The Al-Rawabet project promotes the growth of high-potential companies and invests in the development of the entrepreneurial ecosystem in the Safi-Marrakech region, with funding from the United States Department of State Middle East Partnership Initiative (MEPI). A new public private partnership (PPP) in Safi, Morocco started through Al-Rawabet is providing opportunities for young entrepreneurs to grow and develop their businesses. Below are three short profiles of businesses supported by MEPI and the Near East Foundation (NEF).
Sotasaf is an engineering company founded by Mohamed Belhamra in 2017, received a contract for 215,010 MAD (21,500 USD) for a civil engineering project with OCP. “The Al-Rawabet project helped organize meetings with managers at OCP that introduced us to their needs and expectations,” Mohamed said. “Our business has increased its revenues, professionalized its human resources, and we have improved our standard of living.” With this support, SOTASAF has increased its profits by 67%, from 36,000 MAD (3,600 USD) in 2018, to 60,000 MAD (6,000 USD) in 2019. The company also hired one additional full-time staff person.
Famazo Sarl is an engineering company founded by Zouhair Boudaher in 2014, received a contract for 1,033,169 MAD (~100,000 USD) to install a chain-link fence and iron door.“My work with the Al-Rawabet project has helped position my business in the market,” Zouhair said. “We have defined and adapted our business plan, and we’ve improved our ability to take on new initiatives and calculated risks.” Famazo saw a 20% increase in profits, from 300,000 MAD (30,000 USD) in 2018 to 360,000 MAD (36,000 USD) in 2019. The company has been able to recruit one additional full-time staff person.
Passenger is a construction company founded by Abdelhadi Hosni. It received a contract for the installation of a water and sewage system in an OCP office for 843,840 MAD (84,300 USD).“The Al-Rawabet project helped us to improve our management, communication, and develop our entrepreneurial skills,” Abdelhadi said. “We have improved our ability to plan for the future.” Passenger increased its profits by 20% from 2018 to 2019 and was able to recruit two additional full-time and one part-time staff.
