Benguerir - Morocco’s startup ecosystem has been growing steadily in recent years, with a particular focus on technology and innovation. While still relatively small compared to some other countries, the ecosystem has been making significant strides in promoting digitalization and Maintenance 4.0. The latter refers to the use of Industry 4.0 technologies to optimize maintenance processes.
Several experts from Morocco and abroad highlighted the central role that the Moroccan startup ecosystem plays in accelerating industrial digitalization and Maintenance 4.0 in the country. While acknowledging that there is still much work to be done, they expect the ecosystem’s continued growth and development to lead to further innovation and progress in these areas.
The industry professionals made the remarks at the first edition of the World Maintenance 4.0 Summit, which took place at Morocco’s Mohammed VI Polytechnic University in Benguerir on May 11 and 12. Organized by Cluster Maintenance 4.0, the event included keynote speeches and interactive workshops on a wide range of topics, including blockchain, Artificial Intelligence, and the Internet of Things (IoT).
In an interview with Morocco World News, Lyazid Zouine, Marketing Manager at OCP Maintenance Solutions and member of the summit’s organizing committee, said: “Moroccans are slowly picking up pace and starting to be known internationally both in the African continent and other continents."
He explained, “startups in Morocco are really starting to pick up steam and offer great services [and] great products that are really revolutionizing things."
In addition, Zouine expressed his pride for witnessing the remarkable work of Moroccan startups and entrepreneurs, which has enabled them to compete with international players with far more resources and access to knowledge and infrastructure.
He expects Moroccan startups and entrepreneurs to conquer the international scene in the next 10 years, saying: “We will be able to be one of the key players in industry and digitalization.”
Zouine then spoke about OCP Group’s commitment to supporting young entrepreneurs through mentoring, training, and funding opportunities. He underlined that the phosphate giant offers “all the necessary support,” startups need, including financial support, access to infrastructure, as well as its 100-year long expertise in mining, “but with a digital twist to it.”
CTO and Co-founder of IR4LAB Mohamed El Kandri echoed Zouine’s statement, lauding OPC’s contributions to supporting innovation in the country. He said that the summit serves as “a testament to their [OCP] commitment to improving and developing innovation within the industry,” as well as a “model” for other companies to follow.
Speaking about the role that Moroccan startups play in accelerating industrial digitalization, El Kandri said that they can offer a “new mindset of innovation and creativity, and thinking outside of the box.”
However, he advised Moroccan startups to adopt a “borderless mindset,” explaining that they are not competing against local entrepreneurs only, but against entrepreneurs worldwide.
Meanwhile, CEO of INSKIP Maxime Guillaude highlighted the positive characteristics of Moroccan startups, saying that they possess innovative solutions, a good pace, and have an overview of all the needs of the industry.
Similarly, the head of BPI France's North Africa office Mael M'baye stressed Moroccan startups' "key role" in elevating industrial companies that are still not familiar with digital tools.
In addition, he underlined Morocco's "impressive, state-of-the-art" industry, which he argued to be flourishing in many areas, notably the automotive industry.
Given Morocco's keenness to develop its industry, M'baye said that the sector is central in Morocco-France partnerships. The North African country is home to more than 1,000 French companies, he noted.
Similar to all industries worldwide, Morocco faces many obstacles. However, it has "all the tools and partners to overcome these challenges," M'baye noted.
Successful first edition
The two-day event was organized under the theme: “Industry 4.0 for a sustainable future: challenges and perspectives,” with the aim of positioning the Moroccan industry as a regional leader in maintenance and Industry 4.0.
It brought together several industry professionals who explored the latest advances in maintenance practices, and shared ideas to improve productivity, efficiency and profitability, said the organizers in a press release.
This first edition marked the participation of renowned experts, including General Manager of IFM OCP Group Abdelaziz El Mallah, Vice President of CGEM Mohamed Bachiri, and Director Asset Management at JESA Al Coury, among others.
The summit's various panels and workshops shed light on the latest trends and innovations in the field of maintenance and industrial digitization.
Topics discussed included the use of the Internet of Things (IoT) and sensors in maintenance 4.0, the role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and data in revolutionizing industry, as well as the challenges and strategies related to the digital transformation of heavy industries and the “factory of the future.”
“We are very happy about the outcome of the event … we were able to pull off a great event that had partners, sponsors, industry experts, and professors come together to share ideas, expertise, and network together,” Zouine said.
Meanwhile, Guillaud celebrated the “enthusiasm” and “energy” that the participants and attendees displayed. He also highlighted the “potential” all the discussed topics boast, especially those relating to the environment, how to digitize the industry, and how to enhance maintenance.
