logo
Moroccan Roots, Global Reach: Loubna Imenchal's Journey

Moroccan Roots, Global Reach: Loubna Imenchal's Journey

TECHx04-04-2025

Moroccan Roots, Global Reach: Loubna Imenchal's Journey
Loubna Imenchal leads the Enterprise Business for AMETCA at Logitech, managing strategy and operations across Africa, the Middle East, Turkey, and Central Asia. With a focus on driving growth, building high-performing teams, and expanding enterprise solutions, she plays a key role in strengthening Logitech's presence across diverse and evolving markets. Throughout her career, Imenchal has navigated traditionally male-dominated industries, advocating for greater representation in technology and emphasizing the value of inclusive leadership in achieving long-term business success.
A Foundation Built on Strength
Loubna's story begins in Morocco, where her childhood was shaped by the extraordinary example of her mother, a woman who embodied resilience. 'My mother raised three children, pursued higher education, and managed a family business all at once,' Loubna recalls. Watching her mother master the art of balance, while operating with integrity and determination, left an indelible mark. 'She taught me that persistence, ethics, and responsibility are the keys to success. That foundation has guided me through every challenge in my career.'
In a country where strides have been made to improve education for women, especially in urban areas, barriers still persist. Traditional mindsets and systemic inequalities linger, particularly in rural communities. But for Loubna, these societal challenges fueled her drive to prove that women belong in the boardroom, the lab, and the innovation hub. 'More women are entering tech and business,' she says, 'but we still face gender biases. The key is representation, mentorship, and resilience.'
Blending Theory with Practice
Loubna's education reflects her practical, forward-thinking mindset. While working at Alcatel North Africa, she simultaneously pursued her MBA at the prestigious Ecole des Ponts Business School. Juggling a demanding academic schedule with the realities of corporate life was no easy feat. Yet, this dual experience proved invaluable. 'It taught me how to apply theoretical knowledge directly to business challenges,' she shares. 'You don't just learn strategy, you live it.'
A Career Forged in Unlikely Spaces
Unlike many in the tech industry, Loubna's career began in engineering, without the traditional engineering background. In high-stakes roles like Business Unit Director at Honeywell and Vice President EMEA at Johnson Controls, she faced skepticism head-on. 'There was always that initial doubt,' she admits. 'But I focused on what matters: the customer. Delivering results built credibility and silenced the doubters.'
This market-driven approach, grounded in understanding real customer needs, has been a cornerstone of her success. Leading experienced teams, some with decades of tenure, Loubna earned respect through outcomes, not titles. 'Leadership isn't given. It's proven.'
Entering the Tech Arena
What brought Loubna into the world of technology? A passion for creating impact and shaping the next generation. 'Tech has the power to transform, but women need to be at the table. We make up over half the global population and hold immense purchasing power, why wouldn't we be part of the decision-making process?' she asks.
Still, tech remains a field where women must often work twice as hard to prove their worth. Beyond the external challenges of bias, there's an internal battle many women face: self-doubt. Loubna is determined to dismantle both. 'We need to own our place, advocate for ourselves, and create environments where diverse voices are truly valued.'
Turning Setbacks into Strategy
One of the greatest obstacles in Loubna's path has been what she calls 'second-generation gender bias', the subtle, often unconscious biases that limit opportunities for women. 'It's not always overt discrimination,' she explains. 'It's systemic. It's cultural. But we can tackle it through education, empowerment, and safe spaces where women can share, support, and strategize.'
For Loubna, authentic leadership has been her compass. Rather than conforming to outdated stereotypes, she remains anchored in her purpose: driving real change through collaboration, innovation, and inclusivity.
Leading at Logitech: Impact at Scale
Today, as the Head of Enterprise Business for AMETCA at Logitech, Loubna leads with purpose and passion. Responsible for driving growth and strategy across an incredibly diverse region, she has overseen significant revenue increases and built high-performing, multicultural teams.
But beyond the numbers, it's Logitech's commitment to inclusion that excites her most. 'We believe innovation comes from diverse perspectives,' she says. Through partnerships like Girls Who Code, Logitech is equipping the next generation of female tech leaders with both tools and opportunities. 'Seeing these young women explore STEM, knowing we're helping shape their futures, that's incredibly rewarding.'
A Message for the Next Generation
For women contemplating a career in tech, Loubna's advice is as practical as it is empowering:
'Don't be deterred by male-dominated environments. Your success depends on your skills, your results, and your ability to collaborate and lead. Know your rights, educate yourself on your contracts and labor laws, and most importantly, never underestimate the value of your unique perspective.'
As industries push forward into the next era of digital transformation, Loubna Imenchal is focused on ensuring that progress is both sustainable and inclusive, setting a standard for leadership that balances results with responsibility.

Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

How Morocco's high-stakes gamble on Israel could be its downfall
How Morocco's high-stakes gamble on Israel could be its downfall

Middle East Eye

time3 days ago

  • Middle East Eye

How Morocco's high-stakes gamble on Israel could be its downfall

The arrival of Israeli Golani Brigade forces in Morocco for the African Lion 2025 military drills has triggered political shockwaves across North Africa. It is not simply the military presence of a foreign power, but rather the symbolic weight of hosting a unit accused of war crimes in Gaza that has crystallised widespread anger among Moroccan citizens. Since the Abraham Accords, Morocco has increasingly aligned with Israeli and US interests in the military, intelligence and surveillance domains. This normalisation has been framed by the regime as a strategic imperative to counterbalance Algeria and bolster its position in the Western Sahara. Israeli military expertise - especially in drone warfare and desert surveillance - is seen as key to gaining an operational edge over the Polisario Front. But this pursuit of strategic depth comes at the cost of a widening legitimacy gap. Morocco's monarchy traditionally draws its legitimacy from religious symbolism, historical continuity, and the perception of national unity. By openly embracing Israeli forces - particularly units like Golani - the regime risks alienating wide swaths of the population and undermining its own national narrative. New MEE newsletter: Jerusalem Dispatch Sign up to get the latest insights and analysis on Israel-Palestine, alongside Turkey Unpacked and other MEE newsletters The paradox lies in the regime's calculation: by asserting sovereignty and strategic relevance externally, it is eroding the foundations of consensus and cohesion internally. Why does the regime persist in this strategy, despite visible discontent? Rabat's logic appears to rest on several intertwined factors, including geostrategic utility, particularly with regards to the military and technological benefits it can gain from partnering with Israel; western endorsement, including a pathway to preferential access to US and European military and security frameworks; and controlled pluralism, or the belief that dissent can be managed without fundamental policy changes. Normalisation is also viewed as another way to undermine the influence of Algiers. Moral outrage This strategy, however, looks like a high-stakes gamble. The government is trading symbolic legitimacy for strategic gains, at the risk of political implosion. The monarchy appears to believe that the political system can absorb the current tensions without fundamental destabilisation, and that over time, normalisation will become an accepted - if not popular - aspect of Moroccan foreign policy. The Gaza war has not distanced Morocco from Israel, quite the opposite Read More » But this approach has inherent vulnerabilities. If protests escalate beyond the regime's capacity to manage them, or if the promised strategic benefits fail to materialise visibly, Rabat could face a scenario where it has sacrificed popular legitimacy without securing compensatory advantages. The sustainability of this strategy ultimately depends on whether the regime can deliver tangible national gains that justify the controversial alliance in the eyes of ordinary Moroccans. The eruption of protests in cities such as Rabat, Casablanca, Fez and Tangier - despite tight restrictions on political expression - shows that Moroccan civil society retains significant mobilising power. The Moroccan Front for the Support of Palestine and Against Normalisation, a coalition of political parties and activist groups, has emerged as a key actor articulating public outrage and framing normalisation as betrayal. Yet the scope for meaningful impact remains constrained by several structural factors. Coverage of protests is limited in official Moroccan media, reducing national visibility and coordination. In addition, protest leaders often face arrest or surveillance, while other movements are fragmented or absorbed into the regime's orbit. Thirdly, there is a lack of political alternatives. With opposition parties marginalised or delegitimised, no cohesive political force has emerged to effectively challenge the monarchy's foreign policy direction. Despite these limitations, the ongoing mobilisation may plant the seeds for longer-term transformations. The moral outrage sparked by Israel's war on Gaza - and magnified by the visible presence of Israeli troops in Morocco - has created a transnational consciousness that connects local struggles with broader global injustices. Potential trajectories The Moroccan monarchy's embrace of military cooperation with Israel thus stems from a complex calculus that prioritises territorial sovereignty, regional competition with Algeria, and integration into western security frameworks. The regime appears willing to absorb significant domestic dissent to advance these strategic objectives, determining that the concrete benefits of normalisation outweigh the costs to its symbolic authority. The sustainability of this approach remains questionable. The unprecedented nature of current protests suggests that the Palestinian cause transcends Morocco's managed pluralism, touching core aspects of national identity that cut across ideological divides. The Moroccan regime's deepening alliance with Israel is not just a foreign policy shift; it is a rupture in the symbolic contract that binds state and society The regime's traditional tools for managing dissent - limited concessions, targeted repression and narrative control - face increasing challenges in an environment where a concrete Israeli military presence provides a visible rallying point for opposition. Going forward, several potential trajectories emerge. The regime may successfully contain dissent and gradually normalise security cooperation with Israel as a fait accompli, effectively relegating opposition to marginalised political spaces. Alternatively, sustained pressure could force a recalibration towards less visible forms of cooperation, maintaining strategic benefits while reducing symbolic provocations. In a more volatile scenario, the legitimacy crisis could deepen if regional conflicts escalate and Moroccan forces become even indirectly associated with Israeli military actions. Morocco's strategic gamble has fundamentally altered both its regional positioning and internal political dynamics. By prioritising militarised realpolitik over the emotional and ideological resonance of the Palestinian cause within Moroccan identity, the monarchy has initiated a transformation whose full implications may not become apparent for years to come - and it could have significant consequences for stability and governance throughout North Africa. The Moroccan regime's deepening alliance with Israel is not just a foreign policy shift; it is a rupture in the symbolic contract that binds state and society. Whether the monarchy can sustain this posture without provoking deeper domestic instability remains an open question. The views expressed in this article belong to the author and do not necessarily reflect the editorial policy of Middle East Eye.

