Latest news with #EconomicInclusion
Al Bawaba
27-05-2025
- Business
- Al Bawaba
Hedera Africa Hackathon Launches with $1M Prize Pool to Accelerate Africa's Digital Future
The Hashgraph Association, a Swiss non-profit organisation driving global adoption of Hedera-powered solutions by funding innovation, training, certification, and venture building programs, in collaboration with Exponential Science Foundation, a not-for-profit foundation accelerating responsible tech adoption, via research, education, and innovation activities, today announces the launch of the Hedera Africa Hackathon 2025 to enable the next generation of Web developers and empower economic inclusion in Africa with a digital future for biggest Web3 Hackathon initiative combines online participation with onsite events in over 20 African cities, with a goal of attracting over 10,000 participants across more than 15 countries on the African continent. Developers, students, and entrepreneurs are invited to collaborate to build decentralized solutions on Hedera across industries such as Finance, Healthcare, Telecoms, Sustainability, Agriculture, and Manufacturing, while leveraging the convergence of other deep technologies such as AI, IoT, Robotics, and Quantum Computing, with a prize pool of more than $1 million on offer for the winning teams and global participation officially open from August 1 to September 30, 2025, the hackathon tasks applicants to develop blockchain/distributed ledger technology (DLT)-based, scalable solutions tailored to the continent's most urgent challenges and needs. All solutions will be built on the Hedera network - the world's most energy-efficient and cost-effective DLT, which offers cost predictability, the highest levels of security, and the ability to support reliable, scalable, and enterprise-grade having secured the backing and participation of more than 50 global and regional partners to be announced over the next few weeks, as well as over 100 universities and tech hubs, the hackathon is designed to be the largest of its kind on the African continent. The event will offer extensive technical education, certification, and hands-on support from Hedera-Certified engineers, with hacking stations to be established in cities such as Lagos, Cairo, Nairobi, Kinshasa, Cape Town, Casablanca, and Tunis for in-person collaboration, alongside a fully virtual Hackathon track accessible worldwide.'Africa is home to one of the youngest, most enthusiastic and dynamic tech communities in the world; its future will depend on digitization,' said Kamal Youssefi, President of The Hashgraph Association. 'By equipping developers and entrepreneurs with Web3 skills and next generation toolkits, we're not just solving today's problems, we're shaping the future of decentralized innovation in one of the world's most significant growth markets, fostering a digital future for all through financial, identity, and communication inclusion.'The hackathon aims to catalyze continuous innovation across four key tracks: On-Chain Finance and Real-World Asset (RWA) Tokenisation; ESG Sustainability and Traceability; Self-Sovereign Identity (SSI) and AI; and Gaming, Metaverse, & of all skill levels and backgrounds are encouraged to participate — no prior blockchain experience is required. Extensive training resources will be provided through the Hedera Academy, with access to a thriving developer Hashgraph Association and the Exponential Science Foundation will be carrying out awareness and training campaigns to prepare participants for the hackathon before the official start date on August 1st 2025.'Initiatives such as the Hedera Africa Hackathon encourage the next generation of tech builders, researchers, and entrepreneurs. As well as driving blockchain education and innovation within a continent that is showing incredible growth potential. We encourage anyone with an interest in blockchain technology to sign up and start developing the next wave of practical solutions across multiple industries to gain valuable experience and a chance to claim the prize pool. Our hope is that participants will go on to launch their own ventures and share their learnings,' said Paolo Tasca, Co-Founder & Executive Chairman of Exponential Science Foundation. The Hedera Africa Hackathon 2025 is operated and supported by a strong network of partners, under the experienced leadership of DAR Blockchain, a Tunisian-based Web3 Hub that has been operating in the Web3 industry since 2017. DAR Blockchain plays a significant role in magnifying the impact of this hackathon initiative across the continent and builds on THA's previous efforts to support blockchain innovation in Africa.
