Latest news with #StartupBlinkIndex
Morocco World
6 days ago
- Business
- Morocco World
What Does the 2025 Global Startup Ecosystem Index Reveal About Morocco?
Doha – Morocco's startup ecosystem has catapulted forward on the international stage. The country now ranks 88th globally, climbing four spots from the previous year's 92nd position, with a score of 0.687 in the 2025 StartupBlink Global Startup Ecosystem Index. The North African country recorded the highest growth rate in its region at 23.1%, trailing only Egypt (65th globally) and Tunisia (82nd). The comprehensive report, which evaluates 1,473 cities and 118 countries worldwide, positions Morocco as the third-strongest startup ecosystem in Northern Africa. This improvement reflects the country's growing appeal as a stable and affordable base for entrepreneurs targeting North African markets. At the continental level, Morocco ranks 9th in Africa, ahead of Senegal but behind South Africa, Kenya, Nigeria, Cape Verde, Ghana, and Namibia. Globally, the top five positions are held by the United States, the United Kingdom, Israel, Singapore, and Canada. Top-ranking Moroccan cities Casablanca remains the undisputed center of Morocco's startup activity. The city jumped 42 positions to rank 317th globally, with an impressive growth rate exceeding 40% — the highest among Moroccan cities and throughout Northern Africa. Its total score is more than 6.5 times larger than second-ranked Rabat. Rabat also showed strong performance, climbing seven spots to 811th globally with over 20% growth. Beyond these leading centers, the StartupBlink Index also tracks other Moroccan cities: Marrakech (1060th) showed positive momentum with 12% growth, while Tangier made its debut in the rankings at position 1151. Conversely, Agadir's position appears precarious, as it experienced negative growth and risks falling out of the global top 1,000. A robust ecosystem The StartupBlink data reveals Morocco's startup funding reached $176.9 million in 2024. The country ranks 71st globally in the Ecommerce & Retail sector and has produced three startups backed by prestigious accelerator Y Combinator. The ecosystem has celebrated several success stories, including acquisitions of startups like DabaDoc, Moteur, and WaystoCap. In 2023, B2B food distribution platform Terraa secured $1.5 million in pre-seed funding — the largest of its kind in Morocco — led by FoodLabs with participation from multiple venture capital firms. Furthermore, the report highlights how Chari, a B2B e-commerce platform, reached a landmark moment in 2022 with a $100 million valuation during a bridge funding round — cementing its status as a standout force in Morocco's evolving startup ecosystem. The Index findings correspond with tangible government action to foster entrepreneurship, including targeted tax exemptions for startups and the Maroc PME program supporting small and medium enterprises. In 2022, authorities launched MoroccoTech, a national brand promoting the digital sector and positioning Morocco as an international digital hub. Fueling Morocco's startup-driven future Subsequently, the Digital Morocco 2030 strategy was introduced with an allocation of approximately $24 million to support local startups and facilitate their international expansion. The country hosts GITEX Africa, the region's largest tech event, attracting startups, investors, coders, and academics. Many Moroccan youth are becoming high-quality freelancers, gaining expertise from international clients — a knowledge base that could fuel the next generation of Moroccan startups. The analysis identifies several active capital sources for Moroccan entrepreneurs, including UM6P Ventures and Maroc Numeric Fund. Specifically, UM6P Ventures operates two funds targeting pre-seed and seed-stage startups across various sectors. The Innov Invest Fund, established in collaboration with the World Bank and European Union, aims to enhance financing access for SMEs and startups. Moreover, Impact Lab in Casablanca serves as a cornerstone hub supporting social and environmental startups. Nevertheless, the report acknowledges persistent obstacles. The ecosystem faces economic and social challenges, including limited access to education and healthcare, gender inequality, and inadequate startup funding and legislation. Addressing these issues will be crucial for unlocking the full potential of Moroccan entrepreneurs and enabling them to make a substantial impact on their local ecosystems. Tags: startup ecosystem MoroccoStartups in Morocco
Leaders
7 days ago
- General
- Leaders
Interactive Screens Introduced in Grand Mosque to Enrich Hajj Experience for Women