How a Strategic Alliance Empowered 500 Women to Lead, Grow, and Thrive
How a Strategic Alliance Empowered 500 Women to Lead, Grow, and Thrive

Web Release

time5 days ago

  • Web Release

How a Strategic Alliance Empowered 500 Women to Lead, Grow, and Thrive

Women Choice , under the leadership of Nezha Alaoui, celebrates a transformative year of collaboration with Loubna Imenchal, leader in the Tech industry through the initiative 'Connect2Elevate' Together, they have championed the advancement of women's careers, professional development, and leadership growth across the Middle East and beyond. Reflecting on a Year of Impact The collaboration between Nezha Alaoui and Loubna Imenchal has delivered powerful results building a loyal audience around the Connect2Elevate program and creating a space for meaningful connections and lasting impact. Over 550 women professionals attended the monthly events in 2024 , reflecting strong cross-industry engagement and interest with goals to scale in 2025 and beyond. , reflecting strong cross-industry engagement and interest with goals to scale in 2025 and beyond. Distinguished female leaders shared powerful personal stories and actionable leadership strategies , enriching each gathering with insight and inspiration. , enriching each gathering with insight and inspiration. Connect2Elevate community grew by 300% in one year , significantly expanding the program's reach, influence, and impact. , significantly expanding the program's reach, influence, and impact. Workshop sessions led by professional speakers received overwhelmingly positive feedback, with participants praising the high-quality content and the opportunity to access them free of charge through the community. A participant survey conducted during the year revealed key priorities among attendees: Career goals : skill development, promotions, career transitions, work-life balance, and financial advancement. : skill development, promotions, career transitions, work-life balance, and financial advancement. Preferred formats : in-person workshops, personalized coaching, and mentorship programs. : in-person workshops, personalized coaching, and mentorship programs. Key areas of interest: wellness and health, leadership skills, business development, and sales. In response, tailored workshops, mentorship sessions, and leadership programs were introduced, directly addressing these needs and empowering women with actionable tools. Notable Events and Locations Key events under the 'Connect to Elevate' initiative were hosted primarily at Dubai's prestigious Capital Club, with additional sessions expanding to Abu Dhabi's Conrad Etihad Towers and Riyadh's Fairmont Hotel. These venues provided dynamic spaces for meaningful connections, learning, and growth. Voices Behind the Vision Nezha Alaoui, Founder of Women Choice, shared, 'This collaboration has been extraordinary in translating ambition into action. Beyond numbers, the real success lies in the empowerment stories, the bold career moves, and the communities built through our shared vision.' Loubna Imenchal, Founder and CEO of Connect2Elevate reflected, 'When women come together with purpose, the impact is profound. This journey has reaffirmed my belief that leadership is about opening doors for others and creating space for new voices to rise.' Looking Ahead with Purpose Inspired by the achievements of the past year, Nezha Alaoui and Loubna Imenchal remain committed to expanding the impact of their collaboration, empowering more women to thrive in leadership, business, and beyond.

