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Maroc and gulf forum pushes for youth innovation funding boost

By sahel-express / July 14, 2026

Call for tailored funding solutions

A three-day gathering in Casablanca has wrapped up with a powerful call to action: developing customized financing mechanisms to fuel the growth of innovative projects led by young entrepreneurs. The focus? Cutting-edge sectors like green technology, digital transformation, and sustainable water resource management.

The Forum Maroc-Golfe sur l’autonomisation économique et sociale des jeunes—organized by Morocco’s Ministry of Youth, Culture, and Communication in collaboration with the Gulf Cooperation Council’s General Secretariat—brought together over 100 participants. These included youth leaders, industry experts, institutional decision-makers, and key players from the entrepreneurial ecosystem spanning Morocco and Gulf nations.

Driving sustainable development through youth empowerment

Ahmed Aboukrim, Chair of the Forum’s Scientific Committee, highlighted how economic and social empowerment for young people has evolved into a cornerstone for addressing modern challenges. In his closing remarks, he emphasized that integrating education, employability, entrepreneurship, and innovation is vital for boosting national competitiveness and achieving sustainable development goals.

The discussions underscored the need for cohesive strategies that align these pillars while prioritizing investments in human capital to build resilient, future-ready economies.

Four high-potential sectors identified for youth-led growth

The workshops delved deep into four strategic industries poised to redefine youth economic empowerment:

  • Green economy: Sustainable business models and circular economy initiatives.
  • Artificial intelligence & digital transformation: Tech-driven solutions for socio-economic challenges.
  • Renewable energy & green hydrogen: Clean energy projects with long-term scalability.
  • Blue economy & water resources: Innovative approaches to marine and freshwater sustainability.

Roadmap for action: funds, incubators, and measurable impact

Key recommendations emerging from the forum include:

  • Establishing dedicated venture funds to support youth-led startups in the identified sectors.
  • Launching joint research and training programs to bridge skill gaps.
  • Creating specialized incubators to nurture early-stage innovation.
  • Developing unified metrics to track progress in youth employment, innovation uptake, and sustainability outcomes.

Participants noted that Morocco and Gulf states possess complementary strengths—resources, expertise, and investment capacity—creating fertile ground for a regional model of cooperation centered on knowledge-driven growth and sustainable development.

Gulf delegation lauds Morocco’s leadership

Salma Khalifa Al Ghafli, Head of the United Arab Emirates delegation, commended Morocco’s flawless organization and warm hospitality. She praised the deep, fraternal bonds linking Morocco and GCC nations, calling the forum a vital platform for sharing best practices and forging partnerships that invest in youth as the true architects of national progress.

Tribute to collaboration

The closing ceremony honored heads of delegations and diplomatic representatives from participating countries. Their contributions were recognized as instrumental in making this edition a success and in reinforcing Morocco-GCC cooperation in youth development and sustainable growth.

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