Rabat – The third edition of the “Digital Now!” summit held in Casablanca on December 20-21 highlighted the challenges faced by Morocco’s small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in the financial landscape.
The event focused on the theme, “SMEs in the Digital Age: Unlocking Potential, Inspiring Innovation,” gathering thought leaders, policymakers, and industry experts for two days of intensive discussions.
Delving into the challenges faced by SMEs, Lydec Chief Information Officer Habib Adnane mphasized the transformative attitude required within companies to actively seek out and integrate innovations from smaller enterprises.
Habib Adnane, Chief Information Officer at Lydec
“Humility and curiosity,” according to Adnan, are key ingredients in identifying external solutions and infusing value into existing processes.
He pointed out that the journey toward a more mature and innovative business environment is long, necessitating a pivotal role to be played by large companies to grow smaller entities and advance the Moroccan economy.
Ahmed Arabi, Executive Director of Market Operations at the Casablanca Stock Exchange, also explored the challenges confronting SMEs in the digital era, with a particular focus on financing.
Ahmed Arabi, Executive Director of Market Operations at the Casablanca Stock Exchange
Arabi outlined collaborative efforts within the ecosystem to streamline funding access, emphasizing the unique financial needs of SMEs.
Read also: Third Edition of ‘Digital Now!’ Kicks Off in Casablanca
Arabi underscored the government’s initiatives, alongside contributions from the stock exchange and banking institutions, to support SMEs financially. He emphasized the need for tailored financial support based on individual business needs, considering factors such as maturity and activity.
He also stressed the importance of mentorship for business leaders, aiding their comprehension of financial intricacies and organizational structuring for sustainable growth.
Participant at ‘Digital Now’ Summit
He concluded by also stressing the pivotal role of larger companies as intermediaries and responsible corporate citizens.
The symbiotic relationship between industry giants and SMEs requires continued investments in human resources and technological advancements to propel Morocco into a digital future, he argued.
