On February 17, 2025, Sefrou hosted the second edition of AgriTech Expo, under the theme « Water Technologies and Resilient Crops: A Perspective from Our Youth. » Co-organized by the CRI Fès-Meknès and the Green Open Lab Foundation, this event brought together key players in the agricultural sector to promote innovation and sustainability in Moroccan agriculture. With the ambition of becoming a hub for AgriTech, the event fosters the integration of digital technologies into agriculture.
Six Major Activities and Programs of AgriTech Expo 2025:
1- WHITE PAPER:
On this occasion, the Green Open Lab Foundation presented a White Paper, the result of collaborative work by young people from the region, economic stakeholders, experts from ENA, IAV, and other academic and scientific partners. This document offers recommendations for a sustainable and innovative agricultural sector.
It proposes concrete solutions to modernize agriculture by integrating sustainable technologies adapted to the needs of Moroccan farmers.
2- GREEN OPEN CHALLENGE:
The second edition of the Green Open Challenge, funded by the INDH, was introduced, highlighting 27 innovative projects covering the nine prefectures and provinces of the Fès-Meknès region. This program transforms the challenges faced by farmers into entrepreneurial opportunities for the region’s youth.
3- AnMOON PROJECT:
This project was presented by CBI, alongside the signing of two cooperation agreements with the Centre for the Promotion of Imports from Developing Countries. The initiative aims to modernize the olive oil value chain in the Fès-Meknès region, fostering innovation and youth inclusion.
4- EXHIBITIONS:
Several Moroccan and international AgriTech, WaterTech, and GreenTech startups showcased their innovations through exhibition stands and demonstration zones. Innovations included:
- ARWA Smart Irrigation
- Agricultural Drones
- IoT Solutions
- Connected Traps
- Hydroponic Systems
Additionally, FirmaTech’s immersive digital farm provided an interactive experience for visitors.
5- COMPETITIONS:
A competition for the best young extra virgin olive oil producer celebrated emerging talents in the sector.
- In the « Best Physico-Chemical and Sensory Analysis » category, the FOSAMED student group from ENA was recognized.
- The « Audience Favorite Award » was won by the ISIAOM student group from OFPPT.
6- ROUND TABLE DISCUSSION:
A roundtable on « The Role of Regional Ecosystems in the Adoption of Agricultural Innovations », moderated by Maryam Guessous (Head of Domseeds, a subsidiary of Domaines Agricoles), brought together experts such as:
- Tarik Haddi (CEO of Azur Innov Fund)
- Redouane Haloui (President of APEBI)
- El Hassania Sebti (Director of Partnerships at Technopark)
- Mohammed Mrhari (Director of the Technological Hall & AGRINOVA Coordinator)
- Redallah Idrissi Kaitouni (Head of Investor Support Service – CRI Fès-Meknès)
The discussions focused on integrating innovative technologies into regional agricultural practices and the key accelerators for adoption.
Strong Partnerships for a Successful Event
AgriTech Expo 2025 was supported by numerous partners and sponsors, contributing to its success.
Official Partners:
- CBI, Crédit Agricole, ARWA Solutions, AGRI-STRATEGIE, Industrie du Maroc Magazine, Groupe FERTIKA
- Gold Sponsors: CBI Farm, Al Omrane
Institutional Partners:
- Fès-Meknès Regional Council, APEBI, ADD, ANRT, OFPPT
- Ecosystem Supporters: COMADER, Technopark, INDH
- Universities & Research Institutes: Sidi Mohamed Ben Abdellah University, Ibn Tofail University, ENA, AGRINOVA, Club des Dirigeants, Forum de Taounate.
MEDIA PARTNERS:
Specialized media partners such as Sefrou Presse, Challenge.ma, and SmiaTECH.com (a new platform from SMIAfrica.org) ensured extensive coverage of the event.
