The “Tamkeen for Development” program, an initiative led by the Euro-Mediterranean University of Fes (UEMF) to boost the AgriTech sector in Morocco’s Fes-Meknes region, has concluded its latest cycle. The program supported 33 local startups through its executive arm, Tech4Farmers, culminating in a closing ceremony held during the 18th International Agricultural Exhibition in Morocco.
Quick Facts
- 33 AgriTech startups supported
- Program budget of 2.7 million MAD
- Backed by UEMF and the French Development Agency
- Provided 6,000 hours of coaching and support
Driving AgriTech in Fes-Meknes
The Tech4Farmers program is designed to build a regional ecosystem for digital innovation in agriculture, aligning with Morocco’s national “Green Generation 2020-2030” strategy. Its core objectives are to strengthen the innovation and execution capabilities of entrepreneurs, improve digital adoption among farmers, and facilitate access to early-stage financing.
The program ran two cohorts over 12 months each, delivering 60 hours of training from 20 experts and facilitating 94 networking and partnership connections. Eight of the 33 participating startups were honored at the closing event.
A Strategic French-Moroccan Partnership
The initiative is a key partnership between UEMF and the French Development Agency (AFD), which has provided significant support to the AgriTech innovation hub.
Catherine Bono, Director of the AFD in Morocco, emphasized the agency’s conviction that “agricultural entrepreneurship is a lever for the transformation of agricultural systems and the achievement of sustainable development for territories.” She noted that universities and research centers play a decisive role in developing innovative entrepreneurship.
Mostapha Bousmina, President of the Euro-Mediterranean University of Fes, highlighted the impact of the collaboration. He stated that the partnership provided “the potential that enabled young people to develop innovative solutions,” adding that the initiative represents a new phase that will advance agriculture in Morocco to a higher technological level.
Bousmina also confirmed that the “Tamkeen for Development” project will continue, with the university seeking additional funding sources, including its own resources, to sustain the program’s momentum.
Ghada Bouhlal, Director of Partnerships and Entrepreneurship at the university, remarked that the program is the culmination of five years of continuous work and collective commitment from all partners.
About Tech4Farmers
Tech4Farmers is the executive arm of the Regional Hub for Innovation and Entrepreneurship in Agricultural Technology for the Fes-Meknes region. Managed by the Euro-Mediterranean University of Fes, it functions as a dedicated accelerator to advance Morocco’s AgriTech sector by leveraging UEMF’s advanced research facilities, digital expertise, and structured support programs for entrepreneurs.
Source: Maroc.ma
