In 2022, EPSCF provided pilot funding for the The Near East Foundation (NEF) and its local partner, Emerging Business Factory (EBF), to establish the Youth Climate Innovation Incubator (YCII) in Marrakech. The YCII is designed to foster an entrepreneurial ecosystem to support innovative, climate-adaptive youth-led businesses. This project represents EPSCF’s first investment in Morocco and an expansion of our relationship with NEF. NEF and EBF have engaged public and private sector partners to foster an enabling environment for young entrepreneurs while simultaneously emphasizing engagement of young women in green, innovative economic opportunities. Funding from EPSCF enabled the collaborative design and launch of the YCII. As a testament to the widespread collaboration, additional funding for the YCII was provided by Islamic Relief USA, and the Conseil Regional d’Investissement (CRI), a regional stakeholder in Marrakesh that provided in-kind funding to support project activities.  

Key Achievements from the12-month pilot (2022-2023) include:

• More than 20 partners and stakeholders engaged in the design, launch, and implementation of activities

• 85 entrepreneurs from 32 businesses reached

• 2 x 20 hour hackathons hosted by NEF and EBF in partnership with public and private stakeholders

  • “Water Show” 47 entrepreneurs (51% women) from 18 enterprises selected by committee to participate

  • “Green Arena” 38 entrepreneurs (37% women) representing 12 enterprises selected by committee to participate

• 22 start-ups completed business plans by the end of incubation

• 79% of entrepreneurs improved their business development knowledge and skills

• By attending networking. sessions, entrepreneurs secured 13 clients with contracts ranging between MAD 5,000 to MAD 140,000

• 10 enterprises received seed money grants

In 2023, EPSCF provided NEF with a two-year grant to expand the YCII in Morocco. The initiative addresses two of Morocco’s most pressing issues: climate change and youth unemployment. In Phase Two, NEF and EBF continue to engage with local stakeholders in the Marrakech-Safi region as well as three additional regions: Drâa-Tafilalet, Beni Mellal-Khénifra, and Souss-Massa. ​Phase 2 of the YCII is set to conclude in October 2025.