In the Spotlight: Some enterprising women
entrepreneurs from Morocco
WomenInBusiness #MoroccoEntrepreneurs #SheLeads
In the heart of North Africa, Morocco, often called “The Land of the Sun” – is witnessing a radiant rise in women-led entrepreneurship. As the country continues to embrace economic transformation and innovation, Moroccan women are stepping confidently into the entrepreneurial spotlight. From bustling urban centers to rural communities, women across Morocco are building businesses, reshaping industries,
and unlocking new economic potential.
How Moroccan Women Are Driving Business Innovation
With 74% of Moroccan women expressing interest in launching their own ventures, and 82% of current women entrepreneurs anticipating revenue growth in the next five years (Mastercard, 2025), the momentum is undeniable. What’s fueling this rise? A powerful mix of determination, creativity, and increasingly supportive infrastructure. Government-backed programmes and the National Financial Inclusion Strategy are improving access to finance and mentorship. Meanwhile, international initiatives are also extending resources and networks to women entrepreneurs, especially those outside major commercial hubs.
Morocco’s enterprising women are not just chasing their dreams – they are shaping a more inclusive, resilient & vibrant economy. Their journeys reflect a new era of empowerment, where tradition meets ambition, and where women are not just participating in business – they’re redefining it.
Now, let us look at some enterprising women entrepreneurs from Morocco.
- Laurence Leenaert, Founder, LRNCE
It was in 2025 that this Belgian-born artist Laurence Leenaert moved to Morocco and she launched her lifestyle brand – LRNCE. This is now a multi-level art and design studio on the outskirts of Marrakech.
Through her brand she crafts one-of-a-kind pieces using local materials and Moroccan craftsmanship. She works closely with traditional artisans in Morocco, using their skills and her aesthetic to create special pieces that are highly sought out across the globe.
Recently she carefully designed Riad Rosemary in Marrakech, bringing the hotel to life with local craftsmanship, original artworks and special design.
https://www.instagram.com/lrnce/?hl=en
- Sabrine Zahroubane & Meryem Reneja, Co-founders, Ta7alil.ma
Behind the health-tech start up Ta7alil.ma, are two young Moroccan women. They launched an application that digitises medical records and allows patients to communicate with healthcare professionals. It was after her father fell sick that Co-founder Sabrine Zahroubane came up with the idea. Incidentally, she also runs a marketing and communications agency.
That was in 2017 that she approached her Co-founder Meryem Reneja to explore the idea. They joined an incubator, worked with an experienced mentor with a pharmaceutical background, and launched the app in 2022.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/sabrine-zahroubane-86ba8a103
- Wissal Ben Moussa, Owner, Sand to Green
Wissal Ben Moussa has been consistently working to have a positive impact on the planet, while supporting local communities. Between pioneering sustainable agriculture at her organic farm Domaine Nzaha, and launching botanical organic skincare brand Azal Botanicals, she did not put a halt. And, recently she’s been experimenting with arid-resilient agriculture through – Sand to Green.
The idea is to fight deforestation and desertification of Morocco (and beyond) with desert agriculture and plantations of endemic species. Each plot will be irrigated by solar-powered desalination.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/wissal-ben-moussa-236a5824/?locale=en_US
- Christine Ferrari, Founder, Le Paradis du Safran
Her background is fascinating. This Swiss woman Christine Ferrari arrived in Morocco with a dream. From the ground up, she went against the grain building and faced many challenges while building her own organic saffron farm about an hour outside of Marrakech.
Each harvest season Le Paradis du Safran employs around 50 local Berbers and now Christine’s red saffron is internationally recognised for its quality. What you can find at the organic farm, are – citrus orchards and herb and rose gardens, and you can also enjoy a farm-to-table traditional Moroccan lunch.
https://www.instagram.com/explore/locations/169931873592894/paradis-du-safran/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/christine-ferrari-21b587b5/
- Nora Fitzgerald Belahcen, Founder, Amla – Sign Language Cafe
Nora Fitzgerald Belahcen, who was born and raised in Morocco started – Amal which is an inspiring Marrakech social enterprise. She saw the opportunity to lift women, mostly single mothers who needed to earn their own money, through the nourishing power of food.
Since 2013 the non-profit has operated a training centre that teaches women the skills to become chefs. Additionally, Amal has a restaurant and cooking school, where you can join classes with the students and chefs of the centre to support their mission and help women, one plate at a time.
Most recently Amal launched the award-winning – Sign Language Cafe, a project run by Amal’s deaf and hearing graduates to create more opportunities to work after the program.
https://www.amalnonprofit.org/
- Amanda Ponzio-Mouttak, Founder, MarocMama
Amanda Ponzio-Mouttaki is an American lady, who lives in Marrakech. She shows Morocco from the realistic side. She is the Founder of a very cool concept – Food Tour in Marrakech – to display and provide the real Moroccan food to travellers, avoiding ‘touristy’ spots.
She also runs the blog MarocMama. Here, she gives tips to travellers, thus exposing her readers to Moroccan culture and cuisine.
Being a reliable food guide (as she is a foodie herself) she knows the best places in Marrakech inside out – to guide travllers’ journeys!!!
Avtar Madan
Himanshu
Shree Lahiri
