Dr. Salma Bougarrani: Pioneering Female Moroccan Entrepreneur in ABH Top 3 Finalists
In a groundbreaking achievement for Morocco, Dr. Salma Bougarrani has etched her name in history as the first female Moroccan entrepreneur to reach the Top three finalists in the prestigious Africa’s Business Heroes (ABH) Prize Competition. Securing the 1st Runner-Up position, Dr. Bougarrani, the co-Founder and CEO of Green Watech, is not only revolutionizing sanitation for rural communities but also breaking barriers for women in the industry. Her leadership, technical acumen, and dedication to making a difference have positioned her as a trailblazer in the water and sanitation sector.
The recognition from ABH, the Jack Ma Foundation’s flagship program in Africa, underscores its commitment to spotlighting and supporting local talents like Dr. Bougarrani, who are driving positive change in their communities. The program aims to honor 100 African entrepreneurs over a decade, providing grant funding, training, and ecosystem support to foster entrepreneurship across the continent.
Empowering Communities Through Sustainable Innovation
Dr. Bougarrani’s journey into water and sanitation was inspired by the sight of untreated wastewater causing havoc in Moroccan villages. This led her to establish Green Watech in 2018, aiming to provide affordable and energy-efficient sanitation systems to rural areas. With a PhD in Advanced Water Treatment Processes, she spearheaded the development of a soil-based filtration system that treats wastewater for agricultural irrigation, significantly reducing the need for fresh water by up to 70%.
Green Watech has positively impacted over 30,000 individuals in 17 Moroccan villages, cleaning more than 200 million liters of wastewater and enhancing agricultural productivity. Through community engagement and training programs, the company promotes resilience and sustainability, empowering locals to maintain and expand sanitation systems.
Future Endeavors and Recognition
Dr. Bougarrani plans to reinvest the $150,000 prize from ABH into Green Watech to expand its reach to more African communities, with a goal of reaching 1 million end-users by 2030. Her success as the first Moroccan entrepreneur among the top ABH finalists serves as a beacon for aspiring female entrepreneurs across Africa, showcasing her technical prowess and leadership capabilities.
Her accolades include the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) Grand Prize, highlighting her global impact in sustainable water management. As she continues to defy stereotypes and uplift communities, Dr. Bougarrani’s journey exemplifies the transformative power of determination and passion.
2025 ABH Applications Open
Entrepreneurs in Africa can now apply for the 2025 edition of the ABH competition, with a chance to win a share of US$1.5 million. Visit https://AfricaBusinessHeroes.org/en/register to submit your entry and join the league of visionary entrepreneurs driving change on the continent.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Africa’s Business Heroes (ABH).
