The United States Mission in Morocco and the U.S. government's Prosper Africa initiative co-hosted a two-day U.S.-Morocco Venture Capital Forum in Marrakech on May 27-28. The forum aimed to strengthen U.S.-Morocco commercial ties and encourage investment in the region.
Held ahead of GITEX Africa 2024, Africa's Biggest Tech & Startup show (May 29-31), the forum attracted U.S. and regional venture capital (VC) investors, Moroccan government officials, and Moroccan startup founders, according to a press release.
Speaking during the event, U.S. Ambassador Puneet Talwar highlighted the strong U.S.-Morocco investment relationship. «The United States government also makes investments in Morocco. And we enjoy an extraordinary return on our investment», Ambassador Talwar said.
«Morocco's startups are well-positioned for significant growth. Prosper Africa recognizes their potential and is proud to have brought U.S. venture capital funds, and their African VC peers, to meet a selection of Africa's most talented entrepreneurs», said British Robinson, Prosper Africa Coordinator.
The Forum also welcomed Delegate-Minister to the Head of Government of Investment, Convergence and the Evaluation of Public Policies Mohcine Jazouli, and Minister Delegate in charge of Digital Transition and Administration Reform Ghita Mezzour.
The Forum featured high-level discussions on Morocco's entrepreneurship ecosystem and dynamic matchmaking sessions between startups and VCs, showcasing Morocco's investment-readiness.
It is worth noting that Morocco is the only country in Africa with a free trade agreement (FTA) with the United States. Both countries have benefited from the FTA, and there are over 150 U.S. companies operating in Morocco in key sectors.