Launch Ceremony for the Support of Beneficiaries Companies under the “Challenge Fund 2024” Programme in Morocco

The launch ceremony for the support of beneficiary companies through the Challenge Fund 2024 programme took place in Rabat, Morocco, on February 3, 2025. Mr. Ryad Mezzour, Morocco’s Minister of Industry and Trade, and Mr. Robert Dölger, Germany’s Ambassador to Morocco, attended the event.

The Challenge Fund 2024 programme is implemented by the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH within the framework of the Special Initiative "Decent Work for a Just Transition" of the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ). With a total budget of €1.05 million, the programme seeks to boost job creation in Morocco by supporting projects that incorporate environmental sustainability, promote women’s employment, and/or implement digitalisation measures.

During the programme launch ceremony, tripartite agreements were signed between the Ministry of Industry and Trade, GIZ Morocco, and the beneficiary companies which were selected in December 2024 following a call for projects that opened in May 2024. The programme provides financial support of up to €150 K, covering up to 70% of their project budgets. In addition to the financial support, these companies will receive operational assistance throughout the implementation of their projects. The beneficiary companies comprise:

· Peaqock Financials, a Moroccan fintech creating innovative technological solutions;

· Station A Corporation, a Moroccan incubator specialising in entrepreneurial support;

· Deli’s, a Moroccan company operating in the bakery/pastry sector;

· Lariconf, a Moroccan company specialising in women’s ready-to-wear fashion;

· Leyton, an international consulting firm specialising in organizational development;

· Bertrandt Technologies, a German engineering group.

Another tripartite agreement was signed with the NGO Handicap International, with the goal of assisting the beneficiary companies in the development and implementation of sustainable policies, particularly regarding the promotion of employment opportunities for people with disabilities.