Moroccan proptech startup Yakeey is set to receive an equity investment of up to $7 million from the International Finance Corporation (IFC), the private sector arm of the World Bank Group. The funding forms part of Yakeey’s Series A round, aimed at advancing product development and strengthening its operations across Morocco. The investment marks a significant step in IFC’s continued support for digital transformation and economic inclusion in North Africa’s property sector.
Aiming to Digitize Real Estate Transactions
Founded in 2023 by real estate veteran Karim Beqqali, who also leads Yamed Group, Yakeey is building a digital marketplace that simplifies property transactions in Morocco. The platform enables users to buy, sell, and rent real estate assets while addressing persistent inefficiencies in the market, including lack of transparency and trust. Through its technology-driven model, Yakeey seeks to establish itself as a central hub connecting buyers, sellers, and brokers in one ecosystem.
IFC’s Investment and Strategic Role
The IFC investment, currently under consideration, will provide essential capital for Yakeey’s expansion and long-term growth. The funds will be directed toward scaling the company’s product offerings, improving its platform capabilities, and expanding its network of independent real estate brokers. IFC’s participation is expected to enhance Yakeey’s credibility among future investors while setting benchmarks in governance, compliance, and sustainability.
Boosting Employment and Skills Development
Beyond its financial contribution, IFC anticipates that the partnership will generate socio-economic benefits by fostering micro-entrepreneurship in Morocco’s urban centers. Yakeey plans to recruit and train individuals, many of whom will be new to the real estate industry, equipping them with the tools and mentorship needed to operate as independent brokers. This initiative aims to enhance income opportunities, professionalize the brokerage sector, and encourage skill development across Morocco’s real estate ecosystem.
Improving Access to Housing Finance
Yakeey’s platform also aims to improve access to housing finance by accelerating mortgage processing and promoting transparency in property transactions. By digitizing these processes, the company expects to reduce administrative bottlenecks, enhance trust among stakeholders, and make quality housing more accessible to lower middle-income households. These efforts align with IFC’s broader mission to stimulate inclusive growth and strengthen housing market competitiveness across emerging economies.
Setting New Standards in Corporate Governance
As part of its non-financial additionality, IFC will work closely with Yakeey to implement international best practices in governance, sustainability, and employee welfare. The collaboration will include the introduction of grievance mechanisms, equal opportunity policies, and e-waste management procedures consistent with IFC Performance Standards. These measures are designed to reinforce the company’s operational integrity and ensure responsible growth as it scales within Morocco and beyond.
Environmental and Social Commitment
Yakeey has already established internal policies aligned with Moroccan labor and safety regulations, but the IFC partnership will further formalize its environmental and social frameworks. The company is required to enhance its waste management practices by partnering with licensed firms for e-waste disposal, reflecting a growing awareness of sustainability in the country’s technology and real estate sectors. IFC will also monitor the company’s progress, ensuring transparency and compliance throughout the investment period.
IFC’s proposed $7 million investment in Yakeey underscores growing confidence in Morocco’s digital real estate ecosystem and the potential of proptech to transform traditional markets. By combining capital support, strategic guidance, and governance standards, the partnership is poised to advance transparency, inclusion, and efficiency in the country’s property sector. As Yakeey continues to scale, its model could serve as a blueprint for similar initiatives across Africa, fostering innovation in one of the continent’s most vital industries.