On February 7, 2025, in Rabat, the Ministry of Industry and Trade, in partnership with Al Barid Bank and Visa International, kicked off the Financial Inclusion Caravan for Merchants, a groundbreaking initiative aimed at modernizing Moroccan commerce. The event was attended by key industry figures, including Ryad Mezzour, Minister of Industry and Trade, Hassan Sakhi, President of the Chamber of Commerce, Industry, and Services of Rabat-Salé-Kénitra, Al Amine Nejjar, Chairman of Al Barid Bank, and Sami Romdhane, General Manager of Visa Morocco.
This initiative is designed to raise awareness among merchants about a tailored banking package that offers easier access to financial services. The goal? To accelerate the adoption of digital payment solutions and help merchants navigate a rapidly evolving market. The program stems from a strategic partnership formed in May 2024 between the Ministry, Al Barid Bank, and Visa International.
Al Barid Bank’s new offering includes a variety of services designed to support merchants’ financial growth. The package features favorable credit options, access to electronic payment terminals (POS), and other daily financial services. This initiative addresses critical challenges related to both financing and digitalization, reinforcing the bank’s commitment to collaborating with industry representatives to empower merchants.
Initially, the caravan will tour six cities in the Rabat-Salé-Kénitra region—Rabat, Salé, Kénitra, Khémisset, Sidi Kacem, and Sidi Slimane—reaching around 1,000 merchants. By the end of 2025, the program will expand nationwide, aiming to engage as many economic actors as possible.
Minister Ryad Mezzour emphasized the initiative’s strategic importance, stating: “This banking offer aligns with our ministry’s vision to establish a modern economic model built on financial inclusion, digitalization, and strengthened supply chains. It reflects our firm commitment to support the profound shifts in Morocco’s economy and the rapid technological transformation of commerce.”
He also underscored the critical role of merchants in driving the country’s socio-economic development: “Through this caravan, we aim to provide as many merchants as possible with access to this offer, boosting digital transformation, enhancing competitiveness, and enabling merchants to fulfill their pivotal role in the economy.”
Al Amine Nejjar, Chairman of Al Barid Bank, highlighted the comprehensive nature of the bank’s offering: “Our solution is both holistic and impactful. Developed through a collaborative effort with multiple stakeholders, it addresses merchants’ needs for both day-to-day banking services and long-term financing, while providing practical responses to the challenges of digital payment adoption.”
Similarly, Hassan Sakhi, President of the Rabat-Salé-Kénitra Chamber of Commerce, reiterated the Chamber’s dedication to supporting merchants through this digital shift: “This initiative offers merchants a valuable opportunity to access financial services in a beneficial way, helping them expand their businesses, innovate, and thrive.”
Sami Romdhane, Visa Morocco’s General Manager, pointed to the benefits for small and medium enterprises (SMEs), which account for over 95% of Morocco’s commercial ecosystem: “Visa is committed to empowering SMEs by promoting awareness of cashless and digital payment solutions. Our recent study shows that two-thirds of small merchants favor digital payments. This caravan reflects Visa’s dedication to advancing financial inclusion and helping SMEs succeed in the digital era.”
This Financial Inclusion Caravan highlights Morocco’s strong push toward digitalization and financial inclusion within the commercial sector. By bridging the gap between traditional commerce and modern financial services, the initiative showcases the commitment of both public and private entities to support merchants in this critical transition. With a focus on innovation and competitiveness, the program aims to create new opportunities for businesses to grow, adapt, and thrive in a rapidly changing economy.
