Matthew D.Meredith
Managing Principal
Matthew Meredith has twenty years of project development and blended finance experience. A serial entrepreneur, Matthew also works as a Project Manager and Investment Advisor. With years of resident experience in emerging markets, he understands the challenges and realities of executing projects. He is passionate about economic growth and takes a very practical approach to every project in order to achieve concrete results. An SME advisory specialist, he plays the role of intermediary between entrepreneurs, communities, capital providers and government. Matthew also has current technical experience in agricultural trade logistics, cold chain, energy markets and energy infrastructure. He has a BA from Tufts University in International Relations and an MBA from the Kellogg School of Business. In addition to a professional level of German and French, he has an advanced Arabic language training.
William C. Fellows Managing Principal
William Fellows has more than 18 years of experience in the MENA region, including 15 years in the Maghreb. His past projects focus on entrepreneurship support, financing and impact investment development, impact venture capital investment, and advisory in conceiving and structuring impact risk capital funds in the Maghreb and Francophone Africa. He has extensive experience in management and development of programs focused on green and circular economy financing. William holds a BA from Vassar College in Diplomatic History, an MA from Indiana University in Islamic History, and an MA in International Economics and Finance from Johns Hopkins University School of Advanced International Studies (JHU – SAIS). He also holds certificates in advanced Arabic studies from Moulay Ismail University in Morocco and the American University’s CASA program in Cairo, Egypt. He is fluent in Arabic and French.
Najwa El Iraki Senior Advisor
Najwa El Iraki is the Founder and Managing Partner of AfricaDev Consulting Ltd, a business development and advisory firm dedicated to the African continent. She is also the Managing Director of the North West Africa for Opportunity Network, a global business matchmaking platform headquartered in London that connects CEOs worldwide for business opportunities. Prior to this, she was the Head of Business Development at Casablanca Finance City Authority (CFCA). Previously, she was Senior Manager within Mazars’ Financial Services Group in London. Najwa has accumulated 15 years’ experience and holds a master’s degree in Business Management and Finance from Kedge Business School and Aston Business School. She is a qualified Chartered Accountant, member of both international accountancy and UK tax leading professional institutes (ICAS and ATT). She holds a certificate in leadership management from Harvard Business School. Najwa speaks fluently English, French, Arabic and intermediate Spanish.
Maha Filali Mouncef Operations and Projects Director
Maha Filali Mouncef is one of the first employees to join the LixCap team in 2013 as a project manager. Throughout her career, she has managed and contributed to multiple projects in the areas of temperature-controlled logistics (TCL), entrepreneurship, access to capital, and fund evaluation. She was responsible for the implementation of a two-year entrepreneurship support program “Gazelles Al Maghrib”. The program aims to provide technical assistance to targeted Moroccan businesses (start-ups and SMEs) in different business areas to help them grow their businesses, increase revenues, develop core competencies to scale-up, and raise funds. Prior to that, Maha served as a program manager of “Fundamental Growth Partners”, and as Junior Project Manager in the development of Friopuerto Tanger S.A, an $11 million multi-phased fresh food logistics hub at Port of Tanger Med, Northern Morocco. Maha has also held consulting and technical assistance roles in assignments related to fund evaluation in Africa, and SME financing in Morocco. Currently, Maha holds the position of Operations and Projects Director, for which she oversees daily operations activities and leads LixCap’s ongoing project work as well. Maha holds an M.Sc. in project management from the University of Westminster in London and a Bachelor’s degree in business administration from Al Akhawayn University in Morocco.
