Moulay Hafid Elalamy on the government: “We will support it, but we will also push back when necessary”
Former CGEM President Calls for Demanding Relationship Between State and Businesses
In light of technological changes, bureaucratic hurdles, and the approaching deadline of 2030, Moulay Hafid Elalamy advocates for a collective mobilization around Morocco’s economic priorities.
"We will mobilize alongside them. We will also hold them accountable when necessary." Following the appointment of the new government, Elalamy succinctly describes his vision for the relationship between public authorities and the private sector: support government initiatives while highlighting the dysfunctions that hinder economic activity.
Speaking on Saturday, October 17, at the forum titled “Entrepreneurs in Motion: Transforming Priorities into Action,” the founder and president of Saham Group, former Minister of Industry, and ex-president of the General Confederation of Enterprises of Morocco (CGEM), emphasized the interdependence between the success of the Executive and that of businesses.
An Appointment with International Reach
Elalamy praised the appointment of Fatima Ezzahra El Mansouri as head of the government, noting the potential positive impact this development could have on the Kingdom’s image. "This is an important intangible asset," he stated, discussing the curiosity her appointment sparked during his recent trip to Paris.
Beyond this symbolic dimension, the former minister alerted to the complexities of the coming years, characterized by international tensions and economic as well as technological transformations.
Artificial Intelligence: A Strategic Challenge
Artificial intelligence is one of his primary concerns. "In the past, we aimed to enhance human capabilities. Today, we are replacing humans. This is not science fiction," he cautioned.
This transformation requires both businesses and public authorities to anticipate changes in work, skills, and economic models. For Morocco, the challenge is to maintain its competitiveness and prepare its productive fabric for technological disruptions.
In this context, Moulay Hafid Elalamy calls for a strong Executive, backed by a committed private sector. "It is in our interest for the government to succeed," he emphasized.
Dismantling Obstacles, Building Solutions
However, this support does not mean relinquishing criticism. Reflecting on his tenure at the CGEM, he recalled the drafting of a white paper addressing the challenges businesses face in their dealings with the administration.
For him, dialogue between the state and the business community must serve to identify dysfunctions and provide concrete responses to them. "What doesn’t work must be called out in a constructive spirit. We are here to build together. This is our country," he declared.
He sets a clear expectation for the new ministers: to transform the issues reported by businesses into actionable solutions. "Our role is to roll up our sleeves, and bring them both the problems and the solutions," he summarized.
2030 as a Horizon
Discussing the deadline of 2030 and the transformations seen in several Moroccan cities, particularly Casablanca, the entrepreneur called for the continuation of this development momentum.
The stakes extend beyond mere declarations of support: it involves improving the business environment, removing administrative barriers, boosting investment, and adapting the economy to new international constraints.
His conclusion encapsulates this interdependence between public action and private activity: "If they succeed, we will succeed. If they fail, we fail." A call to make dialogue between the state and businesses a concrete lever for economic transformation.
