Casablanca – The Kingdom of Morocco has made significant strides in the Global Startup Ecosystem Index (GSEI) 2024, securing the 92nd position globally out of 100 nations. This advancement, marked by an upward climb of one spot from the previous year, underscores Morocco’s growing prominence in the global startup sector. Compiled by “Startup Blink” in collaboration with various institutions, including the United Nations Development Programme, the GSEI evaluates startup ecosystems based on factors such as the quantity of startups, their quality, and the overall business environment. With a score of 0.558 points, Morocco’s rise reflects its ongoing efforts to cultivate a conducive environment for entrepreneurship and innovation.

Leading the global ranking is the United States, followed by the United Kingdom and Israel. Notably, the United Arab Emirates emerges as the top-ranking Arab country, securing the 23rd position globally, a significant leap of five places from 2023.

Within Morocco, Casablanca takes the lead among national cities, claiming the 359th spot globally with 0.99 points, signaling a noteworthy advancement of 22 places from the previous year. Following Casablanca is Rabat, which secures the 818th position globally, marking an impressive leap of 226 places. Meanwhile, Agadir and Marrakech occupy the 886th and 1031st positions globally, experiencing declines of 95 and 107 places, respectively. Consequently, Marrakech is excluded from the index, which encompasses 1000 cities worldwide.

The “Startup Blink” report underscores Casablanca’s role as the third-ranking North African city in the startup ecosystem index, highlighting Morocco’s provision of a stable and affordable foundation for entrepreneurs and startups targeting the North African market. With a youthful and tech-savvy population, Morocco is on track to emerge as a robust innovation hub within the region.

To foster entrepreneurial spirit, Morocco recently hosted “GITEX Africa,” the region’s largest technological event, attracting numerous startups, programmers, investors, and academics seeking fresh opportunities. The report highlights the wealth of experience and knowledge gained by young Moroccans through engagements with international clients, emphasizing its potential in nurturing the next wave of Moroccan startups.

While acknowledging the Moroccan government’s support for local entrepreneurs and tax exemptions, the report also highlights challenges faced by the national startup ecosystem. These challenges include limited access to education and healthcare, gender disparities, and inadequate funding and regulatory support. Addressing these issues is crucial to empowering Moroccan entrepreneurs and maximizing their contributions to the local ecosystem.

Morocco’s ascent in the Global Startup Ecosystem Index 2024 reaffirms its position as a destination for innovation and entrepreneurship. With continued support from government initiatives and the private sector, Morocco is set to further enhance its startup ecosystem and drive economic growth in the years ahead.