Roee Raz Business Development Director
Roee joined the US LixCap Team as Business Development Director in June 2021. He has more than 16 years of experience in US government contracting and international development. As a leader in business development, project implementation, and operations, his work has covered economic growth, access to finance, and agribusiness development in emerging markets. He was the deputy director for a $94 million rural development project in Colombia focused on building social and economic infrastructure, enhancing agribusiness, and strengthening public service provision. Roee also led business development for a $150 million biddable market in South America and successfully forged public-private partnerships with an array of actors leading to expanded market share. Previously, he supported business development teams focused on the Middle East and North Africa. Roee has led and formulated large, complex proposals in access to finance, public financial management, and value chain strengthening in Colombia, Guatemala, East Timor, the Eastern Caribbean, Egypt, Jordan, and Peru. Roee also supported the launch of a private sector engagement business line in Peru by developing a business plan, financial models, a pipeline of opportunities, client research briefs, and provided support to field teams. Roee is fluent in English and Spanish.
Samir Belrhandoria Senior Advisor on Private Equity and PPP Investments
Samir Belrhandoria is a leading investment expert in energy efficiency, renewable energy and infrastructure in Morocco. From 2009-2016, Samir managed the EUR 80 million Moroccan Infrastructure Fund (MIF), a project led by large private capital players, international development finance institutions, and local Moroccan institutional actors. He oversaw deal flow sourcing and secured transactions in several areas, including renewable energy. Similarly, Samir managed the EUR 30 million African Energy Efficiency Fund Attijariwafa Bank (which also participates in the MIF) and SUMA Capital, a Spanish private equity firm. His experience with renewables extends to being Vice President of Corporate and Structured Finance for Theolia Emerging Markets, where he developed, analyzed and financed feasibility studies and projects in sub-Saharan Africa, Asia and other developing markets. His expertise with emerging market investment funds covers many different perspectives. He led fundraising for a pan-African cross-border fund for Attijariwafa and Emerging Capital Partners, acting as Fund Manager. Previously, he conducted the execution and review of mergers and acquisitions for Société Générale in France and ran their corporate and structured finance operations in Morocco. Samir has an MBA with a major in Corporate Finance from GEM Business School in France. He is fluent in English, French and Arabic.
Yassine Benider Finance and Investment Director
Yassine Benider has 6 years of professional experience, which includes corporate banking, venture capital, and financial consulting. Through his carrier, Yassine had the opportunity to interact with different categories of clients from entrepreneurs and startups, to SMEs and large corporations. He has an advanced understanding of Moroccan entrepreneurs’ needs, constraints, and market pitfalls as well as a confirmed experience in strategic and financial supporting to Moroccan SMEs and entrepreneurs to scale up. Yassine has been leading project finance activities of the firm. He has carried out financial modelling and structuring for various projects regarding topics such as oil storage station, gas infrastructure, aquaculture farm, and more. Yassine has also completed financial feasibility studies for investment opportunities. As the Finance and Investment Director, Yassine is responsible for financial analysis and reporting while providing advice and workshops for entrepreneurs and start-ups on several topics such as financial forecast, liquidity management and fund raising. Yassine has a Bachelor of Finance from Al Akhawayn University, an M.Sc. in Finance and Investment from Middlesex University, and the International Certification in Corporate Finance (ICCF) program with HEC Paris.
Mohamed Saad El Jai
Senior Economist
Mohamed Saad El Jai has provided program support to LixCap’s Casablanca office since its founding. He has experience in on-the-ground management, assessment and evaluation in Morocco. He has been involved in entrepreneurship in the country since 2011, and previously worked as a full-time staff member of the USAID funded Moroccan Economic Competitiveness Program. Following his work experience with USAID, Saad joined LixCap in 2012 and contributed to the development of a cold storage logistics hub at the port of Tanger Med. Between 2013 and 2015, Saad pursued a Master’s degree of Science in Economics at the Vienna University of Economics and Business in Austria. In parallel, he continued to support LixCap efforts on a retainer basis and also worked as a consultant at Weibold GmbH, where he was in charge of the development of the Middle Eastern and African market. In September 2015, Saad joined the Casablanca office of LixCap on a full-time basis. He plays an integral role as a team leader in LixCap’s ongoing project work. Saad is fluent in Arabic, French, and English.