Morocco World
15-05-2025
- Business
- Morocco World
New VSEs Support Program to Benefit 110,000 Small Businesses in Morocco
Doha – Morocco's government will soon launch a new program dedicated to supporting very small enterprises (VSEs). The announcement came Thursday in Casablanca from Younes Sekkouri, Minister of Economic Inclusion, Small Business, Employment and Skills. 'This new mechanism aims to support VSEs across multiple areas, such as rent, accounting, or the acquisition of professional equipment, with a target of 110,000 beneficiaries,' Sekkouri stated. The minister was speaking at the first edition of the MSMEs (Very Small and Medium Enterprises) Forum organized by the General Confederation of Moroccan Enterprises (CGEM). The event was themed 'Inspire to Transform.' The program will focus on financing operating expenses for VSEs, self-entrepreneurs, and entrepreneurs under the CPU regime. With a budget of MAD 1 billion ($100 million), the initiative will be implemented in the coming weeks. Sekkouri stressed the need to strengthen leadership mechanisms, mediation, and information flow for TPMEs. He noted that some small businesses still face inappropriate responses from banking institutions due to a lack of understanding of their specific characteristics. The minister advocated for a more efficient and responsive guarantee system. This system would quickly detect difficulties and provide committed solutions. On financing, Sekkouri acknowledged that despite state guarantee mechanisms, many young entrepreneurs still encounter obstacles to access. A joint commission with the Ministry of Economy and Finance has been established to engage in in-depth consultation with banks. Addressing administrative simplification, the minister flagged the urgency of reforming the commercial and administrative authorization system. He called it a brake on TPME development. Sekkouri pushed for a transition to a model based on specifications, describing it as 'more flexible and better adapted to economic reality.' This strategic project is already underway, coordinating with several work teams to unleash entrepreneurial potential, particularly among young people. Read also: Morocco Records 78,244 New Businesses in First 10 Months of 2024 The minister also revealed that a comprehensive overhaul of the National Agency for Employment and Skills Promotion (ANAPEC) programs is underway. This particularly targets young people without diplomas. Regarding the new Labor Code, Sekkouri affirmed it will be finalized by year-end following a pragmatic approach in consultation with various social partners. 'This new code will, for the first time, regulate remote work and part-time work, opening new professional opportunities,' he emphasized. The TPME Forum featured inspiring testimonials from business leaders and a panel of entrepreneurs from various sectors. They discussed real-world challenges: launch stages, daily obstacles, financing needs, team management, and digital transition. The event also included two masterclasses. One centered around financing problems faced by TPMEs and available market solutions. The other provided tools for small businesses to respond to artificial intelligence challenges and seize opportunities. Through this first edition of the MSMEs Forum, CGEM reaffirmed its commitment to making small businesses a central lever for wealth and job creation. MSMEs represent 95% of CGEM members across Morocco. Tags: MSMEsSmall businesses in moroccoYounes Sekkouri
Maroc
09-05-2025
- Business
- Maroc
Morocco, Nigeria Explore Ways of Boosting Economic Ties
In a bid to bolster economic ties between Morocco and Nigeria and to strengthen cooperation in employment and training, Morocco's ambassador to Nigeria, Moha Ou Ali Tagma, held talks, on Wednesday in Abuja, with the country's Minister of Labour and Employment, Nkeiruka Onyejeocha. This meeting, held in anticipation of the Nigerian Minister's incoming visit to Morocco, at the invitation of Minister of Economic Inclusion, Small Business, Employment and Skills, Younes Sekkouri, provided an opportunity to review the positive momentum of bilateral ties, which were given considerable impetus since the visit of His Majesty King Mohammed VI to Nigeria in December 2016. This meeting also provided a platform to delve into the remarkable cooperation in several fields, mainly energy, with catalytic projects for regional integration such as the African Atlantic Gas Pipeline, as well as to explore ways of exchanging experiences in youth training and employability. Speaking to MAP, Onyejeocha underscored the importance of exploring collaboration avenues between Nigeria and Morocco in training and skills development, to provide the youth with opportunities for better professional integration. She also called for the usage of digital platforms in order to set up appropriate training programs to boost the employability of young people and contribute to economic development. MAP: 08 mai 2025
Morocco World
08-05-2025
- Business
- Morocco World
