F/MS Top Startup Cities

5 min read

Agadir, Morocco #554

City Scores

City Total Score

0.313

Overall ranking score

Quality Score

0.02

Ecosystem quality rating

Quantity Score

0.08

Ecosystem size rating

Business Score

0.22

Business environment rating

Score Distribution

Score Comparison

MeanCEO Index Click to scroll to details

58

Startup Ecosystem in Agadir 🇲🇦

TL;DR

Agadir is currently ranked as the 554th city in the Global F/MS “Best Cities for Startups” Index. Known for its stunning coastline and emerging tech scene, Agadir offers a supportive atmosphere for startups eager to grow in Morocco.

Startup-Friendly Stuff 📈

1. Ease of Company Registration

  • Business Registration: Procedures are straightforward with a focus on encouraging entrepreneurship.
  • Startup Incentives: Government helps reduce red tape through various incentives tailored for startups.

2. Employment Law 🏢

  • Labor Regulations: Comprehensive laws exist to protect employees; however, navigating them can be complex for small enterprises.
  • Hiring Foreign Talent: Procedures for hiring international talent are improving, though work permits are necessary.

3. Taxation 💰

  • Corporate Tax Rate: Standard corporate tax rate is around 31%, but lower rates are available for certain sectors or start-up initiatives.
  • VAT Regulations: Competitive VAT regime supports entrepreneurs in tech and services.

4. Quality of Life 🌆

  • Living Standards: High quality of life with a cost of living that remains relatively affordable compared to larger cities.
  • Culture and Leisure: Vibrant local culture, breathtaking beaches, and a relaxed vibe foster an enjoyable living environment.

5. Bureaucracy 🗂️

  • Ease of Navigation: Generally user-friendly, though some aspects may still require patience due to processing times.
  • Government Support: Initiatives aimed at fostering innovation and entrepreneurial spirit are increasingly prominent.

6. Visas for Entrepreneurs 🌍

  • Startup Visas & Permits: Streamlined processes available for business owners and foreign nationals seeking to establish a startup.
  • Residency Options: Various long-term stay options are available for qualifying entrepreneurs.

Startup Community 🤝

7. Networking Events

  • Regular meetups, hackathons, and workshops that connect entrepreneurs and investors.
  • Community programs that foster collaboration and idea exchange.

8. Subsidies and Funding 💵

  • Growing support from local government for tech-focused startups.
  • Availability of grant programs and incubator initiatives to foster growth.

9. Venture Capital (VC) Presence

  • Investments: While emerging, the VC landscape is beginning to attract interest for innovative startups.
  • Major Firms: Limited venture capital firms are starting to show interest particularly in technology sectors.

10. Incubators & Accelerators 🚀

  • Several incubator programs focus on diverse industries such as tech, agritech, and eco-friendly startups.
  • Programs include mentorship, funding access, and workspace assistance.

Technology & Industry Priorities 🔧

  • Focus Areas: Emphasis on renewable energy, tourism tech, and agritech.
  • Government Initiatives: Support aimed at technology-led growth and sustainable initiatives.

Business Culture 🏙️

  • Language: Arabic and French are the primary business languages; English is gradually becoming more widespread.
  • Work Environment: Collaborative and community-oriented, making it easier for newcomers to engage.

General Pros and Cons ⚖️

Pros:

  • Supportive atmosphere for budding entrepreneurs.
  • Attractive living conditions with affordable costs.
  • Vibrant community opportunities for connection and networking.

Cons:

  • Limited VC presence compared to larger Moroccan cities.
  • Certain bureaucratic processes may obstruct rapid progress.

Initiatives for Female Entrepreneurs 👩‍💼

  • Increasing focus on empowering women through dedicated funding and mentorship programs.
  • Local organizations are working to foster female leadership within the startup scene.

Agadir presents an exciting opportunity for entrepreneurs seeking a growth-friendly environment coupled with a beautiful lifestyle. 🌟

MeanCEO Index for Agadir 🇲🇦

Agadir is an emerging startup hub full of potential and unique advantages for entrepreneurs. Let’s analyze how it scores for female entrepreneurs through the MeanCEO Index, assessing ten critical factors that shape its business landscape.

1. Weather ☀️

  • Score: 8/10
    • Agadir boasts a pleasant Mediterranean climate with abundant sunny days, mild winters, and minimal rainfall, creating an outdoor-friendly environment ideal for networking year-round.

2. Location 🏖️

  • Score: 9/10
    • Situated along the Atlantic coast, Agadir offers stunning beaches with warm waters just a stone’s throw away. The city’s scenic landscape and beach lifestyle are perfect for relaxation and inspiring creativity.

3. Women Friendly 👩‍💼

  • Score: 4/10
    • While Morocco has made strides in women’s rights, traditional gender roles can still pose challenges. Agadir is improving but remains behind larger urban centers, impacting the overall atmosphere for women.

4. Foreigners Friendly 🌍

  • Score: 6/10
    • Agadir generally welcomes foreigners, but the degree of hospitality can vary. There’s potential for growth in building connections, but the cultural differences may present initial barriers.

5. English as a Business Language 📚

  • Score: 5/10
    • While Arabic and French dominate, English is slowly gaining ground. Business interactions may be less accessible for those not fluent in the primary local languages.

6. Delicious Cuisine 🍷

  • Score: 7/10
    • Agadir offers a delightful mix of Mediterranean and Berber cuisines. While traditional dishes often feature onions, the emphasis on fresh ingredients makes for healthy and flavorful meals. Local wines aren’t prominent, but the culinary scene is vibrant and diverse.

7. Ease of Getting Married and Starting a Family 💍

  • Score: 5/10
    • The cultural context in Morocco can complicate dating and family dynamics, but Agadir’s more relaxed vibe might attract people looking for companionship, albeit traditional views can still affect marriage prospects.

8. Medicine 🏥

  • Score: 6/10
    • Healthcare access is available, but it can vary in responsiveness and cost-effectiveness. While basic services are generally acceptable, there may be challenges in quicker appointments and specialized care.

9. Ease of Transportation & Traveling 🚍

  • Score: 6/10
    • Public transportation options exist, but they are limited. While local taxis are available, Agadir lacks extensive public transit, although its international airport enhances connectivity.

10. Startup Mindset 💡

  • Score: 7/10
    • The entrepreneurial spirit in Agadir is burgeoning, with a government focus on fostering innovation. While fear of failure exists, there’s growing acceptance of entrepreneurship as a viable career path, especially in tech.

MeanCEO Index Score: 58/100 🎉

Agadir presents a unique blend of opportunities and challenges for female entrepreneurs. While it offers a beautiful setting and a supportive atmosphere for startups, cultural nuances and some limitations in business language can be hurdles. However, its robust community initiatives and improving startup policies signal a promising future for women looking to thrive in business.

Happy entrepreneurship in Agadir! 🚀