UK backs Morocco's Western Sahara autonomy plan in shift likely to anger Algeria
UK backs Morocco's Western Sahara autonomy plan in shift likely to anger Algeria

Middle East Eye

time6 days ago

  • Middle East Eye

UK backs Morocco's Western Sahara autonomy plan in shift likely to anger Algeria

Britain's Foreign Secretary David Lammy has declared the UK's support for Morocco's 2007 autonomy proposal for Western Sahara, marking a significant diplomatic shift likely to deepen tensions with Algeria. During a visit to Rabat on Sunday, Lammy described the proposal as 'the most credible, viable and pragmatic basis' for resolving the decades-long dispute over the former Spanish colony, which has been at the heart of a protracted standoff between Morocco and the Algeria-backed Polisario Front. 'The UK will continue to act bilaterally, including economically, regionally and internationally in line with this position to support the resolution of the conflict,' Lammy said at a press conference alongside Morocco's Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita. This position aligns Britain with France and the United States — the three Western permanent members of the UN Security Council — in backing Morocco's proposal, which offers limited autonomy under Moroccan sovereignty rather than full independence for the region. Bourita welcomed the UK's endorsement, calling it a 'historic' development and part of a broader diplomatic push to resolve the conflict. He noted that British investment in the disputed territory was under consideration. New MEE newsletter: Jerusalem Dispatch Sign up to get the latest insights and analysis on Israel-Palestine, alongside Turkey Unpacked and other MEE newsletters The ministers also signed cooperation agreements covering healthcare, innovation, port infrastructure, water management and procurement. Lammy said the deals would ensure British firms benefit from Morocco's infrastructure drive as the country prepares to co-host the 2030 World Cup alongside Spain and Portugal. Contested territory Western Sahara, a phosphate-rich territory with valuable fishing waters, remains on the United Nations list of non-self-governing territories. Morocco controls about 80 percent of the land, while the rest is held by the Polisario Front, which seeks an independent Sahrawi state. Western Sahara: France backs Morocco's claim of sovereignty and its autonomy plan Read More » The conflict began in 1975 after Spain withdrew from the territory. A war between Moroccan forces and the Polisario Front ended in 1991 with a UN-brokered ceasefire that promised a referendum on self-determination — a vote that has never taken place. Since 2020, fighting has resumed, with artillery and drone strikes reported on both sides of a fortified sand wall — known as the berm — erected by Morocco. Human rights groups have repeatedly raised concerns about Morocco's crackdown on pro-independence Sahrawis in areas it controls. Algeria, a staunch supporter of Sahrawi independence, cut diplomatic ties with Morocco in 2021. It hosts the Polisario leadership and around 176,000 Sahrawi refugees in camps near Tindouf. Algiers has sharply criticised Western support for Morocco's plan. After France endorsed the autonomy initiative last year, Algerian officials accused Paris of backing 'a colonial fait accompli' and undermining UN efforts to decolonise the region.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into the world of global news and events? Download our app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store