Future of Family Businesses in Morocco to be Discussed in Marrakech
On October 15, 2026, Marrakech will host a pivotal event focused on the future of Moroccan family businesses, organized by the LIRE-MD and LAREGO laboratories of Cadi Ayyad University. This day of reflection will gather researchers, business leaders, heirs, managers, and experts to engage in discussions about the major governance challenges, succession issues, and sustainability concerns that are shaping the future of this entrepreneurial model in Morocco.
Family businesses play a fundamental role in the national economy, accounting for a significant share of private investment, employment, and the Moroccan productive fabric. However, they currently face major challenges due to economic, technological, and managerial transformations. Issues such as founder succession, professionalization of governance, capital opening, increased responsibility of new generations, and adaptation to new competitiveness demands are pressing concerns for these enterprises.
Under the theme "Between Heritage, Governance, and Transformation," this event aims to bridge perspectives between the academic world and economic actors, identifying the levers that will enable family businesses to preserve their core values while accelerating their modernization efforts.
The day will commence with a keynote address by Professor Gérard Hirigoyen, a recognized Francophone specialist in family businesses, followed by two panels that will delve into the evolution of the Moroccan family business model, succession challenges, new leadership forms, and the professionalization of management.
An important highlight of the event will be the presentation of a collective work dedicated to Moroccan family businesses, coordinated by Professors Chafik Bentaleb, Abdenbi Louitri, and Hind Hourmat Allah. This publication is the result of over fifteen years of research focused on governance, succession, and transformations within family groups.
Beyond this single day of discussions, the organizers aim for a broader ambition: to contribute to the establishment of a genuine Moroccan School of Family Business. This institution would be dedicated to producing knowledge tailored to the economic, social, and cultural realities of the Kingdom while enhancing dialogue among research, businesses, and institutions.
As reported by consonews.ma.
