Rabat – The US state of Virginia hosted a significant gathering yesterday, bringing together a diverse group of entrepreneurs, investors, policymakers, members of the Moroccan diaspora, and civil society representatives for the 9th annual Small Business Summit. This event was part of the state’s observance of Morocco Day and was designed to foster dialogue on entrepreneurship, innovation, and long-term cooperation between the US and Morocco, particularly at a time when small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are increasingly pivotal to both economies.
Taking place in Alexandria, the summit featured the participation of local officials, business leaders from both Morocco and America, technology specialists, economic development professionals, and community organizers. Alexandria’s Mayor Alyia Gaskins attended the event, highlighting the municipality’s interest in strengthening ties with Morocco and expanding local international partnerships.
In a notable update during the summit, the City of Alexandria officially proclaimed October 31 as “Morocco Day” to commemorate Morocco’s National Unity Day. This day, established by King Mohammed VI following a UN Security Council resolution affirming Morocco’s sovereignty over Western Sahara, aims to promote national unity and territorial integrity. The proclamation was presented to Mohamed Hajjam, the President of the Moroccan American Network and the founder of AV Actions.
The summit’s agenda included two specialized workshops. The first explored Morocco’s pivotal role in digital transformation across Africa, pitchforking the country as a strategic access point for American businesses into African markets. Experts discussed Morocco’s developing infrastructure, burgeoning technology ecosystem, and its status as a regional hub for innovation and data-driven industries.
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The second workshop focused on investment opportunities in Morocco’s southern provinces, which are gaining attention due to their potential in renewable energy, logistics, tourism, and emerging technologies. Speakers highlighted how large-scale infrastructure projects and investment incentives are converting the region into an increasingly appealing economic area, integrated into continental and transatlantic trade routes.
Ahmed Elyannouari articulated the overarching objective of the summit, emphasizing the desire to strengthen connections between Moroccan Americans, American investors, and Morocco itself. He pointed out that the summit serves to encourage engagement from the Moroccan American community and American investors, showcasing the Moroccan government’s efforts to foster investment and highlight the nation’s progress in various sectors.
In a similar vein, Abdeslem El Idrissi discussed the Moroccan diaspora’s role in promoting financial knowledge-based investments. He noted that the diaspora can contribute to Morocco’s development not only through financial means but also by sharing expertise and human resources across different fields.
Mayor Gaskins expressed appreciation for the active presence of the Moroccan community at the summit, stating, “During this conference, the Moroccan diaspora is highly visible and offers us a real opportunity to experience Moroccan culture, inspiring us to build stronger ties and enhance communication.”
Beyond economic discussions, the summit included a cultural exhibition featuring the photographic work of Hassan Nejibi, showcasing Morocco’s economic and urban transformations. The event concluded with the announcement of an upcoming American economic delegation set to visit Dakhla. This delegation will focus on exploring sustainable development and regional connectivity opportunities.
The closing ceremony celebrated individuals instrumental in bolstering Moroccan-American relations, highlighting the contributions of academic and community leaders based in the US, including El Idrissi and Elyannouari, whose efforts continue to enhance dialogue, understanding, and collaboration between the two nations.
Overall, the summit underscored the vital role of small businesses in facilitating international cooperation and reflected a collective ambition to deepen ties through meaningful initiatives rooted in innovation, dialogue, and shared interests.
