The Association of Women Business Leaders of Morocco (AFEM) is going to mark its quarter-century of life on December 5, 2025. The milestone is, in fact, a vivid reflection of the association's drive and perpetual engagement throughout the years to the goal of women entrepreneurs' empowerment in Morocco.
In 2000, AFEM was born as a response to the scarce representation of women in the professional and business sectors of Morocco. Soon, it evolved into a powerful platform of advocacy, a body that is committed to women’s equal rights in training, access to financial resources, and business networks.
The anniversary event, which will be held under the high patronage of King Mohammed VI, aims to bring together partners, members, and stakeholders from both home and abroad to not only celebrate the progress made but also to renew their commitment to the future goals. Delegations from France, Monaco, and Tunisia are expected to be present, which is a testament to the increasing regional influence of AFEM.
During this occasion, AFEM will launch a commemorative book that charts its journey over 25 years and release an institutional film together with awards recognizing women who have contributed significantly to the entrepreneurial ecosystem of Morocco. Apart from this, the event will involve the performances and a collective exhibition showcasing the successful women-led ventures from different sectors.
The problem of women entrepreneurs still exists despite the changes that have been brought about. Just to illustrate the situation, only about 10 percent of Moroccan entrepreneurs are women. While a greater number of women, approximately 75 percent, declare their intention to start a business, only a very small number of them actually go through with it. Another thing that hampers the situation is that access to bank credit is very limited: only 14.6 percent of women entrepreneurs succeed in getting financing. These differences reveal the structural challenges that have been there and have not been resolved yet.
AFEM has drafted a far-sighted plan that is consistent with the New Development Model of Morocco. The plan is aimed at increasing the share of women entrepreneurs to 35 percent by 2035. Reaching out to the goal means, among other things, the creation of an innovation and training center exclusively for women. There they would receive guidance, skill development, and access to resources that would help them convert their business ideas into feasible ventures.
By marking its silver jubilee, AFEM's main concern is still to scale the tangible impact: to achieve greater financial inclusion, to develop networks, and to change the societal norms regarding women’s economic leadership in Morocco.