{"id":5604,"date":"2018-02-06T22:48:27","date_gmt":"2018-02-06T20:48:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blog.zhaw.ch\/sml-international\/?p=5604"},"modified":"2018-02-06T22:48:27","modified_gmt":"2018-02-06T20:48:27","slug":"study-trip-morocco-day-2","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blog.zhaw.ch\/sml-international\/study-trip-morocco-day-2\/","title":{"rendered":"Study Trip Morocco – Day 2"},"content":{"rendered":"

Tuesday – Day 2<\/b><\/p>\n

The second day of our memorable study trip started with a nourishing breakfast including typical continental breakfast as well as Moroccan specialties such as Amlou, the delicious \u201cBerber Nutella\u201d, made of argan oil, almonds as well as honey. <\/span><\/p>\n

BMCE Bank of Africa<\/b><\/p>\n

Off we went by bus to the BMCE Bank of Africa at 9:15 am. After a quick run under the heavy rain of Casablanca, we arrived at the very nice property of the bank where we were kindly welcomed by a warm th\u00e9 \u00e0 la menthe as well as a beautiful selection of traditional sweets.<\/span><\/p>\n

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The speeches were introduced by a very inspiring trailer including the \u201cbeyond borders\u201d vision of the company. After being a state owned company for about 35 years, BMCE Bank of Africa has been privatized in 1995. A strong network across four continents has been established. However, the focus where the company also sees its competitive edge is the penetration of the African continent. Furthermore, it has been pointed out that the ambition of the company is not only profitability but at the same time sustainability and shareholder value creation. Following an introduction to the company, its offering and strategy, we were informed about the currency of Morocco, the Dirham. Currently, the aim is to change from a fixed to a free floating exchange rate in order to strengthen the nation\u2019s competitiveness. <\/span><\/p>\n

Subsequently, the head of sustainable development, Soraya Sebti, introduced us to BMCE Bank of Africa\u2019s sustainability program. In order to tackle the challenges in Africa, BMCE Bank of Africa created the \u201cFondation BMCE Bank\u201d in 1995. The positive influence of education starting in an early stage of a human\u2019s life is of big importance to the foundation. Therefore, the promotion of education in rural areas is one of their core areas. Apart from education, the foundation also commits to the preservation of the environment.<\/span><\/p>\n

Many projects are in cooperation with other organizations or partners, such as the European Investment Bank (EIB) or the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD).<\/span><\/p>\n

Thanks to the projects in the area of education, over 18\u2019000 children have access to schools today. The Bank was the first to be ISO certified and has been awarded the best CSR performer in the country for the fourth year in a row.<\/span><\/p>\n

Another great program supported by the BMCE Bank of Africa is the African Entrepreneurship Award. This program enables African entrepreneurs to share their ideas and to develop a business plan and strategy. The best and most innovative ideas win the award and are supported in the execution of their projects. It is a great way to inspire people and by that fostering innovation and economic growth. The following video provides additional information:<\/span><\/p>\n

The 2017 African Entrepreneurship Award Journey<\/div><\/div>
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