In Morocco, a new generation of young people is redefining what it means to create opportunity. With creativity, courage, and determination, they are transforming challenges into enterprises — from culinary start-ups to creative digital ventures. Yet for many, the path to entrepreneurship remains steep. Access to finance is limited, networks are uneven, and women often face additional barriers to entry.
This is where Swisscontact, through the Youth Inclusion and Employment Project (YIEP) under the Danish-Arab Partnership Programme (DAPP), steps in as a mentor guiding youth toward self-sustained success.
The recent Youth Entrepreneurship and Ecosystem Health Check 2025 event brought together youth, partners, and policymakers from across Morocco to celebrate achievements and discuss the road ahead. The day began with an inspiring plenary session that set the tone for collaboration and optimism.
Her Excellency Ms. Berit Basse, the Danish Ambassador to Morocco, opened the session by reaffirming Denmark’s long-standing commitment to youth employability and entrepreneurship. “Young people are the engine of sustainable development,” she noted, emphasizing how Denmark’s support through DAPP helps drive inclusive growth and lasting partnerships across the MENA region.
Sophie Rosman, Swisscontact’s Country Director, welcomed participants and introduced the organization’s mission and global presence. She underscored Swisscontact’s unique role in Morocco: coordinating entrepreneurship and finance-related initiatives, fostering program synergies, and ensuring sustainable outcomes with a focus on both youth empowerment and biodiversity.
Then, Ibtissame Berrado, DAPP YIEP Morocco Director representing MS ActionAid Denmark, framed the broader program context — its goals, partnerships, and transformative potential. Her words reminded the audience that building inclusive economies begins with building inclusive systems.
Finally, Zineb Fakihani, DAPP Coordinator at Swisscontact, presented the project’s tangible achievements, highlighting cross-sector collaboration and lessons learned. Her presentation also launched the day’s activities, transitioning smoothly into youth-led showcases and discussions that would bring data to life.
A highlight of the day was the presentation of the Ecosystem Health Check (EHC) 2025, a data-driven assessment of Morocco’s entrepreneurial landscape.
The findings show both impressive progress and areas for growth:
These insights are now guiding the program’s next steps — particularly around financial inclusion, gender equality, and the integration of green, market-led solutions.
Behind each number is a personal story: a young woman turning a traditional recipe into a successful catering business; a student building an online marketplace for artisans; a small team developing climate-resilient agritech innovations.
Through these individual journeys, Swisscontact’s mission becomes tangible — empowering youth to not only find employment but to create it. Each success ripples outward, strengthening communities and contributing to a more sustainable, inclusive Moroccan economy.
As the event concluded, one theme resonated clearly among participants, partners, and policymakers: youth empowerment must remain at the center of Morocco’s development agenda.
The DAPP YIEP initiative, led by Swisscontact in partnership with MS ActionAid Denmark, continues to demonstrate that when young people are given access, mentorship, and opportunity, they don’t just dream — they build.
Swisscontact remains committed to fostering a youth-driven, inclusive, and sustainable entrepreneurial ecosystemthat creates lasting impact for generations to come.