Morocco’s Ministry of Industry and Trade has announced a strategic partnership with the Association of Women Entrepreneurs of Morocco (AFEM) to launch She Industriel, a new national program designed to bolster female entrepreneurship within the country’s industrial sector. The partnership agreement was officially signed in Rabat on May 21, 2024.
This initiative is a direct response to royal directives aimed at empowering women and aligns with the country’s New Development Model, which targets a 45% female economic activity rate by 2035. The “She Industriel” program will provide comprehensive, tailored support to women looking to establish and scale their own enterprises across various industrial fields.
A Decisive Step Towards Economic Inclusion
The program is positioned as a critical driver for social and economic development in Morocco. By creating structured pathways for women to enter and lead in industry, the initiative seeks to unlock significant entrepreneurial potential and enhance the diversity and competitiveness of the national economy.
Ryad Mezzour, Minister of Industry and Trade, highlighted the current landscape and the program’s ambitious goals. “With over 43% of women working in the industrial sector and 9% holding positions of responsibility, women’s participation and role are undoubtedly a decisive factor in our country’s socio-economic development. But this is still not enough,” he stated.
“The She Industriel program that we are signing today strengthens this contribution by offering dedicated support to more than 2,200 women in less than two years, enabling them to actively engage in industrial entrepreneurship. This is expected to increase the presence of women in the leadership of Moroccan companies, thereby strengthening the diversity and competitiveness of our national economy.”
A Partnership Framework for Growth
Under the new agreement, both parties have defined clear roles to ensure the program’s success. AFEM will focus on facilitating access to finance through financial mentoring, enhancing entrepreneurial skills with targeted training courses, and fostering collaboration through business meetings and promotional events. The association will also develop a specialized compliance certification program for participants.
The Ministry of Industry and Trade will provide essential technical and financial support, leveraging its expertise and resources to help the program meet its objectives. The Ministry will also contribute to training and coaching efforts and will guide targeted women to benefit from Morocco’s bank of industrial projects.
About She Industriel
She Industriel is a national program created through a partnership between Morocco’s Ministry of Industry and Trade and the Association of Women Entrepreneurs of Morocco (AFEM). Its primary mission is to encourage and support women in launching their own businesses in various industrial sectors by providing comprehensive and tailored support to realize their investment projects and unlock their entrepreneurial potential.
About The Association of Women Entrepreneurs of Morocco (AFEM)
Founded in 2000, the Association of Women Entrepreneurs of Morocco (AFEM) is a non-profit, non-political organization dedicated to promoting and encouraging female entrepreneurship. AFEM works to support women in business, foster their integration into national economic networks, and advocate for an environment conducive to their growth and success.
Source: MCINET
