Casablanca- The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has launched the Green Growth & Jobs Accelerator Project (GGJAP) in Morocco, aiming to create 3,500 direct and indirect jobs by 2027. Project coordinator Larbi Toumi announced this ambition during the launch event held on Wednesday, January 31st, in Rabat.

Operating under a partnership between the UNDP’s regional office for Arab States and the Danish-Arab Partnership Programme of the Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, GGJAP targets very small, small, and medium enterprises (SMEs) to expedite green growth and generate employment opportunities.

The project focuses on innovative ventures contributing to Sustainable Development Goals across sectors like sustainable agriculture, industries, waste management, and alternative energy. In line with this, a call for expressions of interest was launched on January 22nd for Moroccan SMEs.

Mr. Toumi highlighted the project’s ambition to create 1,000 direct jobs and 2,500 indirect jobs by supporting 200 Moroccan SMEs over the 2023-2027 period. UNDP Morocco is committed to providing technical and financial support to selected SMEs, developing sustainable business models with a focus on youth employment and green growth.

Youth delegate Yassmine Bichichi presented the “Youth for Sustainability” component, aiming to connect highly qualified young individuals with specific needs in accelerated businesses, providing them with professional experience and employment opportunities.

Edward Christo, the Resident Representative of UNDP, praised Morocco’s commitment to economic integration and sustainable development, emphasizing the importance of the GGJAP in aligning with the nation’s ambitions.

The Danish Ambassador to Morocco, Jasper Kammersgaard, emphasized the strong partnership between Denmark and Morocco, stating the project’s ambition to diversify green income sources and promote ecological practices within companies.

Hisham El-Zanati El-Serghini, General Director of Tamweelcom, expressed enthusiasm for the project, highlighting its alignment with his organization’s commitment to supporting sustainable development. Tamweelcom aims to facilitate access to financing solutions for SMEs, particularly those led by youth.

The GGJAP represents a significant step towards promoting green growth and job creation in Morocco, aligning with the nation’s sustainable development objectives and fostering international partnerships for environmental and economic progress.