The 8th edition of the Forum of the Centralien and Supélec Association of Morocco concluded today in Casablanca, under the High Patronage of His Majesty King Mohammed VI. Held on November 10–11, 2024, with the theme “Morocco 2035: What Role for the Private Sector?”, the forum gathered nearly 300 leaders from both the private and public sectors. Led by Ms. Majda Moumni, the Forum once again provided a forward-thinking platform for dialogue between business leaders, policymakers, and experts, focusing on the critical role the private sector will play in achieving Morocco’s 2035 vision.
Two days of strategic discussion and future-focused workshops
The event kicked off on November 10 with four parallel workshops, each aimed at addressing key levers for integrating the private sector into Morocco’s large-scale national projects. Topics included fostering economic and social development, identifying high-potential industries like tourism, energy, and healthcare, encouraging entrepreneurial ventures across regions, and exploring the role of government in enabling private sector innovation. In total, over 20 recommendations emerged from these workshops, centering on four primary areas: targeted investment strategies, sectoral incentives, robust support for private investment, and agile governance. Key proposals included creating a favorable legal framework for public-private partnerships and accelerating stalled infrastructure projects.
The workshops also highlighted Morocco’s renewable energy ambitions, with a goal to meet 65% of the nation’s energy demand from renewable sources by 2035 and to develop green energy initiatives in the southern regions.
Key voices and bold recommendations
On November 11, a plenary session consolidated the workshops’ findings, followed by a high-level panel discussion featuring prominent figures. The forum became an influential stage for Moroccan Centraliens and Supélec alumni to offer concrete and innovative proposals to drive a competitive and inclusive future for Morocco.
Minister of Industry and Trade Ryad Mezzour emphasized the transformative potential of regional development: “Understanding the true role of regions in economic growth could accelerate our progress by 50%.” Reflecting on global economic shifts post-COVID, Mezzour noted Morocco’s investments in the private sector and emerging industries as key to establishing a resilient economy.
Abdellatif Maazouz, President of the Casablanca-Settat Region, reiterated the significance of advanced regionalization—a national priority enshrined in Morocco’s constitution—as essential for local governance that meets citizen needs more effectively.
Deputy Secretary of State Hicham Sabiry highlighted the importance of Moroccan social values, especially the concept of tameghrabite, in guiding the nation’s development. He underscored fundamental rights like access to education, health, housing, employment, and social well-being as pillars for Morocco’s future.
Ahmed Reda Chami, President of the Economic, Social and Environmental Council (CESE), pointed to ongoing challenges despite Morocco’s recent progress, including the need for job creation and competitive growth. Chami highlighted Morocco’s lagging female workforce participation—down to 19% from over 30%—and the prevalence of small businesses, 95% of which report annual revenues under 10 million dirhams. Noting that Morocco’s GDP per capita remains at $3,900, Chami called for increased private investment, a focus on cultural and R&D investments, and boosting competitiveness as drivers for sustainable and inclusive growth.
Vice-President of CGEM Ahmed Fikrat discussed the need to modernize and diversify Morocco’s economy, identifying a critical role for the private sector in advancing industrial and technological development. Jalal Charaf, President of the Centralien and Supélec Association, emphasized that this 8th edition reflects the association’s ongoing commitment to advancing national skills through inclusive and sustainable governance.
Jean-Luc Gaiel, President of Centrale Supélec Alumni, lauded the initiative, emphasizing the importance of Moroccan alumni contributing to development challenges in Morocco and abroad. He also celebrated the recent strengthening of Morocco-France relations.
This 8th Forum is part of a longstanding tradition by the Centralien and Supélec Association of Morocco, which has organized milestone events since 2007. Each edition tackles strategic topics, from sustainable mobility to e-governance and urban planning, contributing valuable insights for Morocco’s future.
