Join on WhatsApp 
Join on Telegram Young innovators are driving change in Morocco. They are tackling real-world problems and finding workable solutions. This is making a tangible contribution to communities. Youth across Morocco want a greener, circular economy. They are open to innovative ways of dealing with environmental challenges.
Use of Technology in Agricultural Innovation
Technology is driving almost every industry today. Agriculture is one area that’s ready for innovation. Young innovators are developing apps that help farmers get access to data and to markets. They are automating irrigation systems and building devices to monitor soil health. The Phosboucraa Foundation is committed to empowering young entrepreneurs in Morocco’s southern provinces. It has an “InFarmer” program in partnership with Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P). The program encourages digital fluency in relation to agriculture. This has the potential to revolutionize farming practices. Every student involved in digital transformation understands the importance of cybersecurity.
Keeping memory and conversations safe shouldn’t require cyber expertise. At Moonlock, the developers create software for ease of use on a daily basis. Mac users can use software to scan their Macs for threats and remove them before they cause damage. The moonlock.com blog is a useful source of information about topics like “Is Telegram safe?” Mac users can find out more about incognito mode iPhone and safe search settings. They can learn how to use a network security key and find out more about Gmail account recovery.
Green Innovators Showdown
The Green Innovators Showdown was held at the end of October. It celebrated young Moroccan innovators who promote environmental stewardship and sustainability. This event was the highlight of a Trade & Competitiveness program. The program was organized by the European Union (EU) and the European Investment Bank (EIB). It saw a record number of submissions from students.
Six finalist teams attended a three-day boot camp. The emphasis was on problem-solving, design thinking, and storytelling. It culminated in presentations to a jury. Events like this encourage youth-led innovation. They also equip them with resources to help them transform their ideas into impactful solutions for a greener future in Morocco.
- Rihab Zarhoune from Universiapolis presented the SOS Marine project and won first prize. This initiative aims to reduce marine pollution with advanced waste management techniques.
- Asia Sbai from Abdelmalek Essaâdi University presented the CoopDiyaa project and won second prize.
- Jelti Abir, a student at ESITH,presented the Safiara project and won third prize.
Tackling Climate Change
The majority of Africa’s population is dependent on land and water resources and is considered to be one of the big sufferers of climate change. Morocco is no exception. Situated in one of the most arid areas of the world, climate change is a problem that engages many young Moroccans. Youth voices are being heard in the climate change arena.
The African Youth Climate Club brings together young climate change activists. Manal Bidar from Agidir, Morocco, is an ambassador. She believes that young people will lead innovations in the future and tip the balance in the right direction. Hasnae Bakhchouch, another young student from Rabat, Morocco’s capital, is also a climate change activist. She was the National Coordinator of a Moroccan youth delegation to a conference on climate change in Milan.
The AgriTech4Morocco Innovation Challenge took place in 2022. One of the winners was Sand to Green, a company rehabilitates arid lands into orchards. It uses solar desalination, carbon compensation methods, etc.
Launching of Innovative Projects
Young Moroccans are launching their own projects based on their skills and professional networks.
Recycling
Hamza Laalej, a Moroccan student from Meknes, and fellow young Moroccan El Houda Ben Khoudja, launched a company that recycles coffee grounds. The main product is an eco-friendly brick made from coffee grounds and regular clay.
A startup by Seifeddin Laalej specializes in recycling plastic waste to manufacture building materials.
Renewable energy
Oussama Nour and Mohamed Taha El Ouaryachi started WAVEBEAT, a company whose mission is to produce electricity from ocean waves. They want to provide companies operating in a Moroccan port with a renewable energy alternative.
Reducing CO2 emissions
Hicham Zouaoui and Otman Harrak introduced a carpooling app for Moroccans.
It saves on transportation costs for those traveling throughout the Kingdom; the app also reduces CO2 emissions.
Revolutionizing agriculture
Youth-led startups are developing software, drones, and sensors. These offer real-time data on weather conditions, soil moisture, and crop health.
Various institutions in Morocco are dedicated to empowering young entrepreneurs. They offer incubation, financing, and coaching programs. This helps young entrepreneurs to turn their ideas into reality and scale their operations.
