Tech startups are at the heart of Morocco’s innovation strategy. By connecting them to global markets, the country aims to establish itself as a digital hub in Africa.

Technopark Maroc, a business incubator for technology companies, and Plug and Play, a global innovation platform, signed a partnership agreement on Monday in Casablanca to launch an acceleration program for Moroccan startups.

The agreement was signed in the presence of Amal El Fallah Seghrouchni, Minister Delegate in charge of Digital Transition and Administrative Reform, and has the strategic support of the Ministry of Economy and Finance.

Under the partnership, an accelerator will be established within Technopark Casablanca to support more than 60 high-potential Moroccan startups over two years. The program will offer an intensive three-month curriculum focused on skills development, access to funding, connections to international markets, and preparation for scaling abroad.

This initiative aligns with Morocco’s digital strategy, Morocco Digital 2030, which aims to create 3,000 start-ups by 2030, including 1,000 by 2026, and to raise 7 billion dirhams ($761 million) in funding. The strategy depends on a dynamic ecosystem and strengthened public-private partnerships.

According to the Partech 2024 report, Morocco ranks sixth in Africa for tech fundraising, raising $82 million, which represents 75% of tech financing in North Africa and 36% in Francophone Africa. The Plug and Play program seeks to build on this momentum by encouraging investment, fostering local innovation, and integrating start-ups into global technology networks.

By hosting a world-renowned accelerator at the heart of Technopark, the project aims to structure support for young innovative companies, attract foreign investment, and enhance Morocco’s appeal as a hub for tech talent.

Plug and Play operates in more than 60 countries and will provide Moroccan start-ups access to a global network of over 550 corporate and technology partners, reinforcing Morocco’s ambition to become a leading innovation player on the African continent.

By Samira Njoya,

Editing by Sèna D. B. de Sodji