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Casablanca – Morocco took another big step toward its digital-hub ambitions today as Technopark Morocco and Plug and Play Tech Center signed a strategic partnership at Technopark headquarters in Casablanca. The Ministry of Digital Transition and Administration Reform (MTNRA) and the Ministry of Economy and Finance have backed the partnership, reinforcing the government’s Maroc Digital 2030 strategy.
Why the partnership matters
Morocco’s startup scene has grown quickly, but founders often say they lack two things: strong global networks and late-stage capital. Plug and Play, famous for early bets on Dropbox and PayPal, brings both. Technopark has added deep local roots since 2001, it has shepherded more than 1,800 young companies across IT, green tech, and creative industries.
The partnership program promises hands-on coaching, pilot projects with big corporations, and crucially, introductions to investors inside and outside Africa.
What the leaders said
“As a global leader in innovation and investment, committed to the Moroccan technology ecosystem since its inception and convinced of its potential, this partnership with the Technopark allows us to strengthen our commitment,” Aziz El Hachem, Co-Director Africa, Plug and Play Tech Center, said in his speech in the event.
“We are working to co-build an ecosystem where local innovation shines well beyond borders, with a clear ambition: to support the emergence of high-potential startups and accompany them towards success on a global scale.”
El Hachem told Morocco World News. That Plug and Play planted roots in Casablanca five years ago:
“We landed in Morocco five years ago to position Morocco as the leading innovation hub in Africa. Since then, we have managed to accelerate more than 110 different startups,” he said, adding: “We’re very happy with this new partnership with the Ministry of Digital Transformation and TechnoPark.
We will be launching a new program out of TechnoPark in Casablanca to double down on our different operations and activities, and investments,” he told MWN
From Technopark’s side, Managing Director Lamiae Benmakhlouf framed the alliance as the next logical step after two decades of local ecosystem-building.
“This strategic partnership with Plug and Play marks a new step in our mission to support Moroccan startups. It reinforces our commitment to an open, connected, and internationally oriented ecosystem,” she argued in her speech. “We are convinced that this synergy will provide young startups with the necessary levers to accelerate their growth and access new markets.”
She later elaborated in an exclusive interview with MWN. “The objective of this partnership is to implement an acceleration program for Moroccan startups with high growth and innovation potential,” she stressed. The initiative is “part of the Moroccan Digital Strategy 2030,” she recalled, adding that its central aim is “to support startups throughout their journey from ideation to acceleration.”
Government officials echoed that message. Amal El Fallah Seghrouchni, Minister for Digital Transition and Reform of the Administration, who oversees digital transition, linked the deal to national policy.
“This collaboration illustrates the Kingdom’s will, through the Maroc Digital 2030 strategy, to make innovation a driver of growth, technological sovereignty,y and openness,” the minister explained. “By joining forces with a leading player such as Plug and Play, we are creating concrete opportunities for Moroccan startups to shine internationally and to be part of global competitiveness dynamics,” said in a speech at the event.”
The United States demonstrated its support for the initiative through remarks by Marissa Scott, Consul General of the United States in Casablanca. Scott hailed the partnership in comments to MWN, emphasizing the US government’s commitment to supporting innovation efforts in Morocco.
“I am here at Technopark today to celebrate,” she said. “We are excited as the USA government about this memorandum of understanding because it gives an opportunity to connect the technical innovation prowess of the United States with the building momentum of Morocco, combined, it is a powerhouse.”
How the program will work
According to both Technopark and Plug and Play insiders, applications are expected to open in July, with a 12-week acceleration track to follow.
The cohort will start in September and will initially focus on areas such as fintech, health-tech, clean energy, smart-city solutions, AI, enterprise tech, and other high-growth digital services.
The program will also include tailored acceleration programs across multiple sectors, offering Moroccan startups extensive mentorship from local and global experts, access to a vast network of corporate, government, and investment partners, in addition to opportunities for market expansion.
With today’s signing, all eyes will now turn to the first cohort this fall. If the Technopark–Plug and Play model delivers, Morocco could see a fresh wave of startups ready for international prime time, just as the kingdom pushes to diversify its economy and stake a claim as Africa’s digital gateway.
Applications open in a matter of weeks, officially launching the race to become Morocco’s next exciting tech founder.
For founders itching to join this transformative initiative, El Hachem’s closing words set an encouraging tone: “We will be launching a new program out of Technopark in Casablanca to double down on our different operations and activities, and investments.”
