Morocco will be hosting the 22nd edition of the Conference of the Parties on November 2016, an event considered as the most important rendez-vous on climate change effects. This event comes at a time when the country is embarking on ambitious projects related to the fight against climate change: Morocco is expecting to raise its share of renewable power energies to 52%[1] by 2030 The country is also willing to reduce its greenhouse gases emissions by 32%[2] by 2030 The “Noor” project’s solar power plant, considered one of the world’s biggest, is being built with a capacity of 580 MW[3] by 2018 Besides the environmental considerations, the organization of the Conference of Parties implies some financial matters. Opportunities for the private sector Currently, the most important contract for the COP22 is related to the event’s organization: preparation and management of the site (the Bab Ighli area in Marrakech). The tender’s value is estimated at € 64million (MAD 700 million[4]). Three criteria[5] were retained for companies willing to submit their bids: 1 – Average turnover of MAD 500 million during the last 3 years 2 – Organization of at least 2 events on behalf of the United Nations Organization (similar to the COP in terms of size) 3 – Completion of at least one civil engineering project during the last five years To overcome the constraints related to turnover and experience capitalized in the organization of such events, local players partnered with international ones. Partnerships between Moroccan and international event agencies Three groups formed by Moroccan companies and international event agencies were shortlisted[6]: Capital Events (a Moroccan events management agency), GL Events (a Euronext-listed company, organizer of the previous COP in Paris and Lima), Agence Publics (a France-based communication and event agency), etc. Groupement MaroCop: Richard Attias & Associates (New York-based consulting firm), Alomra Group International (Moroccan company in business risk management), the Moroccan architect My Abdelouahed, Derichebourg Maroc (Facility management company), Maroc Telecom, Valyans Consulting, etc. La Nouvelle Avant-Scène (Moroccan event communication agency), Finatech Group (a subsidiary of the Moroccan holding company Financecom), URBAGEC (Moroccan company operating in the civil engineering sector), etc. Some other well-known business owners like Vincent Bolloré (through his event company, Havas Event) has initially shown his willingness to be among the bidders. Besides, the British public relations company Henley Media Group is also willing to be in charge of the organization of the Sustainable Innovation Forum, an important business-focused event held alongside the COP meeting. The 6th Sustainable Innovation Forum during the COP21 was organized by the same media group. A subsidiary of Henley Media, Green Media Ltd has already booked the domain name “cop22marrakech.org”. Green Media’s core business is to provide business insights to its clients and establish partnerships between the private sector, governments and NGOs involved in sustainable development and “green economy”. The organization was in charge of the public relations of the COP21. Other contracts related to the COP22 The technical control of the site’s construction (Socotec Maroc and Bureau Veritas Maroc have been shortlisted), the accommodation and transportation services Projects in Marrakech: to be in the spirit of the event, some projects are initiated Introduction of electrical buses powered by solar energy: the project’s cost is estimated at MAD 200 million Set up of a recycling plant: for an approximate cost of MAD 100 million A MAD 70 million-contract[7] for the installation of green lighting solutions In a world where economies need to distinguish themselves in order to be more competitive, Morocco can develop expertise and an edge on the whole ecosystem related to renewable energies. By doing so, the country will be able to play an important role in the “Environmental diplomacy” domain. Fatou, Analyst at Infomineo. Know more about Fatou. [1] Usine Nouvelle - http://www.usinenouvelle.com/article/climat-le-maroc-se-met-en-ordre-de-marche-pour-la-cop-22-de-marrakech-en-novembre.N378986 [2] Jeune Afrique - http://www.jeuneafrique.com/284667/societe/maroc-hakima-el-haite-cop22-faut-deja-reussir-cop21/ [3] Noor Ouarzazate - http://noorouarzazate.com/ [4] Huffington Post Maghreb - http://www.huffpostmaghreb.com/2016/03/15/cop22-maroc_n_9470796.html [5] L’Economiste - http://www.leconomiste.com/article/984730-plus-gros-que-le-gatt-le-cahier-des-charges-de-la-cop22 [6] At the moment when the article is written, the name of the group to organize the event is not disclosed yet. [7] L’Economiste - http://www.leconomiste.com/article/985009-comment-marrakech-se-prepare-la-cop22
Morocco stands as a strategic gateway for 'Aeronautics in Morocco', positioning itself as a pivotal platform on the African continent for the aviation industry. With its close proximity to Europe, political stability, and competitive labor costs, Morocco offers substantial advantages, particularly in the aeronautics subcontracting market. Yet, the journey to becoming a leader in this sector is still unfolding. (more…)
Introduction to Africa's Economic Growth The rapid growth of African Infrastructure is underscored by the IMF's recognition , of Africa as home to 5 of the top 10 fastest growing economies globally. Domestic and foreign infrastructure investments respond to the growth potential of the world's second largest continent.in order to achieve self-sufficiency and global competitiveness. The latest African Construction Trends Report by Deloitte records a total investment of over $222 Billion in more than 322 projects. The study focuses on infrastructure construction projects. with a value of over $50 million, that are in progress but not been commissioned yet. These projects exclude private mining ventures and social infrastructure such as housing, roads, schools, clinics, water, and sewage systems. (more…)
Today's encounter in a Nairobi traffic jam brought to life the essence of Entrepreneurship in Africa. Speaking with Henry, a driver with ambitions beyond the steering wheel, unveiled the potential and hope embedded in the continent's entrepreneurial spirit. Henry was born in a small city in rural Kenya. He was able to attend school until the age of 9, where he was very bright , one of the best in his class. Unfortunately his parents divorced and he had to be brought up by his grandmother who didn't have much money and needed him to work. At age 21 he got married and he had four children before he turned 30. He got into the taxi business where he has become the perfect driver: available, timely and resourceful. (more…)
