Attijariwafa Ventures and UM6P Ventures Unite to Boost African Startup Innovation

Joint initiative targets fintech, deeptech, and greentech startups across the African continent

In a move set to reshape the innovation landscape across the African continent, Attijariwafa Ventures and UM6P Ventures have announced a new strategic partnership aimed at accelerating investment in high-potential startups. This agreement, formalized through a recently signed framework convention, marks a significant collaboration between two influential Moroccan institutions. Their shared objective is to foster entrepreneurial innovation with a strong focus on sectors pivotal to Africa's future.

A Shared Vision for Technological Leadership in Africa

The partnership brings together Attijariwafa Ventures, the venture capital arm of Attijariwafa bank and Wafa Assurance, and UM6P Ventures, the investment fund of Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P). Both institutions are joining forces to co-invest in startups operating in cutting-edge sectors such as fintech, insurtech, deeptech, and greentech. By leveraging their complementary resources and networks, they aim to create an enabling environment for the emergence of African technology champions.

Catalyzing Innovation through Co-Investment

The newly signed agreement outlines a joint investment approach that targets companies with strong growth trajectories and high added value. This initiative is not limited to funding alone—it emphasizes comprehensive startup support that integrates academic, industrial, and financial ecosystems. Through this approach, Attijariwafa Ventures and UM6P Ventures seek to amplify the impact of their investments and provide startups with the tools necessary to scale sustainably.

Mobilizing Expertise and Ecosystems for Impact

Both partners intend to use their extensive experience and sectoral insights to identify promising ventures early in their development. This collaboration will facilitate access to key mentorship, infrastructure, and strategic partnerships, ensuring startups are positioned for success within the African market and beyond. The emphasis on holistic support reflects a broader commitment to fostering innovation ecosystems that are both resilient and inclusive.

Institutional Endorsements Reflect Strong Commitment

Hamza Mikou, General Manager of Attijariwafa Ventures, highlighted the significance of the collaboration as part of the bank’s broader strategy to align finance with innovation. He emphasized the importance of integrating research, industry, and capital to drive Africa’s competitiveness in the global economy. Yassine Laghzioui, General Manager of UM6P Ventures, echoed this sentiment, underscoring the agreement as a major milestone in building a robust innovation ecosystem on the continent.

Strategic Alignment with Morocco’s National Priorities

The initiative aligns closely with Morocco’s national objectives in technological sovereignty, innovation, and human capital development. By nurturing a new generation of African startups, the partnership supports the Kingdom’s broader agenda for inclusive economic transformation. It also strengthens Morocco’s position as a regional hub for innovation and venture capital in Africa.

A Future-Oriented Model for African Entrepreneurship

With this partnership, Attijariwafa Ventures and UM6P Ventures are setting a precedent for collaborative investment models that prioritize long-term value creation and sustainable growth. Their joint efforts are designed to address some of the continent’s most pressing challenges through innovative, scalable solutions developed by African entrepreneurs. By creating a supportive platform for innovation, they aim to catalyze systemic change across key industries.

As Africa navigates rapid transitions in technology, finance, and sustainability, partnerships like this signal a new era of strategic collaboration. The combined commitment of Attijariwafa Ventures and UM6P Ventures reflects a forward-looking approach to venture capital—one rooted in partnership, purpose, and impact. Together, they are laying the groundwork for a thriving ecosystem that empowers African talent and transforms visionary ideas into global solutions.