The Women's Affairs Agency of the Presidency for Religious Affairs at the Grand Mosque and the Prophet's Mosque has launched smart interactive screens within the women's prayer areas of the Grand Mosque. This initiative aims to enhance spiritual awareness and offer convenient access to religious knowledge through modern, user-friendly technology. These interactive screens enable female worshippers and pilgrims to explore Islamic literature, access fatwas, and download religious content in 19 international languages—serving the diverse backgrounds of the Grand Mosque's visitors. Dr. Aisha Al-Aqla, the undersecretary for Women's Affairs at the Grand Mosque, highlighted the agency's commitment to expanding smart services across all sectors. She noted ongoing efforts to increase the number of screens to create a more comprehensive religious and educational environment. Each screen currently provides access to over 62 digital Islamic book titles, contributing to a richer and more fulfilling spiritual journey for female visitors. Related Topics : NCA Launches Interactive Cybersecurity Awareness Exhibition for Hajj Pilgrims Saudi Arabia Named 'Country of the Year' After Record-Breaking Leap in StartupBlink Index Haramain Railway Boosts Hajj 2025 Capacity by 25% Operation Gideon Chariots: Israel Intensifies War amid Dire Conditions in Gaza Short link : Post Views: 3 Related Stories
Leaders
25-05-2025
- Leaders
Interior Ministry Takes Action Against 15 Violators of Hajj Regulations
The Ministry of Interior has announced that Hajj Security Forces stationed at the entrances to Makkah apprehended 15 individuals—seven residents and eight citizens—for violating Hajj regulations by transporting 61 people without valid Hajj permits. Seasonal administrative committees have issued rulings against the violators, including the transporters, their accomplices, and the unauthorized pilgrims. The penalties imposed include imprisonment, fines of up to SAR 100,000, public disclosure of the violators' identities, deportation of resident offenders with a 10-year ban on reentry after serving their sentences, and legal proceedings to confiscate the vehicles used in the violations. Additionally, individuals found attempting to perform Hajj without the necessary permits face fines of up to SAR 20,000. The Ministry urged all citizens and residents to adhere strictly to Hajj regulations to help ensure the safety and security of all pilgrims. Related Topics: NCA Launches Interactive Cybersecurity Awareness Exhibition for Hajj Pilgrims Saudi Arabia Named 'Country of the Year' After Record-Breaking Leap in StartupBlink Index Haramain Railway Boosts Hajj 2025 Capacity by 25% Operation Gideon Chariots: Israel Intensifies War amid Dire Conditions in Gaza Short link : Post Views: 1 Related Stories
Leaders
25-05-2025
- Leaders
100 Volunteers Help Prepare Muzdalifah Site for Hajj 1446
A total of 100 male and female volunteers from diverse backgrounds took part in cleaning and preparing the holy site of Muzdalifah ahead of this year's Hajj season. Organized by the Holy Makkah Municipality in collaboration with Kidana Development Company—the executive arm of the Royal Commission for Makkah City and the Holy Sites—the initiative is part of broader efforts to welcome pilgrims for the 1446 Hajj. The campaign reflects of Saudi Arabia's ongoing commitment to ensuring the highest standards of service and care for pilgrims. Related Topics: NCA Launches Interactive Cybersecurity Awareness Exhibition for Hajj Pilgrims Saudi Arabia Named 'Country of the Year' After Record-Breaking Leap in StartupBlink Index Haramain Railway Boosts Hajj 2025 Capacity by 25% Operation Gideon Chariots: Israel Intensifies War amid Dire Conditions in Gaza Short link :
Leaders
21-05-2025
- Leaders
Ministry of Islamic Affairs in Madinah Welcomes 1st Pilgrims from Egypt, Indonesia
The Madinah branch of the Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawah, and Guidance has welcomed the first groups of pilgrims from Egypt and Indonesia to the Pilgrims City in Khaybar Governorate. Their arrival on Tuesday marks the beginning of the ministry's operational plan for the 1446 Hajj season. A total of nine buses brought over 200 pilgrims, who were received with organized procedures, facilitated movements, and comprehensive care from the moment they arrived until their departure to subsequent destinations. Field teams were on hand to distribute awareness and guidance materials. Many pilgrims expressed their appreciation for Saudi Arabia's dedicated efforts in serving Hajj pilgrims. This initiative forms part of a broader, integrated system put in place by the ministry to ensure high-quality services and a well-managed environment. The goal is to help pilgrims perform their rituals with ease, comfort, and peace of mind, in alignment with the ministry's mission to support and serve all visitors undertaking the Hajj pilgrimage. Related Topics: NCA Launches Interactive Cybersecurity Awareness Exhibition for Hajj Pilgrims Saudi Arabia Named 'Country of the Year' After Record-Breaking Leap in StartupBlink Index Haramain Railway Boosts Hajj 2025 Capacity by 25% Operation Gideon Chariots: Israel Intensifies War amid Dire Conditions in Gaza Short link : Post Views: 1 Related Stories
