Lowering financial and market barriers for women entrepreneurs: Application in the Marrakech-Safi region
How can women entrepreneurs in Marrakech-Safi gain better access to finance and markets? This research identifies the barriers and unlocks opportunities for inclusive entrepreneurship in Morocco.
In short
In the Marrakech-Safi region of Morocco, women are significantly underrepresented in entrepreneurship: only 12.8% of entrepreneurs are women. This research project, carried out by Artevelde University of Applied Sciences and Cadi Ayyad University, focuses on improving access to finance and markets—both local and international—for women who want to start or grow a business. Through surveys and direct engagement with women entrepreneurs and support organisations, we mapped out their specific needs and the barriers they face. This short-term research initiative was funded by VLIR-UOS and ran for two years (2023–2025).
Need and relevance
Although interest in women’s entrepreneurship is growing and the Moroccan government supports it through various initiatives, women entrepreneurs still face structural barriers. These include unfavourable loan conditions, limited access to information, and weak networking opportunities. These factors limit their economic potential and hinder inclusive growth in the region. By analysing these obstacles and proposing practical solutions, the research contributes to strengthening women’s entrepreneurship as a driver of inclusion and local development.
Prof. Doha Sahraoui, who led the project on site, combines a deep passion for women’s entrepreneurship with extensive experience. Artevelde University of Applied Sciences and Cadi Ayyad University have been working together on this topic for several years, building on previous Belgian research projects. This research is part of the research theme "Inclusive Entrepreneurship in the Global South" as a part of the research program “Entrepreneurial Empowerment”.
From approach to impact
Qualitative research and fieldwork
In April 2024, colleagues Karijn Bonne and Sarah De Smet travelled to Marrakech to meet with women entrepreneurs and support organisations. At the same time, the team at Cadi Ayyad University launched qualitative research involving both women entrepreneurs and organisations that support them. The results were shared with Artevelde University of Applied Sciences and with Flemish and Brussels-based partners such as #SheDIDIT. This stimulated international knowledge exchange and the sharing of best practices in women’s entrepreneurship.
Some insights:
- Family entrepreneurial experience: 55.5% had one or more family members who were entrepreneurs.
- Financing barriers: 53.5% experienced unfavorable loan terms, 46.5% a lack of information.
- Market barriers: 56.5% had too few network contacts, 55% experienced strong competition.
Matchmaking event and support tools
In April 2025, a matchmaking event was held where women entrepreneurs pitched their businesses to relevant stakeholders. A visual roadmap was developed to guide them step-by-step through their entrepreneurial journey, alongside practical guidelines for support organisations. The ambition is to scale up this approach to reach a wider group of women in the region—and potentially beyond.
Research realisations and publications
Roadmap
During the 2025 Matchmaking Event, a roadmap was developed to help women entrepreneurs grow their businesses, secure funding, and access new markets.
Research findings
Our research results shed light on the opportunities and challenges women entrepreneurs in the Marrakech-Safi region face in gaining access to finance and markets.
