Jaliya Day positions Moroccan diaspora as a driver of investment and innovation

Jaliya Day brought together members of the Moroccan diaspora in Casablanca to strengthen ties between Moroccans living abroad and the Kingdom’s economic ecosystem. Organized by Morocco With Purpose, the inaugural national symposium gathered entrepreneurs, investors, business leaders, institutions, and professionals from several countries to encourage investment, innovation, and long term collaboration with Morocco.

Held at Carré d’Or, the event focused on expanding the role of the Moroccan diaspora beyond financial remittances by promoting knowledge transfer, entrepreneurship, and strategic partnerships that support Morocco’s economic development and international competitiveness.

Hiba El Aidi, co-founder of Morocco With Purpose, opened the event by calling for stronger connections between Morocco and its younger generations abroad. She said many young Moroccans living overseas are actively looking for ways to contribute to their country through investment, innovation, and professional expertise. According to El Aidi, their international experience, multilingual skills, and global networks represent valuable assets for Morocco’s future.

Representing Minister of Youth, Culture and Communication Mehdi Bensaid, Secretary General Mustapha Messoudi highlighted government initiatives designed to increase youth participation in national development. He pointed to programs such as Pass Jeunes, the Maroc Jeunesse Prize, and international exchange initiatives that encourage young Moroccans to develop their skills and strengthen their engagement with the country.

The first discussion panel, held under the theme “Morocco of the Future: Industry, Innovation and Competitiveness,” examined how entrepreneurship and technological innovation can strengthen Morocco’s economic transformation. Youssef Fadil, Director General of Industry at the Ministry of Industry and Commerce, and CGEM Vice President General Mohamed Bachiri agreed that innovation will play a central role in the country’s future competitiveness.

Bachiri encouraged aspiring entrepreneurs to focus first on identifying concrete problems before creating innovative solutions. He also urged Moroccans living abroad to become economic ambassadors by sharing their expertise with Moroccan companies and participating in joint investment projects. He stressed that determination, competence, and perseverance remain more important than professional networks alone.

Fadil described artificial intelligence as a major opportunity for industrial development while acknowledging that the technology also introduces new economic and regulatory challenges. During the audience discussion, participants identified administrative complexity, project uncertainty, and access to financing among the main obstacles facing entrepreneurs.

The second panel shifted the debate toward practical entrepreneurship. Maroc PME representative Alaoui Ismaili argued that financing is often available, but many entrepreneurs fail to take advantage of existing opportunities because they lack confidence or sufficient information. He emphasized Morocco’s progress in digital transformation and the growing opportunities created by artificial intelligence.

Mohamed Elfane, President of the Investment and Franchising Commission at CCISCS, said entrepreneurs should prioritize building a strong business model before seeking funding. He also stressed the importance of understanding Morocco’s business environment and creating solid professional networks capable of supporting long term growth.

The conference also included two practical workshops. The first focused on helping members of the diaspora understand the differences between expectations and the realities of launching projects in Morocco. The second provided guidance on taxation, company creation, and available financing mechanisms for new businesses.

A third panel, titled “The Moroccan Dream: Entrepreneurship, Innovation, and Diaspora,” returned to the broader role of Moroccans abroad in national development. Foundation Jadara President Hamid Ben Elafdil encouraged entrepreneurs to embrace uncertainty, adapt to local market conditions, and avoid comparing Morocco directly with other business environments.

The event concluded with the Jaliya Pitch Session, where entrepreneurs from Morocco and abroad presented startups and innovative business projects before investors and institutional partners. Participants also gained access to mentoring opportunities, strategic partnerships, and ecosystem support designed to accelerate business growth.

Three startups received additional support following the competition: Mayagent, Dar Lilei, and Privara.

The launch of Jaliya Day also marked the fifth anniversary of Morocco With Purpose. The organization celebrated the milestone at the Chellah archaeological site before hosting the symposium, reinforcing its mission to connect Moroccan talent abroad with investment opportunities and decision makers in the Kingdom.