Thirteen former inmates in Mohammedia province received equipment worth a combined MAD 462,357 on Thursday to start their own businesses after undergoing training and having their projects assessed for viability.
The equipment was handed over at the Mabruka Skills, Crafts and Entrepreneurship Center in Beni Yakhlef under a program run by the Mohammed VI Foundation for the Reintegration of Prisoners and the Mohammedia Provincial Human Development Committee.
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Most of the businesses are in services, which account for 69% of the projects. Manufacturing represents 15%, while trade and handicrafts account for 8% each.
Before receiving the equipment, the beneficiaries attended workshops on self-employment, income-generating activities and project development.
ANAPEC, the national employment agency, examined the proposed businesses to assess their viability and help tailor follow-up support to labour-market needs, according to Khalid Lamdilki, the foundation’s regional coordinator for Casablanca-Settat.
The assistance went beyond starting a business. Beneficiaries received help with judicial rehabilitation procedures, enrollment in mandatory health insurance and the formalities required to establish individual businesses.
The program stems from a 2023 partnership agreement between the foundation and the provincial committee under the National Human Development Initiative (INDH).
The Mohammed VI Foundation for the Reintegration of Prisoners also provides former inmates with social, administrative, legal and health support, as well as access to education, vocational training and employment assistance.
