support structures to help promising tech entrepreneurs.”
Alaoui explained that Morocco’s new model of development has been the impetus for the promotion of the entrepreneurial spirit.
The president of Morocco’s Special Commission for the Development Model (CSMD), Chakib Benmoussa, presented the development model to King Mohammed VI on May 25, 2021.
The document places a strong emphasis on reforming various sectors of Moroccan society, including agriculture, education, health, investment, and taxes.
Describing the move as a “milestone,” Alaoui said: “We had a glimpse of it in 2021 when the new model of development was released, encouraging youth to unleash their potential, the creation of more entrepreneurs, and promoting innovation and technology,”
The innovative Moroccan recalled another important step for Morocco, namely the creation of the Mohammed VI investment fund. King Mohammed VI announced the creation of the investment fund during his Throne Day speech on July 29, 2020.
The fund seeks to finance major investment projects through partnerships within the private sector. It also aims to contribute to the capital of small and medium-sized businesses through thematic funds.
Read Also: Moroccan Government Approves Creation of Mohammed VI Investment Fund
Alaoui recalled that Morocco has over the past years launched several initiatives, mobilized capital, and established funds to become a nation of opportunity, entrepreneurship, and development.
Overcoming challenges
When discussing the challenges facing Morocco’s startup ecosystem and how to overcome them, Alaoui suggested to enhance our “doing business” environment to encourage more local capital holders abroad and from the diaspora to invest more in Morocco.
“I believe working to enhance our bureaucracy, regulatory framework, taxation, and exchange rate will convince more capital holders to invest in the long run,” she explained.
Naming another challenge, Alaoui noted that the Moroccan startup ecosystem is lagging behind as Morocco has “fewer startups compared to other [leading] African countries.”
Alaoui emphasized the importance of producing more startups and local innovative technologies to shape a new narrative about and for Morocco, with the goal of positioning the country as a key actor in entrepreneurship in Africa and globally.
“Nigeria has a lot to teach us when it comes to fintech,” Alaoui said, stressing that Morocco can draw inspiration from other African nations to create a strong startup ecosystem.
In 2021, Nigeria topped the list of countries attracting the most investments on the continent — with 37% of funding going to Nigerian startups operating in fintech.
Alaoui added that identifying clear Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and metrics is also important to assess progress. “We need to be driven by clear KPIs. This is not only for our ecosystem but also for the public and private sectors,” she stressed.
Keeping with ‘the great vibe’ of Morocco’s World Cup achievement
Alaoui also recalled the Atlas Lions’ recent historic accomplishment at the 2022 World Cup, when they became the first African and Arab country to advance to the semi-finals of the global competition.
“We need to keep with the great vibe that has been brought by the Moroccan football national team. It made Moroccans believe in themselves and in a glorious country,” Alaoui said passionately.
Citing ambition and self-confidence as crucial for entrepreneurship, Alaoui encouraged young Moroccan entrepreneurs to believe in themselves and to be resilient — as life will always throw challenges and obstacles in their path.
Read Also: Morocco’s World Cup Legacy: The Gift of Dreaming
A rich career path at 30
The journalism graduate spent the past 10 years evolving in public relations (PR) and corporate affairs in various sectors, while working in collaboration with leading international partners.
Alaoui began her professional career as a public affairs and PR consultant at the advisory and consulting firm Strateus Group, where she managed a portfolio of diverse sectors including mining, pharmaceuticals, oil, and gas.
In 2015, Alaoui joined the renowned e-commerce platform Jumia where she held the position of Group head of communications and PR.
After that she worked at Centrale Danone, a subsidiary of the global food manufacturer Danone, managing image and e-reputation.
Alaoui’s rich career while being under 30 years old has only continued to grow. She currently works as head of mission within the Entrepreneurship and Venturing department at Morocco’s Mohammed VI Polytechnic University.
Throughout her diverse professional experiences, she has overseen image & reputation, e-reputation, media relations, corporate communication strategy, stakeholder engagement strategy, crisis management, and much more.
Now aged 30 but already having had a rich career path, Alaoui can be considered a Public Relations trailblazer whose professional experience covers a wide range of professions and sectors.
The young professional graduated from Rabat’s Higher Institute of Information and Communication (ISIC) as a journalist in 2013, and holds a certificate in Social Entrepreneurship from the University of Connecticut.
She considers her background in journalism to be one of her greatest assets, insisting that it enabled her to develop strong analytical skills.
Alaoui’s quest for knowledge is still ongoing — she is currently pursuing an Executive master’s degree in Collective Intelligence at UM6P’s School of Collective Intelligence.
