Under the auspices of a high-profile business forum led by France’s MEDEF and Morocco’s CGEM, Bpifrance and Attijariwafa Bank are enhancing their strategic partnership, now in its second decade, to deepen cross-Mediterranean business connections. The renewed agreement, signed by Youssef Rouissi, Deputy CEO of Corporate & Investment Banking at Attijariwafa Bank, and Isabelle Bébéar, Director of International and European Affairs at Bpifrance, marks a commitment to boost collaboration in sectors vital to both nations’ economies.
Mr. Rouissi highlighted the partnership’s impact, noting that more than 1,700 clients have joined the Attijari Business Link platform, facilitating over 12,000 business connections among French, Moroccan, and African enterprises over the past year. The continued collaboration aims to create both local and international growth opportunities for clients, underscoring Attijariwafa Bank’s role in strengthening Morocco’s global business links.
Ms. Bébéar echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the exceptional nature of the partnership, which for over a decade has brought together French, Moroccan, and African business communities. By leveraging their combined expertise, Bpifrance and Attijariwafa Bank aim to support entrepreneurs on both sides of the Mediterranean, enabling them to drive growth and innovation.
The expanded agreement outlines several key initiatives:
- EuroQuity Platform Expansion: Bpifrance and Attijariwafa Bank will build on their EuroQuity collaboration, which began in 2015, to connect companies seeking equity with potential investors. They will expand the platform in Morocco and extend it into additional regions served by Attijariwafa Bank. The platform will offer support to more than 1,700 Moroccan small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and mid-sized businesses, facilitating connections with investors, partners, clients, and other economic actors.
- Enhanced Project Financing: The partnership will increase co-financing and guarantees for projects in strategic industries, such as energy and manufacturing, that benefit both French and Moroccan companies.
- Support for Industrial Growth and Energy Transition: Together, the banks will co-develop programs focused on fostering SME growth in the industrial sector, with a specific emphasis on initiatives that support companies’ energy transition efforts, a priority for both nations.
- Networking and Events for Business Connections: To further encourage economic relations, technological exchanges, and potential co-productions, both Bpifrance and Attijariwafa Bank will organize or participate in events, such as “BIG” and “Inspire & Connect.” These initiatives aim to connect French companies with businesses in regions served by Attijariwafa Bank, creating an ecosystem that fosters collaboration and growth.
This strategic alliance not only reinforces the Moroccan-French business ecosystem but also paves the way for a new wave of innovation and sustainable economic partnerships across borders.
