فاس نيوز ميديا جريدة الكترونية جهوية تعنى بشؤون و أخبار جهة فاس مكناس – متجددة على مدار الساعة
The Fes-Meknes region is preparing to approve a partnership agreement for the implementation of the second phase of the “Smart Factory – Fes Smart Factory” project. This initiative is a collaboration between the Euro-Mediterranean University of Fes (UEMF), the Fes-Meknes Regional Council, the Wilaya of Fes-Meknes, and the Province of Moulay Yacoub, with an estimated budget of 55.5 million dirhams. The project aims to promote innovation, support entrepreneurship, and facilitate the transition to Industry 4.0 by providing advanced infrastructure and creating new job opportunities.
The project involves the completion of the Innovation Building, initially launched under the FONZID program, as well as the equipping of the “Fes Smart Factory” building with state-of-the-art facilities, including conference halls, restaurants, clinics, and administrative offices. Additionally, a pilot educational factory will be established and equipped to train and test smart industry 4.0 technologies.
While the Euro-Mediterranean University is covering the majority of the funding with a 40.5 million dirham contribution, the Fes-Meknes Regional Council is contributing 15 million dirhams. The project aims to support 400 entrepreneurs and 200 startups, potentially leading to the establishment of 100 new industrial units with investments estimated at 5 billion dirhams and creating over 3,000 direct jobs. Additionally, it is expected to help convert 250 existing industrial units into smart factories, potentially generating a revenue exceeding 2.75 billion dirhams.
Although the project appears promising from an economic and developmental perspective, a source from Fes News has raised concerns about the lack of administrative and financial transparency at the Euro-Mediterranean University. The source pointed out that despite receiving millions in public funding over the years, the university does not provide detailed reports on the allocation of these funds or publicly share the outcomes of previous projects on its official website or digital communication channels.
Given these concerns, questions arise regarding the role of the Regional Court of Auditors in monitoring the project and ensuring that public funds are utilized efficiently and in line with the stated objectives. Moreover, the contributing institutions, including the Fes-Meknes Regional Council, are urged to enforce strict transparency and accountability standards before proceeding further with this ambitious project.
Fes News will continue to follow this case closely, providing in-depth analysis on the project’s impact on the local economy and assessing the commitment of the involved parties to principles of transparency and good governance in public fund management.
Source: Fes News Media