Shiselle Povedano Project Manager
Shiselle Povedano is a Europe based Project Manager at LixCap who has served in a management capacity on a number of projects in South Asia and West Africa. Within her role, she has developed expertise in temperature-controlled logistics, international food safety standards and certifications, and the research and drafting process of investment options and feasibility studies among other things. Before LixCap, she held several positions conducting research for Feed the Future Innovation Lab, Women in International Security (WIIS), and Johns Hopkins related to development economics, food security and agriculture, gender, and policy analysis for the Sahel and North America. Shiselle has a master’s degree in international economics and African studies with a specialization in emerging markets from the Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS), as well as two bachelor’s degrees, one in economics and the other in public relations, from the University of Florida. She is fluent in Spanish, English and Catalan with working proficiency in French.
Asmaa Rkizat Internal Finance and Operations Manager
Asmaa Rkizat joined LixCap in April 2016. Asmaa carries out accounting and administration for three companies, executes analysis for various projects, reviews budgets and contracts, and develops reports for management. She has also been working on several research projects in Africa, including a literature review desk study for Development Food Assistance Programs (DFAP) in Uganda and a market demand study of a financing line for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficient equipment and goods. Asmaa has a keen interest in research and used to work as a part-time research assistant during her studies. Her previous work experience includes working in a multinational automotive company, where she was responsible for managing the inventory of three warehouses, monitoring customer accounts, and preparing reports. She graduated from Al Akhawayn University with a BBA in Finance and Logistics. She is fluent in Arabic, English, and French.
Sara CherragiHuman Resources Manager
Sara Cherragi joined LixCap on April 2021 as a Human Resources Manager. She has proven success in creating cultures of collaboration and implementing change to achieve workforce excellence. Prior to working for LixCap Sara worked for 7 years in the Automotive industry for two big multinationals and held many positions in different departments such as Logistics, Purchasing & Human Resources in which she provided services to over 4,000 employees. Since she joined LixCap Sara ensures that policies and procedures are properly applied in the company, while complying with local laws and requirements. Sara has a master’s degree in Logistics Management & Supply Chain from the University of Juridical, Economic and Social Sciences Ibn Toufail of Kenitra. Sara speaks French, English & Arabic and has elementary knowledge in Spanish.
Ghizlane Naji Senior Project Manager
Ghizlane Naji joined LixCap in March 2021 as a Senior Project Manager. With 15 years of experience in the financial services sector, Ghizlane formerly served in the Financial Services Volunteer Corps in Morocco, working to strengthen central bank regulation and supervision and combat money laundering. Additionally, she has worked with commercial banks to expand financial inclusion and access to finance and has experience in payment schemes derived from work with Visa International covering Central Europe and North, West, and Central Africa. Across these regions, Ghizlane also gained a deep understanding of banks and markets at various stages of development while serving as an advisor to bank managers on profitability, technical and new product developments. Ghizlane holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree in Tourism Management from Curtin University, Perth Western Australia, and an Associate of Science Degree in Hospitality Management from City College of San Francisco. Ghizlane is fluent in French and English and can converse in Arabic, Spanish, and Japanese.
Rym Kharchi Program Officer
Rym Kharchi joined LixCap in June 2015 as a Program Administrator for the Morocco Sustainable Energy Financing Facility (MorSEFF) program, an EBRD program on lending via local partner banks, which LixCap supports in sub-contract to DAI Europe Ltd. Rym is responsible for processing middle office loans with partner financial institutions, including Group BMCE and Group Banque Populaire, and she manages program reporting for a EUR 110 million facility as well as consortium reporting. She is also in charge of Qualified Supplier relations, and she ensures timely and efficient follow-up with sub-borrowers for projects, starting from the financing request up until project implementation. Rym graduated from the University of Liege with a Master’s degree in Management Science, and from University Hassan II with a Master’s degree in public governance and Audit. Rym is fluent in Arabic, French and English.
