Rabat – The US state of Virginia welcomed yesterday a variety of entrepreneurs, investors, policymakers, members of the Moroccan diaspora, and representatives of civil society for the 9th annual Small Business Summit, organized as part of the state’s Morocco Day observances.
The event offered a structured space for dialogue on entrepreneurship, innovation, and long-term cooperation between Morocco and the US at a moment when small and medium-sized enterprises are becoming increasingly central to both economies.
Held in Alexandria, the summit brought together local officials, Moroccan and American business leaders, technology specialists, economic development professionals, and community organizers.
Alexandria Mayor Alyia Gaskins attended the gathering, reflecting growing interest at the municipal level in reinforcing relations with Morocco and expanding channels for cooperation between local communities and international partners.
Alexandria Mayor Alyia Gaskins and Ahmed Elyannouari.
Morocco Day
In a symbolic and institutional gesture, the City of Alexandria officially announced October 31 as “Morocco Day,” to celebrate Morocco’s National Unity Day.
Morocco’s National Unity Day, marked on October 31, was established by King Mohammed VI following the adoption of a UN Security Council resolution affirming Morocco’s sovereignty over the Western Sahara.
Announced by the Royal Cabinet as a new national holiday known as Aid Al Wahda, the day is intended as a unifying moment tied to the country’s territorial integrity and historical continuity.
The proclamation was presented during the summit to Mohamed Hajjam, President of the Moroccan American Network and founder of AV Actions.
Digital transformation and southern investment
Two specialized workshops formed the backbone of this year’s program. The first focused on Morocco’s role in digital transformation across the African continent, presenting the country as a strategic gateway for American companies seeking access to African markets.
Experts discussed Morocco’s infrastructure, its growing technology ecosystem, and its positioning as a regional platform for innovation and data-driven industries.
The summit brought together local officials, Moroccan and American business leaders, technology specialists, economic development professionals, and community organizers.
The second workshop examined investment opportunities in Morocco’s southern provinces, which continue to draw attention for their potential in renewable energy, logistics, tourism, and emerging technologies.
Speakers described the region as an increasingly dynamic economic space, shaped by large-scale infrastructure projects, investment incentives, and integration into continental and transatlantic trade routes.
Ahmed Elyannouari pointed to the broader purpose of the summit, noting that it aims to boost ties between Moroccan Americans, American investors, and Morocco.
“The goal of this event is to encourage Moroccan Americans and American investors to engage in Morocco, to showcase the measures the Moroccan government has taken to support investment, and to demonstrate the progress Morocco has made in infrastructure and many other sectors. This year, the event takes on a new shape following the UN Security Council’s October 31 decision,” he said in a press statement.
Meanwhile, Abdeslem El Idrissi notes the role of the Moroccan diaspora in driving financial knowledge-based investment.
“The Moroccan diaspora in the United States can invest in Morocco not only financially, but also by sharing human resources and expertise. These contributions will support Morocco’s development across multiple areas,” he explained.
Gaskins welcomed the presence of the Moroccan community at the summit. “During this conference, the Moroccan diaspora is highly visible and offers us a real opportunity to experience Moroccan culture, inspiring us to build stronger ties and enhance communication,” she said.
Toward deeper cooperation
The summit also carried a cultural dimension. A special exhibition featured the photographic work of Hassan Nejibi, whose images document Morocco’s economic and urban transformations.
Abdeslem El Idrissi, Hassan Nejibi, and Ahmed Elyannouari (from left to right).
The event concluded with the announcement of an upcoming American economic delegation to Dakhla, where participants will explore investment opportunities on the ground, with a focus on sustainable development and regional connectivity.
The closing ceremony also paid tribute to a number of figures active in building Moroccan-American relations, including academic and community leaders based in the US, such as El Idrissi and Elyannouari, whose work continues to foster dialogue, understanding, and collaboration across borders.
Far from being a purely ceremonial gathering, the summit confirmed the role of small businesses as a driving force in international cooperation. It also reflected a shared intention to deepen relations through practical initiatives rooted in innovation, dialogue, and mutual interest.
