Phosboucraa Foundation: Catalyzing Sustainable Growth in Morocco's Southern Provinces

Tuesday 01 October 2024 - 09:20

The Phosboucraa Foundation, established in 2014, has emerged as a significant force for sustainable socio-economic development across Morocco's southern provinces in the Western Sahara. According to its 2023 annual report, the foundation's initiatives have benefited over 200,000 individuals, demonstrating its substantial impact on local communities.

At the core of the foundation's mission are four key pillars: innovative entrepreneurship, educational excellence, applied research, and institutional support. These focus areas align closely with King Mohammed VI's vision, expressed during the 48th anniversary of the Green March, to transform the Atlantic coasts of the Southern region into a hub of human communion and economic integration.

The foundation's commitment to fostering innovative entrepreneurship has been particularly noteworthy. Through incubation, financing, and coaching programs, it has empowered entrepreneurs to turn their ideas into viable businesses, with a special emphasis on engaging youth and women. The Learning Centers in Laayoune and Dakhla serve as crucial hubs for this entrepreneurial innovation.

In 2023, the foundation launched "TOUMOUH," an audiovisual series in the Hassani dialect, which garnered 1.5 million views on social media. This initiative reflects the growing interest in entrepreneurship within the region and showcases the foundation's innovative approach to community engagement.

Education remains a top priority for Phosboucraa. In the past year, nearly 4,000 individuals benefited from its educational programs, including the "Week of Science" in Laayoune and various initiatives encouraging higher education. The foundation also introduced a summer program at its Learning Centers, focusing on innovative skills for students aged 15 to 17.

Recognizing the importance of environmental sustainability, Phosboucraa has invested heavily in applied research. Collaborations with academic institutions have led to projects developing sustainable agricultural practices and exploring alternative income sources for local communities. The "InFarmer" program, launched in partnership with Mohammed VI Polytechnic University, exemplifies this commitment by integrating advanced technology into African agriculture.

The foundation's support extends to local institutions as well. In 2023, it partnered with various organizations to promote social and urban development projects. Notable contributions include the construction of the Mohammed VI National Center for the Disabled in Guelmim and the inauguration of the Lalla Amina Center in Boujdour, which provides care for vulnerable children.

Phosboucraa's "Women Entrepreneurship" program has made significant strides in promoting socio-economic integration of women. With 192 women participating in 80 hours of training to enhance their personal and professional skills, this initiative addresses the gender gap in Morocco's workforce, where women currently comprise only 19.8% of the active labor force.

The foundation has also embraced digital transformation, launching data management projects to improve the monitoring and evaluation of its programs. This aligns with the OCP Group's broader digitization policy and enhances the efficiency of Phosboucraa's operations.

As it looks to the future, the Phosboucraa Foundation remains committed to driving sustainable development in Morocco's southern provinces. By focusing on entrepreneurship, education, research, and institutional support, it continues to make meaningful contributions to the region's growth and prosperity.