Oum Keltoum Badalla Program Officer Associate
Oum Keltoum Badalla joined LixCap in September 2017. She has occupied various positions within LixCap, first acting as the Assistant Operation Analyst, then as the Human Resource and Procurement Analyst, and then as a Marketing Consultant for the Gazelles Al Maghrib program. Since June 2019, she has supported the MorSEFF/GEFF program as the Program Administrator. In this role, Oum Keltoum is responsible for the coordination with the engineering team and the clients to draft reports. Prior to her role at LixCap, Keltoum was an Administrative and Accounts Manager in a Print Agency in Casablanca in which she oversaw client accounts, analyzed cash flows, and managed the company’s financial activities. Oum Keltoum holds a master’s degree in Marketing Communications from the University of Westminster in the United Kingdom and holds a Bachelor’s in Business Administration with concentrations in Finance and Marketing from Al Akhawayn University in Ifrane. Oum Keltoum is fluent in Arabic, French and English.
Douha Mounir
Program Support, Admin
Douha Mounir joined LixCap in July 2018 as a Program Administrator for “Morocco Sustainable Energy Financing Facility” program (MorSEFF). She is responsible for providing back and middle office support to the client’s operational team. She is currently working for the Green Economy Financing Facility program (GEFF). Previously, Douha was a Business Advisor at Acticall Sitel Group where she worked closely with the customers, creating loyalty programs, and developing a customer database. Prior to that, she had internships in International Business and Finance. Her last experience was in the International Trade Department at Banque Populaire during which she was responsible for the study of credit files, their feasibility and compliance with the Moroccan exchange regulation and participation in credit granting decisions to exporting companies within a credit committee. Douha earned a Master’s degree in International Management from the University of Legal, Economic and Social sciences in Fez. She is fluent in Arabic and French.
Amine El Mourabit Project Manager
Amine El Mourabit joined LixCap in 2018 as a Research Analyst. His main role consists of analyzing qualitative and quantitative data of the company’s various projects (e.g., temperature-controlled logistics “TCL” and energy projects). With regard to the Energy sector, Amine participated in the late stages of the USTDA funded feasibility study for the implementation of a hydrocarbon storage at the port of Nador West Med in Morocco and carried out a USTDA funded feasibility study for the implementation of a Liquefied Natural Gas terminal in Morocco. With reference to the cold chain sector, Amine conducted multiple TCL projects notably in Kenya (IFC funded), Benin and Burundi (World Bank funded) and Cambodia (Infunde Dev funded), acting as an assistant project manager and leading various projects to implementation. Amine continues his role in the company as a project manager putting together a strong experience in emerging markets. Amine holds a Master’s in Management Science from the University Hassan 1st – ENCG Settat. He is fluent in Arabic, French and English.
Nibrass EssouihliProject Manager
Nibrass Essaouihli is a senior program officer for a 5-year project funded by USAID to improve socio-economic development in Beni Mellal Khenifra region (BMK-ISED). Representing and leading activities for the implementing partners, FSVC & Lixcap. In this project, Nibrass is responsible for coordinating efforts to improve regional business environment, working with public and private sector partners to reduce the costs and risks of business activity by improving poor government policies, laws, and regulations, and stimulating competition through new market entrants. Nibrass’s journey in LixCap started in May 2016, she joined to drive the company growth and development for expansions by identifying new potential opportunities. From 2016 till 2020 Nibrass helped LixCap in building and maintaining solid relationships with different donors, clients, and partners as business development analyst, then associate. In addition, she was responsible for developing business strategies and pitches and for managing a variety of opportunities through market research and partnership outreach. In addition, Nibrass worked on developing various projects, such as entrepreneurship and agriculture development projects, as a Business Consultant. Prior to joining LixCap, she was the Project Supervisor in a B2C enterprise. Nibrass obtained a BBA concentration in Finance and Logistics (2014) and an MBA (2019), both from Al Akhawayn University. Nibrass is fluent in Arabic, English, and French, and has basic skills in German (A1).
