ENAKL, a Moroccan mobility startup, has been chosen to spearhead an innovative transport initiative in the Casablanca-Settat region. The project, launched under the ECONNECT program, was endorsed by the Agence Française de Développement (AFD), the Île-de-France region, and the Casablanca-Settat Regional Council. The initiative seeks to advance inclusive, digital, and sustainable collective mobility solutions for underserved communities.
A Landmark Selection Process
The selection of ENAKL followed a rigorous evaluation led by AFD, the Île-de-France region, and Casablanca-Settat’s regional authorities. The project was awarded after competing against several strong proposals, underscoring its potential to deliver scalable and impactful solutions. Jury members praised the quality of exchanges during the evaluation, highlighting the project’s vision for connected and inclusive transport.
Project Objectives
ENAKL will collaborate closely with the Casablanca-Settat Regional Council and its partners to implement a digital and intelligent shared mobility platform. The solution aims to bridge gaps in transportation by connecting areas that currently lack sufficient public transit services. In the long term, the company hopes to foster a system that promotes urban productivity, social inclusion, and ecological transition.
Regional and International Partnerships
The project is part of a broader decentralized cooperation framework, with strong support from the Île-de-France region and AFD. AFD’s financial contribution through its FICOL mechanism demonstrates international confidence in the project’s ability to deliver tangible results. By combining local expertise and international backing, the initiative represents a model of territorial collaboration in mobility innovation.
Support and Acknowledgments
Samir Bennani, founder of ENAKL, expressed gratitude to Abdelatif Mazouz, President of the Casablanca-Settat Regional Council, for his vision and leadership. He also acknowledged the trust of AFD, represented by Catherine Bonnaud, and Île-de-France officials, including Laurent Pandolfi, for supporting the initiative. Additionally, Cap Digital provided technical assistance throughout the application process, reinforcing the project’s innovation-driven approach.
Thought Leadership in Smart Mobility
The launch event also featured a panel on smart mobility moderated by Professor Anass Kettani. Participants included representatives from Casa Transports, Maroc Numeric Cluster, AVISIUM Solutions Group, and ENAKL. Discussions highlighted the role of digitalization and intermodality in creating future-ready transport systems that better serve citizens.
A Broader Ecosystem of Innovation
The ECONNECT program is part of an ongoing effort to position Casablanca-Settat as a leader in digital innovation and sustainable mobility. Past laureates such as VALET Club and StreetRapshody were also recognized for their progress, illustrating the continuity and growth of the initiative. This ecosystem approach underlines the importance of long-term collaboration across startups, institutions, and public authorities.
Looking Ahead
The upcoming experimental phase will test ENAKL’s shared transport solution across targeted zones within the region. The results are expected to inform broader deployment strategies, with the potential to scale across other Moroccan regions. Project stakeholders emphasized the importance of inclusivity and sustainability as guiding principles for the rollout.
ENAKL’s selection to lead the ECONNECT pilot marks a milestone for Morocco’s mobility landscape. By combining digital innovation, international cooperation, and regional leadership, the project sets the stage for a more connected and sustainable urban future. As experimentation begins, stakeholders see this initiative as a model for advancing collective mobility in North Africa.