Technopark Essaouira celebrates its first anniversary. The city, with its rich intangible heritage, is betting on entrepreneurship and innovation. Lamiae Benmakhlouf, Managing Director of Technopark. / Ph. Yabiladi Adil El Maliki, governor of the province Essaouira / Ph. Yabiladi Technopark Essaouira celebrates its first anniversary / Ph. Yabiladi Technopark Essaouira, the fifth site in the national network after Casablanca, Rabat, Tangier, and Agadir, celebrated its first anniversary in a festive and inspiring atmosphere. The event, marked by speeches from the Governor of Essaouira, the President of the Communal Council, and Lamiae Benmakhlouf, Managing Director of Technopark, as well as testimonials from start-ups, highlighted the positive role of this structure in the region's economic and digital development. Inaugurated on November 24, 2023, Technopark Essaouira quickly found its place in the local entrepreneurial ecosystem. With an occupancy rate of 50% in its first year, it is currently home to nine startups, generating 40 direct jobs. By the first quarter of 2025, it is expected to reach almost full capacity, with 19 startups in place. A catalyst for innovation But Technopark offers more than just workspace: it also provides personalized support, training, team-building activities, and connections to national and international networks. In just one year, over 530 people have benefited from free training courses and events organized with the support of the Province of Essaouira. With targeted initiatives like EFE's Digitup Center, dedicated to the digitalization of businesses, Technopark Essaouira stands out for its impact in sectors such as crafts, tourism, green tech, and renewable energies. Among the highlights of the past year was the first International Summit for Digital Nomads, which helped position Essaouira as a popular destination for remote workers. Technopark's ambition is to stay connected and open to the world, particularly to the Moroccan diaspora. Essaouira, where the trade winds blow, is also at the heart of the national and international entrepreneurial ecosystem, hosting events such as Gitex Africa, BMCI Greentech Challenge, Digit PME, and E-markets Expo. A new wind with Technopark To celebrate its first anniversary, Technopark Essaouira is organizing E. NOV Artisanat, a competition bringing together craftsmen, entrepreneurs, and developers to design digital solutions tailored to the craft sector. This innovative project reflects Technopark's commitment to making crafts a lever for digital transformation. With the capacity to host 60 startups and VSEs, and 35 modular coworking spaces, Technopark Essaouira is positioned as a key player in regional development. Through its efforts, it is helping to create an ecosystem conducive to innovation, while promoting the integration of local entrepreneurs into a globalized economy. Technopark expands its reach The fruit of a public-private partnership, Technopark Maroc has been a major player in innovation and entrepreneurship in Morocco for over 20 years. It has supported more than 3,000 startups, helping young entrepreneurs in fields like new technologies, Green Tech, cultural industries, and promising new trades. Present in five regions — Casablanca, Rabat, Tangier, Agadir, and Essaouira — Technopark Maroc continues to expand its network to other cities, including Fez, Oujda, and Tiznit.