Oussama Ritahi Economist Associate & Project Manager
Oussama Ritahi is an economist and assistant project manager, he joined LixCap in May 2019. Before joining the team, he worked as Research Analyst for a Moroccan consulting firm where he contributed to the design of transport planning using data analysis and Geographic Information Systems tools, then joined EIDS Morocco as Data miner. At LixCap Oussama has carried out market sizing and forecasts for different projects mainly in Temperature-Controlled Logistics feasibility studies in The Philippines, Bangladesh and Cambodia, he also worked on Liquified Natural Gas (LNG) feasibility study in Morocco and Renewable Energy need assessment in Palestine. Oussama is graduated from University Mohamed V-Rabat with a degree in econometrics, statistics and applied modeling.
Zineb El Mottaki Finance & Investment Associate
Zineb El Mottaki joined LixCap in 2018 as a Finance and Investment Analyst. She has worked on different tasks including financial modeling and the design and structuration of energy and infrastructure projects. As part of her role, Zineb also works on collecting, processing, and analyzing qualitative and quantitative data from the company’s various projects. Currently, she is managing and leading different Financial Feasibility Studies in TCL projects in Africa and Asia, allowing her to broaden, strengthen and sharpen her knowledge in both Corporate and Project Finance. Prior to joining LixCap, Zineb gained a strong experience in project finance through her last internships in the Structured and Project Finance Department at Bank of Africa (BMCE). Zineb has pursued a five-year degree at the Mundiapolis campus in Casablanca, and obtained a Master’s degree in Financial Engineering in 2018, awarded by the IAE of Nice.
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Abdallah Abra Economist Associate & Project Manager
Abdallah Abra is an economist & assistant project manager that joined LixCap in January 2020 as a Junior Research Analyst. He has previously worked on several data analysis and machine learning projects as a freelancer. At LixCap, Abdallah worked as a data analyst and economist on various Temperature-Controlled Logistics (TCL) projects such as an ALC Feasibility Study in Uzbekistan, in addition to other Cold Chain feasibility studies In Ethiopia and Benin. He later worked on several IFC funded Temperature Controlled Logistics feasibility studies in The Philippines, Indonesia, and Egypt as the data team lead and as an assistant project manager. Abdallah contributed to developing the Addressable Market Calculation (AMC) tool which is used to assess the historical and future demand as well as the market size of TCL services, both in volume and value terms. He completed a two-year University degree in Economics, a three-year University degree in Economic Science and finally earning a master’s degree in Econometrics, Statistics and Applied Modeling from the University of Mohammed-V Rabat
Ahmed Bentoumia Finance & Investment Associate
Ahmed Bentoumia joined LixCap in January 2020 as a Finance & Investment Analyst. He oversees financial analysis, business valuation, forecasting and financial modelling in the framework of various projects, including Energy and infrastructure projects such as Ifria project that intends to develop and expand anchor cold storage warehouses in North and West African locations. Through his diverse experiences, Ahmed was able to acquire skills in corporate & project finance, financial research as well as analytics, which are necessary skills of the position, he holds at LixCap.While completing his studies, Ahmed had different internships in finance that provided him with a range of practical capabilities and skills, the most relevant one was at CDG CAPITAL in Rabat where he carried out a deep study of the OPCVM performance. Ahmed is graduated from The National School of Business and Management with a degree in Accounting and Financial Management. He is fluent in Arabic, English, French.
Fatima Zahra Laajili
Internal Finance and Operations Analyst
Fatima Zahra Laajili joined the LixCap Business Development Unit as a Junior Business Development Analyst. In this role, she creates and identifies market opportunities aligned with the values and activities of LixCap. She actively participates in the strategic planning and development of the company. In fact, strategic intelligence, attention to detail and teamwork are key components to her position. Fatima Zahra prepares financial, technical and administrative proposals for active bids. She also assists in the identification of potential partners. Fatima Zahra has mastered management and business administration competencies with a Master’s degree in Entrepreneurship and Management. She has carried internships in various domains, namely sales and HR departments, which have allowed her to put her academic knowledge into practice within professional environments.
