Support to business start-up projects in Figuig (Morocco)

Support to business start-up projects in Figuig (2002-2007)

Within the framework of decentralized cooperation between the Seine-Saint-Denis department and the municipality of Figuig (Morocco), a local development component was included to support and promote the start-up of small businesses in the area.

Figuig had traditionally been a commercial enclave between Algeria and Morocco but suffered a big economic crisis after the clossing of frontiers between both countries in 1970s. The consequences have been devastating for the region and have become worse because of the out migration of young people to other Moroccan cities and to Europe, specially to the Seine-Saint-Denis Department in France.

It is in this framework that BATIK International developed a study for the support of income generating activities by evaluating the real needs, with the implication of the affected population. The project was set up by the AJED (Association of Young Entrepreneurs for Development) contributing to help 19 project leaders in their economic and organizational initiatives in Figuig.