ASSURIF/ⴰⵙⵓⵔⵉⴴ: A step towards the socio-economic empowerment of vulnerable women and youth.

Empowering communities through sustainable development and inclusive policies

Location

Azilal, Fquih Ben Salah and Beni Mellal Provinces, Morocco

Duration

2019 - 2026

Project Overview

ASSURIF/ⴰⵙⵓⵔⵉⴴ—meaning "step" in Amazigh—has made a transformative impact on the socio-economic empowerment of vulnerable youth and women in the Beni Mellal-Khenifra region. Through a comprehensive partnership-based approach, the project supported 29 youth- and women-led enterprises across various sectors. These targeted interventions have significantly expanded economic opportunities for marginalized communities.

Beyond establishing these initiatives, the project has delivered vital technical and material support by providing essential equipment and supplies to both new and existing self-employed entrepreneurs and cooperatives. Beneficiaries were selected through a competitive process in close collaboration with ANAPEC Azilal, ensuring that those with the highest potential for impact received targeted assistance. In addition, comprehensive training on market research, business planning, legal frameworks, and digital upskilling—including innovative AI-driven modules—has equipped participants with the skills necessary to navigate today's dynamic economic landscape.

A significant milestone of the project was the high-profile equipment distribution ceremony, which underscored the crucial role that small businesses play in fostering social and economic integration. The event was attended by esteemed figures such as the Head of the Social Work Department in Azilal, the Director of ANAPEC Azilal, local community leaders, and media representatives—each highlighting the project's role in building a resilient, inclusive economy.

In a recent development, AIDECA organized a participatory workshop to design an advocacy strategy aimed at facilitating small businesses' access to public tenders, funding, and training in the Beni Mellal-Khenifra region. The workshop brought together diverse stakeholders, including cooperatives, self-employed entrepreneurs, small businesses, civil society associations, and experts in economic empowerment and public procurement. The outcomes included identifying key challenges, developing a comprehensive stakeholder map, creating a detailed communication plan, and crafting an advocacy action plan for implementation in the coming months.

Looking forward, ASSURIF/ⴰⵙⵓⵔⵉⴴ remains committed to long-term support and capacity building for its beneficiaries. By continuously integrating digital innovations, strengthening local partnerships, and advocating for improved access to public tenders and funding opportunities, the project is well-positioned to adapt to emerging challenges and opportunities. This sustainable, inclusive approach ensures a brighter future for the Azilal province, where every step taken contributes to lasting social and economic development.

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Project Impact

The project supported 29 youth-led and women-led cooperatives and small businesses across various sectors including services, sustainable tourism, digital services, artisanal crafts, and bakery, significantly improving economic opportunities for vulnerable communities.

Youth and women received essential material support and technical training, enhancing their market readiness and legal compliance.

15 local organizations (11 associations, 4 cooperatives) had their capacities strengthened to launch advocacy projects supporting widowed women, disabled youth, and informal sector workers through vocational training, self-employment programs, and local product valorization centers, thereby boosting economic prospects.

Provided training, coaching, and financial support to these 29 businesses, directly empowering over 140 individuals.

Over 49 small businesses received training in entrepreneurship and developed their business ideas.

Successfully organized a participatory workshop to design an advocacy strategy for facilitating small businesses' access to public tenders, funding, and training in the Beni Mellal-Khenifra region.

Developed a comprehensive stakeholder map and detailed advocacy action plan to address barriers preventing small businesses from accessing public tenders, funding, and training.

Launched a multi-stakeholder initiative to facilitate the access of small businesses, women, and cooperatives to funding and public bidding opportunities.

Over 3,000 individuals discovered the program through online channels and our vast network in the region.

Success Stories

Advocacy Workshop for Small Business Access to Public Tenders

AIDECA organized a participatory workshop to design an advocacy strategy to facilitate small businesses' access to public tenders, funding, and training in the Beni Mellal-Khenifra region. The workshop included participants from various economic structures in the region, including cooperatives, self-employed entrepreneurs, small businesses, and civil society associations. The workshop also saw the participation of experts and practitioners in the field of economic empowerment and public procurement.

Ali and his brother: Sustainable Rural Tourism

Ali, 30, and his brother live on the edge of the breathtaking Les Greniers Aoujgal in Beni Mellal, Morocco. With a shared vision of developing a rural tourism business, they aspired to create a welcoming space where visitors could experience the region's unique cultural heritage. To support their dream, AIDECA, through the ASSURIF project, provided essential equipment to host tours and offer comfortable hospitality services. In addition to this, Ali and his brother benefited from tailored business support, including training and coaching, designed to equip them with the skills needed to build and sustain their enterprise. Thanks to this collaborative effort, Ali and his brother's business is now poised to become a model for eco-friendly and community-driven tourism in the region.

Abderzak

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Abderzzak, or PIKHI, as locals would call him, played a vital role in his city by providing essential delivery services. AIDECA recognized his dedication and, through the ASSURIF project, provided him with training and an electric bike to launch his small delivery business. This support allowed Abderzzak to expand his services, increase his income, and improve his family's situation.

Atlas Ours Tour for Tourism Cooperative in Tilouguite, Azilal

A collective of passionate youth from Tilouguite in Azilal province, each adept in mountain sports like kayaking and canoeing, collaborated to establish a cooperative with support from the ASSURIF project. Through their combined efforts, the cooperative has flourished, offering engaging mountain biking tours in the picturesque Cathedral Imsfrane tourist area. This initiative not only reflects their shared love for mountain sports but also plays a part in fostering sustainable tourism in the region.

Cooperative of Ibrah Tamartis in Ouaouizeght, Azilal

The Cooperative of Ibrah Tamartis comprises five creative young women specializing in traditional Moroccan embroidery and decoration. Graduates of the Entraide Nationale's Vocational Training Center, they faced challenges in acquiring equipment suitable for their unique productions and effectively marketing their creations. Through ASSURIF, they seized the opportunity to become a pioneering cooperative in sewing and embroidery in the community of Ouaouizeght in Azilal province.