Sara Zaynoune Internal Finance and Operations Analyst
Sara Zaynoune joined LixCap in April 2019 as a Junior Internal Finance and Operations Analyst. Sara is responsible for the bookkeeping of two companies. Among her tasks, she develops reports, tracks banking operations and vendor payments and generates monthly taxes returns. She also assists the Operations Analyst with the company’s daily operations by building and reinforcing key company systems. Sara Zaynoune earned a Master’s degree in Accounting Audit Control in 2018 from the Graduate School of Information Engineering, Telecommunications, Management and Civil Engineering in Casablanca. Her previous experiences were mainly in administrative, accounting and financial roles. With internships in “Banque Populaire” and an accounting firm as well as an economy service in Idou Anfa hotel, she was able to develop her skills and her operational management potential. Sara is fluent in Arabic, French and has a medium level in English.
Meryem Bougdem Graphic Designer
Meryem Bougdem joined LixCap in April 2019 as a Graphic Designer. She supports the marketing department by providing graphical support with high-quality visuals as well as building brand identities and creating promotional materials and digital products for the company. Meryem’s key deliverables include posters, covers, MS templates, logos and business cards. Previously, Meryem completed an internship in Communication Design at Minimal Creative Agency in Agadir and worked as a Designer in a startup called Cameleo Services in Casablanca. Meryem graduated from The National Institute of Fine Arts of Tetouan with a degree in Design. She is fluent in Arabic, English, ,Italian and French.
Abdelghani Lemsaad Administrative Officer
Abdelghani Lemsaad has been a member of the LixCap team since its beginning, and he holds the position of Administrative Officer. He has thirty years of business administration experience in Morocco. He specializes in executing the necessary procedures to successfully interface with government agencies and to fulfill authorization requirements on behalf of LixCap’s clients. Previously, he worked as an Accountant in an accounting firm (ACECA) and then as a Commercial Insurance Agent in SAFLOC. His mission was to manage accident records, and litigation case documents in the kingdom. Subsequently, he worked at FSVC (Financial Services Volunteer Corps) as an Administrative Agent during the Maghreb Financial Sector Modernization program, which spanned from 2004 to 2011. He was responsible for carrying out administrative support and travel logistics for field missions with international banking experts, regulators, etc. He is fluent in Arabic and French.
Yasmine Hassar Finance & Investment Associate
Yasmine Hassar is a Junior Finance & Investment Analyst at LixCap, who graduated from ENCG Kénitra, majoring in financial management and accounting. Yasmine’s last professional experience was with a subsidiary of a German IT company, where she worked as a finance officer before joining LixCap team. She also completed various internships during her academic career, the most recent one was with OCP Group where she was able to carry out the cost analysis of the production entity Jorf Fertilizer Company 1, a 100% subsidiary of OCP Group. Yasmine’s diversified experiences helped her deepen her knowledge in finance and develop financial analysis and research skills that are necessary for her position at LixCap. Yasmine works on financial modeling and business model development, in parallel with research tasks. Yasmine is fluent in French, English and Arabic.
Nacer Aderdour Georaphic Information System Analyst
Nacer Aderdour is a Geographic Information System Analyst at LixCap, he joined the team in March 2020 as a Junior Geographic Information System Analyst. He is a fresh graduate from Hassan II University in Casablanca, he started his university studies in natural sciences and with a concentration in earth science and mapping. After that, he oriented his academic courses to Geomatics by obtaining a master’s degree in Geographic Information System and territory management. Nacer had the opportunity to participate in several projects on geology and agriculture by using remote sensing and proximal sensing; he has also worked on Casablanca Smart City project by using spatial analysis. Besides that, he worked on a project of precision agriculture by using a machine learning technology while developing an application of agricultural trees detection with U-net network. Recently he had the privilege to represent Morocco in a collaboration project with Kassel University in Germany by working on the impact of socio-economic changes in agriculture. Nacer is fluent in Arabic, French, and English.
