As part of the Empowering Youth through Entrepreneurship in Morocco (EYEM) project, funded by the US Department of State / Middle East Partnership Initiative (MEPI), the Near East Foundation (NEF) cosponsored a day on “Entrepreneurship and Employment for Youth: A Common Challenge” on February 15, 2017 at the National School for Applied Sciences (ENSA) in Safi. Similar to the event held in May 2016 in El Jadida, this event provided
information to youth in Safi and the surrounding area on opportunities and local entrepreneurship initiatives offered by administrations and economic actors, and also offered an opportunity to discuss the challenges and prospects for youth through entrepreneurship. Undertaken in partnership with AMAPPE, REMESS, alAmana, ANAPEC, CRI, EFE, REEM Moubadarat, Attawfiq Foundation, BMCE, ENACTUS Maroc, Association Moustakhalona, Association Sokour, Maison des Association, Rashma, and project beneficiaries, the event featured talks on entrepreneurship and business creation in Morocco, and opportunities to meet different actors. Approximately 300 youth took part of the event and 14 institutions had stands that provided information on services available to youth. Four EYEM project beneficiaries also presented their products at the event.
The Empowering Youth through Entrepreneurship in Morocco (EYEM) project aims to empower youth in the former Doukkala Abda region by using entrepreneurship as a lever for development and engaging youth as important actors in the economic development of the region. Funded by the U.S. Department of State’s Middle East Partnership Initiative (MEPI) and implemented by the Near East Foundation (NEF) in partnership with the Moroccan Association for the Support and Promotion of Small Businesses (AMAPPE), the Moroccan Social Solidarity Economy Network (REMESS), and alAmana Microfinance, the EYEM project provides training in entrepreneurship, business incubator support, and start-up grants to give young professionals the tools they need to turn their ideas into viable businesses.
The EYEM project has provided grants to more than 250 youth with professional business plans to support them in launching their businesses. Youth have formally and officially registered their businesses.
