Morocco's Vision for Digital Nomads: Insights from Connect Summit
At the recent Connect Summit in Essaouira, nearly 100 global experts gathered to discuss the future of digital nomadism. Organized by Consensus Public Relations and SafetyWing, the event emphasized Morocco's readiness to embrace our growing community of digital nomads.
Azoulay opened the summit, highlighting Morocco's historical significance and the transformative power of digital nomadism. He stressed the need for diversity and modernity, citing Morocco’s potential as a nomad hub.
Faical Alaoui, CEO of Consensus Public Relations, emphasized the importance of understanding digital nomads to harness their economic potential. Collaborative efforts with SafetyWing and the FRDISI Foundation demonstrated Morocco’s commitment to this trend.
Significantly, the CEO of NomadX presented the Madeira case study, showcasing the success of the Digital Nomads Madeira program. This initiative has positioned Madeira as a global model for attracting and retaining digital nomads, a point frequently highlighted during the summit.
Gonçalo Hall, stated, "Essaouira and Morocco can and should be a leader in this nomad economy. The culture, welcoming people, and beautiful sand beaches will be a big help when it comes to creating a nomad hotspot in the region."
The summit also explored opportunities for Moroccans to work abroad as digital nomads. Representatives from Estonia and Malaysia shared policies to create digital nomad hubs and special travel visas. Estonia announced a new visa policy, offering Moroccan online workers a pathway to join the global nomad movement.
On the second day, participants visited the Technopark, Essaouira’s largest business incubator, which supports startups and entrepreneurial development. Madame Lamiae Benmakhlouf, CEO of Technopark, welcomed attendees, underscoring the city’s role in fostering innovation.
Essaouira’s beaches and artistic reputation make it an ideal place for developing digital nomad communities. The city already hosts several coworking facilities catering to remote workers. As the world embraces digitization and remote work, Essaouira is poised to become a major digital nomad destination.
With new stakeholders and renewed enthusiasm, the plan is to advocate for digital nomadism and make Connect Summit Morocco an annual event, fostering continuous growth in this dynamic sector.
