Morocco Makes History As First African Host of The Global Entrepreneurship Summit

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Morocco is set to take center stage in the global startup ecosystem as it hosts the fifth annual Global Entrepreneurship Summit (GES) in Marrakech from November 19-21. This landmark event marks the first time the prestigious summit will be held in an African nation, underscoring Morocco’s growing prominence as a hub for innovation and business in the region.

By the Numbers

  • Event: 5th Annual Global Entrepreneurship Summit (GES)
  • Location: Marrakech, Morocco
  • Dates: November 19-21
  • Attendees: Over 3,000

A High-Profile Gathering of Global Leaders

Held under the high patronage of His Majesty King Mohammed VI and in partnership with the United States, the summit will convene more than 3,000 participants. The guest list includes a dynamic mix of entrepreneurs, heads of state, senior government officials, global business leaders, and young innovators from across the world. The United States delegation will be led by Vice President Joe Biden and Secretary of Commerce Penny Pritzker, signaling the event’s significant international importance.

Fostering Innovation Through Technology

The theme for this year’s summit is “Harnessing the Power of Technology for Innovation and Entrepreneurship.” The agenda is designed to move beyond networking to actively foster collaboration, providing a platform for attendees to exchange ideas, build strategic partnerships, and secure new ventures. A key focus will be on empowering women and youth, with dedicated sessions aimed at creating tangible opportunities and addressing the unique challenges they face in the entrepreneurial landscape.

A Legacy of Global Engagement

The Global Entrepreneurship Summit is a direct outcome of U.S. President Barack Obama’s 2009 “A New Beginning” speech in Cairo, which called for increased engagement with Muslim-majority communities to advance entrepreneurship. Following the inaugural summit in Washington D.C. in 2010, the event has been hosted in key international cities including Istanbul, Dubai, and Kuala Lumpur. The selection of Marrakech for the fifth edition places Morocco firmly within this legacy of global entrepreneurial dialogue.

About the Global Entrepreneurship Summit

The Global Entrepreneurship Summit (GES) is an annual gathering that connects aspiring and established entrepreneurs with global leaders, mentors, and investors. Its primary mission is to create a dynamic environment for innovation, foster economic opportunities, and spur investment in startups and SMEs, with a particular emphasis on technology and its role in solving global challenges.

Looking Ahead

Hosting the GES is a significant milestone for Morocco and the broader MENA and African tech ecosystems. It serves as a powerful validation of the country’s strategic efforts to build a favorable environment for startups and international investment. For the region’s founders and VCs, the summit offers an unparalleled opportunity to showcase local innovation on a global stage, forge critical international partnerships, and attract capital that can fuel the next wave of growth. This event is poised to not only elevate Morocco’s profile but also to catalyze new collaborations that will resonate across the continent.

Source: Al Mal News

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