Rising Internal Conflicts within APEBI
The Moroccan Federation of Information and Communication Technologies, known as APEBI, one of the most esteemed professional bodies in the digital sector, founded nearly four decades ago by prominent figures, is currently experiencing escalating internal unrest. This turmoil comes at a critical time just before the organization of the "GITEX Africa" event in Marrakech. Initial signs of this tension emerged in June 2025, marked by a resignation within the federation's office. Events have since accelerated significantly, particularly in recent days, when the federation's Secretary-General was appointed as its official spokesperson. This move appeared to be an attempt to mitigate the fallout from criticisms and conflicts involving the federation's president, Ridouane El Haloui, and some government achievements in the realms of digitization, administration, service outsourcing, and support for startups, alongside communication errors.
Unexpected Resignations and Deepening Crisis
However, surprises quickly followed as the newly appointed spokesperson announced his resignation shortly after taking on the role, raising numerous questions about the motivations behind this rapid decision. The wave of resignations did not stop there; the Deputy Treasurer also vacated his position, reinforcing the hypothesis of a profound internal crisis. Interpretations of these disturbances vary, with some attributing them to strategic differences within the federation, particularly in light of preparations for "GITEX Africa," while others associate them with issues related to management and governance. Additional questions arise regarding the nature of the relationships fostered by the federation's president. The significance of these developments is amplified by APEBI's status as a federation within the General Confederation of Enterprises of Morocco (CGEM), placing the latter in a position to address this dynamic amidst discussions of potential additional resignations from within the organization. Concerns are also being raised about the federation's management methods, especially given its access to public funding, which necessitates a high level of transparency and governance, according to observers.
As we await further clarity on the situation, several questions remain unanswered. Is this a matter of personal disputes or a deeper structural crisis? Who supports the current leadership within the federation, and who stands with the opposition? These questions remain open as Morocco prepares to host a significant continental digital event.
As reported by assahifa.com.
