Par Chaimaa Hejam
Moroccans Living Abroad (MRE) represent a major asset for the economic development of the Kingdom thanks to their skills, their spirit of innovation and their financial resources. However, despite their desire to invest and undertake, they still face persistent obstacles.
In his speech on November 6, on the occasion of the anniversary of the Green March, His Majesty King Mohammed VI called for an overhaul of the support mechanisms for MRE, emphasizing the urgency of fully mobilizing this reservoir of skills and capital. Despite the progress made, entrepreneurs from the diaspora continue to face obstacles, notably a lack of knowledge of the specificities of the local market and persistent administrative burdens, thus slowing down their ambitions and the growth of national economic potential.
Financially, limited access to acceleration funds and the scarcity of institutional investors constitute a major obstacle for entrepreneurs, where each error can prove decisive. Added to this are restrictions on currency transactions, particularly penalizing start-ups with an international vocation, particularly in the technology and tourism sectors, and thus limiting their ability to develop on global markets.
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Faced with these challenges, a desire for transformation is emerging through the implementation of specific measures to support MREs in their entrepreneurial projects. Thus, Tamwilcom launched the MDM Invest program, aiming to offer substantial financial support to entrepreneurs in the diaspora, with a non-refundable contribution of 10% of the total cost of the project, capped at 5 million dirhams, subject to a contribution in equity of 20%. At the same time, the Office des Changes, as part of its 2022-2026 strategic plan, is committed to reforming currency regulations and facilitating international transactions, illustrated by the creation of a single grant for personal travel.
However, these efforts are not yet enough to fully meet the expectations of entrepreneurs. Additional adjustments remain necessary to allow them to access more flexible financing mechanisms adapted to the reality of the global market. In this perspective, Morocco is resolutely committed to a dynamic of change. The development of technological hubs, such as GITEX Africa in Marrakech, as well as educational initiatives such as YouCode and 1337, testify, according to certain specialists, to the emergence of an innovative ecosystem, promoting increased competitiveness and digital transformation, for prepare the Kingdom for a more efficient and internationalized entrepreneurial future.
“Morocco needs all its children”, underlines Zineb Hatim, president of the Maroc Entrepreneurs network. This complementarity, combined with ambitious public policies, will allow Morocco to fully exploit the potential of its diaspora, while consolidating its economic attractiveness.
By facilitating the integration of MREs into the national economic fabric, Morocco has the opportunity to mobilize a dynamic force capable of propelling its development towards new horizons. In a world where innovation and entrepreneurship are the engines of growth, the skills and capital of MREs represent a strategic resource to be exploited. The establishment of a conducive environment, combined with appropriate support, will allow Morocco to strengthen its attractiveness while placing its economy in a sustainable and inclusive dynamic.
