14-02-2025
Green Innovation: Moroccan Incubator EBF Joins UrbanShift Africa Forum
Rabat – The Emerging Business Factory (EBF), an innovation incubator based in Marrakech, is set to participate in the Green & Resilient UrbanShift Africa Forum 2025 and City Academy.
The event will take place in Nairobi, Kenya, from February 17 to 21. It will bring together key stakeholders to discuss sustainable urban development in Africa. The forum aims to address the challenges of climate change while exploring ways to attract investments in sustainable urban projects.
EBF's role in the forum
EBF's participation in the UrbanShift Africa Forum aligns with its mission to drive sustainable development and innovation, the incubator said in a statement, noting that it supports Moroccan startups focusing on clean energy, waste management, and smart urban solutions. Through this event, EBF aims to showcase its initiatives, exchange knowledge, and build strategic partnerships.
'This involvement aligns with the 'Sustainable Marrakech City' project, an initiative supported by UNDP and the Global Environment Facility (GEF) to accelerate the ecological and urban transformation of the ochre city,' according to the statement.
As part of the forum, EBF will participate in the Green and Thriving Neighborhoods City Academy, organized by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). The academy will offer specialized training on sustainable urban planning and innovation.
The Marrakech-based incubator said that the red city has positioned itself as a model of sustainability in Africa, with EBF contributing to this vision through projects that promote digital transformation and ecological transition.
The incubator provides entrepreneurs with tools such as digital transformation kiosks (KTD), the platform for participatory mapping to improve urban planning, and thematic hackathons.
In addition, EBF's Growing Youth Climate Innovation Incubator helps support young entrepreneurs working on climate-focused startups.
The incubator is set to present these initiatives at the UrbanShift Africa Forum to highlight the role of digital and green technologies in shaping Africa's cities.
EBF's participation in the event is driven by five main objectives, including accelerating green and inclusive transition, promoting green technologies and innovation, building strategic partnerships, enhancing skills and visibility, exchanging knowledge and inspiration, and strengthening Morocco's position in urban innovation.
Read also: Moroccan Private Incubator EBF Backs 800 Innovative Projects
In addition, EBF's involvement in the UrbanShift Africa Forum is set to support Morocco's leadership in sustainable urban development. This participation is also a step toward positioning Marrakech as a hub for sustainable and digital transformation in Africa.
To further amplify the impact of its initiatives, EBF has partnered with Morocco World News (MWN) to support startups and innovative projects. This collaboration will officially launch at GITEX, the leading technology event in the MENA region, which would provide a global platform for showcasing Moroccan talent and solutions.
'It will be an opportunity to delve deep into innovation trends, highlight the most promising Moroccan startups, and position Marrakech as a key hub for digital and sustainable transformation,' noted the statement.
Co-founded by Taouk Aboudia, EBF sees its participation in the UrbanShift Africa Forum as a valuable opportunity to strengthen its network, build alliances, and contribute to shaping the future of African cities.
The incubator 'hopes that this journey and participation will strengthen ties with members of this multidisciplinary delegation, from local authorities to universities, from municipal leaders to associations.'
The UrbanShift Africa Forum focuses on building green, resilient, and sustainable cities across the continent.
It will gather 250 participants from over 30 cities and attendees will include mayors, city officials, national government representatives, investors, businesses, and civil society organizations.
The discussions will center on climate resilience, urban planning, and sustainable infrastructure development.