Noura Chakir Marketing Analyst/Assistant Project Manager
Noura Chakir is a Marketing Analyst, and Assistant Project Manager. She is in charge of the marketing development of LixCap’s projects in cold chain development in Northern, Western, and Eastern Africa. She is responsible of the brand image and E-reputation. As an Assistant Project Manager, she works on a daily basis for the development of projects and coordination between different departments by preparing investment documentation. Before LixCap, she worked for two years as a Marketing Manager Assistant in a cosmetic company that operates in different channels of distribution in Morocco. She was in charge of brand and sales development of a portfolio of products. She did an internship during her master’s degree in Barcelona in a communication agency. Noura has a Bachelor of Business Administration in Marketing and Finance from Al Akhawayn University and a Master of Arts in Marketing Management from United International Business School of Barcelona. Noura speaks fluently French, English and Arabic.
Mamoun Boumhaoud Research Analyst
Mamoun Boumhaoud joined LixCap in July 2021 as a Junior Research Analyst. he has
a university degree of 3 years in economics & management, as well as a master’s degree in applied economics. Mamoun had the opportunity to complete his academic program with an end of study internship at the Ministry of Economy and Finance (MEF-DEPF), which allowed him to deepen his knowledge in economics and modeling. his mission at LixCap is to perform qualitative and quantitative data analysis, data collection, econometric modeling, and drafting reports for various temperature-controlled logistics projects, including Bangladesh, Ghana, and Morocco. Before joining LixCap, he had the opportunity to work as a project manager in the localization sector with the mission of ensuring the quality of deliverables. Mamoun is fluent in Arabic, French, and English.
a university degree of 3 years in economics & management, as well as a master’s degree in applied economics. Mamoun had the opportunity to complete his academic program with an end of study internship at the Ministry of Economy and Finance (MEF-DEPF), which allowed him to deepen his knowledge in economics and modeling. his mission at LixCap is to perform qualitative and quantitative data analysis, data collection, econometric modeling, and drafting reports for various temperature-controlled logistics projects, including Bangladesh, Ghana, and Morocco. Before joining LixCap, he had the opportunity to work as a project manager in the localization sector with the mission of ensuring the quality of deliverables. Mamoun is fluent in Arabic, French, and English.
Zaid Azeroual Research Analyst
Azeroual Zaid joined LixCap in July 2021 as a junior Research Analyst. He completed a two-year Preparatory class in Mathematics and Physics, a three-year Engineering. school degree in data science, and finally earned an Engineering degree in data science His mission within LixCap is to conduct qualitative and quantitative data analysis, gather research, and write reports. He develops forecasting skills while working on Feasibility Study for Temperature Controlled Logistics Services for Bangladesh. Before LixCap, Zaid worked in a start-up where he was responsible for data analysis and data visualization using Power-Bi and Python. He also worked on several projects as a freelancer in big data using Spark and MlLib. Additionally, he created an intelligent machine learning script using R and stepwise methods to classify and predict the delay of the requests from CIH bank savers which selects automatically the combination of features that has a lot of impact on the predicted variable (The delay of savers’ reclamation). Zaid had an internship at IBM, where he gained expertise in Deep learning using Transformers and data analysis. Zaid speaks French, English & Arabic.
Emmett Stinson Project Manager/Research Analyst
Emmett Stinson is a U.S.-based research analyst whose work at LixCap has centered around feasibility studies and investment options analyses for development of cold chain infrastructure. He has held a full-time research analyst position at LixCap since October of 2021. Prior to joining the team, he spent three months as an intern for the U.S. Department of State Africa Bureau of Economic and Regional Affairs. Other relevant experience includes an intern position at the World Food Prize Foundation, an agricultural nonprofit that awards grants to researchers in the field of agricultural development. He earned dual Bachelors’ degrees in International Affairs and Environmental Science at the University Denver, and his strong interest in economic development in Africa and Asia has continued as through his coordination and drafting roles at LixCap for cold chain development projects in Ghana and Bangladesh. He is fluent in English and has intermediate proficiency in French.
