Moroccan tech start-ups meet Israeli peers in Casablanca

Representatives from 25 Israeli start-ups are building bridges in Casablanca with their Moroccan peers at an event in Casablanca that received endorsement from the governments of the two countries.

The event, dubbed Connect to Innovate, features the participation of Israeli firms operating in the critical fields of water management, agriculture, sustainability, logistics and cyber which pose shared challenges for both Morocco and Israel.

Speaking at the opening of the event, Advisor to King Mohammed VI Andre Azoulay underscored the need for sharing expertise and know-how between Moroccan and Israeli start-ups.

“Let us join forces and connect to innovate, to give a chance for peace for the sake of our children and the safety of all,” he said.

Israel’s President Isaac Herzog said in a recorded message to the attendees: “Together, Israel and Morocco, can develop the innovative solutions that will improve lives, livelihoods, and quality of life in our own countries and promote progress and peace throughout the Middle East, Africa and beyond.”

Moroccan industry minister Ryad Mezzour, speaking at the opening ceremony, said the Israel startup ecosystem represents a source of inspiration and that Morocco is well-positioned to learn from the Israeli experience to foster its start-ups.

“Morocco and Israel have started the path of a win-win collaboration in mutually beneficial areas. As envisioned, we have built a solid and dynamic economic partnership that aims to be innovative in tune with global technological changes. This forum will make it possible to further explore avenues for development in promising areas, namely: agrifood-tech, energy-tech, logistic-tech and water-tech,” he said.

“We believe that Morocco, under the leadership of HM King Mohammed VI, is uniquely suited to partner with Israel in blazing a trail to a new MENA region, one that is connected by a genuine desire for peace and prosperity. This conference is a pivotal point as we embark on a joint innovation journey between Israel and Morocco toward economic prosperity,” head of Start-Up Nation Central Avi Hasson said.

Last year, 26 billion dollars were invested in Israeli tech start-ups. The tech sector accounts for 12.6% of GDP and 54% of exports. Israel invests 5% of its GDP in civilian research and development.