Morocco Plans to Regulate Remote Work in Upcoming Labor Code Reform
Rabat – The Moroccan government will soon introduce specific regulations for remote work in the country's Labor Code, with the reform expected to take place in September or October. Younes Sekkouri, Minister of Economic Inclusion, Small Business, Employment and Skills, made the announcement on Wednesday during a conference on employment in the age of AI in Casablanca. The employment landscape has witnessed significant changes in recent years, including in Morocco, with work-from-home gaining popularity. This shift became especially prominent after the COVID-19 pandemic, which imposed a global lockdown that lasted several months. During that period, many companies transitioned to online operations and managed to function efficiently. With that, remote work became more widespread, as companies realized that being physically present in the office was not always necessary. During the event, Sekkouri spoke about ongoing changes in the employment landscape, including AI. He said that Morocco should not focus on AI as a problem for employment, but instead include it in a strategic vision that fits the country's unique situation and potential. The minister also called for a deep reform of the professional training system. He announced the upcoming launch of an AI-based observatory that will support young job seekers. This platform will include digital coaches to help young people improve their CVs and better understand the labor market. In addition, Sekkouri spoke about a new service line for employers to help them easily find available talent. He also mentioned a shift from focusing only on academic degrees to giving more importance to professional certifications. Sekkouri underlined the importance of working closely with the private sector and involving professionals directly in the design of training programs. He also encouraged the growth of local startups and national champions who can show that value can be created in Morocco in the age of AI. Tags: Employmentremote workwork
Morocco World
01-05-2025
- Business
- Morocco World
Morocco Launches Ambitious Job Support Plan for Youth Without Diplomas
Rabat – The Moroccan government has announced a major new initiative aimed at improving job prospects for Moroccan youth who lack formal qualifications. For the first time, these youth will be included in employment support programs that traditionally focused on graduates. At a meeting in Rabat led by Prime Minister Aziz Akhannouch and attended by several key ministries, Minister of Economic Inclusion, Younes Sekkouri outlined the new direction. Companies that hire young people without diplomas will now be eligible for government subsidies. These subsidies may help cover wages, training costs, or both, making it easier for businesses to take a chance on inexperienced workers. This marks a clear departure from previous employment strategies, placing a renewed focus on inclusion and practical support. The government seeks to address not only the lack of jobs, but also the mismatch between young people's skills and the demands of the labor market. The plan also encourages companies to open up more opportunities through vocational training. Priority sectors include the automotive industry, textiles, and construction, areas with strong potential for growth and job creation. To support this, the number of vocational training participants will increase significantly, from 30,000 to 100,000. Alongside this expansion, the government is introducing a new three-year training path for students after high school. The program includes a foundational year focused on language learning and soft skills, which are especially important in customer-facing fields like tourism. Efforts are also underway to move workers from industries with too much labor to those facing shortages. This will involve targeted retraining to ensure workers can transition smoothly into new roles. To implement this comprehensive employment roadmap, the government has allocated around MAD 15 billion ($1.5 billion). Akhannouch led this meeting to push forward Morocco's national employment roadmap, as the country continues to grapple with widespread job insecurity. The session brought together key stakeholders to assess the government's progress in creating job opportunities and alleviating the economic pressures facing many Moroccan households. This marked the second high-level meeting since the release of a government circular in February that outlined the framework for a national employment strategy. With the groundwork laid, the focus has now shifted toward delivering tangible results, particularly for the groups most affected by unemployment: youth, women, and rural families. This investment signals a meaningful shift toward a more inclusive and adaptive employment policy that aims to level the playing field for all youth, regardless of their education. However, its true impact remains to be seen and should be approached with measured optimism. Tags: job sectorMorocco youthyouthYouth Employment
