Morocco is placing a major bet on its digital future, committing MAD 1.3 billion (approximately $140 million) to supercharge its startup ecosystem as part of the ambitious Morocco Digital 2030 strategy. The North African nation is positioning itself as a serious contender in the regional innovation race, with plans to support 3,000 startups by the end of the decade.
The announcement came from Amal El Fallah Seghrouchni, Delegate Minister for Digital Transition and Administrative Reform, during the closing session of the fifth Digital Now Forum 2025 in Casablanca. The funding package represents one of the most comprehensive government-led startup initiatives in the MENA region, touching every stage of the entrepreneurial journey from ideation to scale.
Breaking Down the $140M Investment
The capital allocation reflects a sophisticated understanding of startup ecosystem needs. The lion’s share—MAD 750 million ($81 million)—will fund venture-building initiatives designed to get early-stage companies off the ground. This isn’t just about writing checks; the program aims to provide the infrastructure, mentorship, and operational support that turns ideas into viable businesses.
Another MAD 450 million ($49 million) is earmarked for venture capital investment, a strategic move to catalyze private-sector participation. By deploying government capital into VC funds, Morocco is essentially de-risking investments for private investors while building the institutional knowledge needed for a mature venture ecosystem.
The remaining MAD 70 million ($7.6 million) will expand Morocco’s Technopark network, the country’s established innovation hubs that have been nurturing tech companies since the early 2000s. These physical spaces have become critical nodes in Morocco’s innovation infrastructure, offering everything from affordable office space to networking opportunities.
Ambitious Targets: 1,000 Startups by 2026
Morocco isn’t just throwing money at the problem and hoping for the best. The government has set concrete milestones: 1,000 new startups by 2026, scaling to 3,000 by 2030. These targets signal a commitment to tracking progress and adjusting strategy based on results.
Minister Seghrouchni emphasized that new financing instruments are being designed specifically to boost private-sector engagement. This public-private partnership approach has proven successful in other emerging markets, from Estonia to Singapore, where government backing helped establish credibility for nascent startup scenes.
Regional Competition Heats Up
Morocco’s move comes as North African and Middle Eastern countries increasingly compete for dominance in tech and innovation. Egypt has been aggressively courting international VCs and tech companies, while the UAE continues to cement its position as a regional startup hub. Tunisia, despite political challenges, maintains a reputation for producing strong technical talent.
Morocco’s advantage lies in its strategic location bridging Europe and Africa, political stability, and growing digital infrastructure. The country has been investing heavily in fiber optic networks, data centers, and digital government services—all foundational elements for a thriving tech ecosystem.
What This Means for Founders
For entrepreneurs in Morocco and the broader region, this represents a significant opportunity. Government-backed venture building programs can dramatically reduce the capital constraints that typically plague early-stage founders in emerging markets. The expansion of Technoparks means more accessible infrastructure across the country, not just in major cities like Casablanca and Rabat.
The venture capital component is particularly noteworthy. Many African startup ecosystems struggle with a funding gap between angel investment and Series A rounds. Government co-investment vehicles can help bridge this gap while encouraging more international VCs to take a serious look at Moroccan deals.
Challenges Ahead
Of course, ambitious targets don’t automatically translate to results. Morocco will need to ensure these funds reach the right founders, avoid bureaucratic bottlenecks, and create genuine value rather than simply inflating the number of registered companies. The country will also need to develop deeper pools of technical talent and attract experienced operators who can help scale companies beyond the startup phase.
The success of Morocco Digital 2030 will ultimately be measured not just in the number of startups created, but in the economic impact those companies generate: jobs created, exports generated, and problems solved for Moroccan citizens and businesses.
For now, though, Morocco is sending a clear signal that it’s serious about building a 21st-century digital economy—and it’s willing to put serious capital behind that ambition.
