11th Edition of Inwi Days Supports Retail Tech Startups in Morocco

Rabat – Technology has significantly revolutionized the retail sector in recent years, transforming the way consumers shop and retailers operate. This trend was particularly felt during the COVID-19 lockdown, with consumers increasingly turning to online shopping and contactless payments.

Moroccan telecommunications company Inwi organized on Thursday the 11th edition of Inwi Days under the theme “Retail Tech.” The event was an opportunity for Moroccan entrepreneurs and startups to share their innovative projects in Retail Tech, showcasing technology solutions aimed to improve the shopping experience for both the retailer and the customer.

Inwi Days event, which took place at the Twin Center auditorium in Casablanca, brought together several experts from various fields to discuss the future of Retail Tech in a number of panels. The speakers shared their expertise with the audience and addressed the challenges that the retail sector currently faces.

The retail industry is rapidly evolving, Brands and Communication Director at Inwi Nadia Rahim Rahim stressed in her opening speech, emphasizing the need to digitize the industry and enhance the shopping experience for consumers and retailers.

The retail sector is one of the “pillars” of Morocco’s economy, said the organizers of the event, adding that the industry contributes to more than 8% of the country’s GDP.

‘Long-Lasting Post-COVID Legacy’

Speaking at a panel on the evolution of the retail sector, Director General at Nestle Morocco Imane Zaoui said that the industry has “completely changed,” giving the example of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Director General at Nestle Morocco Imane Zaoui speaking at the event

Zaoui stressed that the retail sector, as well as other industries, are witnessing what she described as a “long-lasting post-COVID legacy.”

Faced with lockdowns and restrictions on in-person shopping due the COVID-19 outbreak, retailers had to shift their focus to digital channels to reach customers, leading to a surge in online shopping.

The current global context, characterized by looming inflation and a rise in energy costs, has also pushed people to use technology to place orders and ensure their access to goods and products, Zaoui noted.

Adib Chikari, Inwi’s Commercial Director in Retail, echoed Zaoui’s remarks. “Today, you can place your order while in your bed choosing whatever payment method you want,” he said. “We could not have imagined this four or five years ago.”

Describing Morocco as one of the most cash-reliant countries in the world, Chikari said his hope is to see Moroccan customers adapt to the current context and contribute to the development of Retail Tech. “It takes two to tango,” he quipped, stressing that both customers and retailers should come together to contribute to this shift.

Nabil Nouri, President of the National Union of Tradespeople and Professionals argued that retailers have adapted to these changes and implemented new business models and technologies, allowing customers to shop online and have products delivered directly to their homes.

However, he highlighted some of the challenges local retailers face, including competition from supermarkets and big stores. “The world has developed … why shouldn’t local retailers develop as well?” he said, emphasizing the need for local retail shops to have the same “standards” as big supermarkets.

Nouri noted that many local retailers do not have the means to join the shift towards Retail Tech. In order for retailers to communicate with customers and deliver their orders, he argued, they need smartphones, phone credit, internet, and a delivery person.

In particular, he expressed his hope for local retailers to receive much-needed support to remain up-to-date with the current context.

Inwi Days Award

Besides the various panels and fruitful exchanges that Inwi Days offered, the event included the “Inwi Days Award,” an opportunity to discover startups offering innovative solutions.

Rahim, who is also a member of the competition jury, highlighted Inwi’s commitment to supporting the Moroccan startup ecosystem. She especially celebrated the telecommunication company’s efforts in “inspiring” young entrepreneurs.

Since its inaugural edition, Inwi Days has received entries from around 15,000 startups, which pitched innovative ideas in several areas, she noted.

While the Inwi Days Awards received a total of 240 entries this year, only 10 startups made it to the finals.

Alongside the panel discussions, the event included “pitch sessions,” during which each finalist pitched their ideas in front of the audience and a jury consisting of five experts.

Through their startups, the finalists attempted to address the challenges that companies and retailers face in the retail and distribution sector, as well as improve customers’ experience.

Their solutions encompassed several areas of the retail and distribution sectors, including logistics, delivery, digitization of points of sale, data, payment, and marketing.

At the end of the event, the organizers announced the four winners of the Inwi Days Award.

FMCG claimed the first place, winning the “golden award” of MAD 100,000 ($9,573). Meanwhile Nouspo and Smart Transformation won the silver (MAD 70,000/ $6,701) and bronze (MAD 40,000/ $3,829) awards respectively.

In addition, Tryb Loyalty won the Audience Award, which was based on audience votes on Inwi’s social media platforms.

Beyond the money prize that the winners received, Inwi promised the four startups widely spread visibility thanks to its large “digital universe.”