Royal Air Maroc, CDG Group Partner to Boost Moroccan TravelTech Innovation

Wednesday 29 May 2024 - 08:20

Moroccan aviation powerhouses Royal Air Maroc and CDG Group have joined forces in a groundbreaking partnership, igniting a TravelTech transformation within the nation's burgeoning startup ecosystem. This strategic alliance, unveiled on Tuesday, aims to nurture and empower promising Moroccan startups, fostering innovative solutions tailored to the dynamic tourism industry as the country gears up to co-host the 2030 FIFA World Cup alongside Spain and Portugal.

Under this pioneering collaboration, startups will benefit from the combined expertise and resources of Morocco's flagship carrier, Royal Air Maroc; the state-owned financial titan, CDG Group; and the esteemed International University of Rabat (UIR). The comprehensive support program encompasses incubation through Royal Air Maroc's RAM Digital Open Innovation program, insights from seasoned professionals at CDG and UIR, and leveraging the talents of graduates from the "JobInTech" program, researchers, and engineering students from UIR.

Moreover, selected projects will receive vital funding through CDG Invest's 212 Founders program, a state-backed initiative aimed at propelling the creation of competitive startups in Morocco and across the African continent.

The signing ceremony, held at Royal Air Maroc's headquarters in Casablanca, was attended by esteemed figures, including Hamid Addou, Chief Executive Officer of Royal Air Maroc; Khalid Safir, Chief Executive Officer of CDG; Noureddine Mouaddib, President of the International University of Rabat (UIR); and Yassine Abderrazik Haddaoui, Chief Executive Officer of CDG Invest.

Announced on the sidelines of the prestigious Gitex Africa Morocco event in Marrakech, this alliance sets the stage for a thriving TravelTech ecosystem in Morocco, as affirmed by CDG Group in an official statement.

The initiative revolves around two pivotal axes: supporting Moroccan startups both locally and abroad in the TravelTech sector, and promoting the dynamic development of TravelTech within Morocco's borders.

Hamid Addou, Chief Executive Officer of Royal Air Maroc, expressed his pride in "laying the foundations for a future dynamic Moroccan TravelTech ecosystem." Addou emphasized that Royal Air Maroc "will fully support this exceptional partnership by enhancing and adapting its digital innovation programs," underscoring the significance of accelerating Morocco's digital transformation and bolstering its capabilities in preparation for the highly anticipated 2030 FIFA World Cup.

Echoing this sentiment, Khalid Safir, Chief Executive Officer of CDG, highlighted the alignment of this partnership with CDG Group's core mission of fostering Morocco's economic and social progress. "We are committed to promoting TravelTech and supporting innovative young Moroccan entrepreneurs by enhancing our financing and support mechanisms for startups," Safir asserted. He concluded with confidence, stating, "We believe this partnership will contribute significantly to the emergence and growth of a national TravelTech ecosystem, aligned with Morocco's ambitions for the 2030 FIFA World Cup."