Ibraheem El Ansari Assistant Project Manager/Research Analyst
Ibraheem joined LixCap in December 2021 as a fulltime Junior Research Analyst. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Economics & Management and a master’s degree in Economic Analysis & Modeling.He worked on various projects in Morocco, Senegal and Ivory Coast. His previous technical experience and coding skills allows him to carry out his tasks efficiently and build interesting statistical models. He is quick on understanding the business needs in order to adapt them to his analyses and draft final reports. Ibraheem’s first experience was a 6-month internship at the Moroccan Ministry of Agriculture. He supervised surveys and deployed a web application that automates their sampling and inference process. He later worked extensively in web development and data science. He enjoys meeting new people and making interesting connections Ibraheem is fluent in Arabic, French and English.
Ikram Halimi Research Analyst
Ikram Halimi joined LixCap in December 2021 as a Junior Research Analyst. Her mission at LixCap is to perform qualitative and quantitative data analysis, data collection, econometric modeling, and drafting reports for various temperature-controlled logistics projects. Ikram has worked on various African projects, including Morocco, Senegal, Côte d’Ivoire, and Egypt. In addition to other cold chain feasibility studies in Benin and Burundi. She holds a bachelor’s degree in economics and a master’s degree in economic analysis and modeling from Mohammed-V University in Rabat. Ikram is fluent in Arabic, French, and English.
Reda allah Benchama Research Analyst
Reda is an economic and financial analyst who joined the LixCap team in December 2021 as a Research Analyst. His main role is to conduct economic analysis and feasibility studies of temperature-controlled logistics (TCL) projects. Since joining the company, Reda has worked on several projects in the cold chain sector, including studies for the design and delivery of temperature-controlled logistics (TCL) facilities financed by the World Bank in Benin and Burundi. He also worked on a project in Cambodia financed by Infunde Dev, as an assistant project manager. Reda holds a bachelor’s degree in economics and management and a master’s degree in economics and finance from Hassan II University. He is fluent in French, English, and Arabic.
Youssef El Mezzaoui Assistant Project Manager
Youssef El Mezzaoui is an Assistant Project Manager who joined the LixCap team in 2020 as a Program Officer. Youssef is a young energetic professional whose core focus is on the domains of international development, education, sustainable development impact, project management & technicalimplementation, monitoring & evaluation, and policymaking.Youssef has been professionally active in international development projects and civil society for the last 6+ years. During his experience, Youssef has had firsthand knowledge on managing multiple development projects and a vast range of experience in collaborating and networking with key stakeholders at the national and international level including USAID, AFD, GIZ, NBA, United Nations, Sister Cities, Ministries and Embassies, MEPI, FHI 360, Stevens Initiative, Expertise France and more.Last year, Youssef worked as Program Officer on an $18 million USAID funded project, in which LixCap was one of the implementing partners, for the region of Beni Mellal-Khenifra in Morocco. The aims were to improve the socio-economic development and participatory governance by helping the region to achieve its local development priorities for accelerated and more equitable economic growth built on greater inclusion and the active participation of women, youth, people with disabilities and rural populations.Currently Youssef is working as Assistant Project Manager for the Ifria Cold Chain Development Company, an Integrated Cold Chain Company in North and West African markets whose mission is to develop new, modern, and efficient perishable product storage capacities that can more efficiently serve the growing and rapidly changing needs of Pan African markets. Youssef has a Bachelor’s degree in industrial Engineering from the University of Hassan I.He is fluent in Arabic, French, and English.
Dounia Ben-Amar Human Resources Analyst
Dounia Ben-Amar joined LixCap in February 2022 as a Junior Human resources Analyst. Her mission at LixCap is to support the HR Team in the different data analysis activities to make recommendations related to recruitment, retention, organizational culture, continuous improvement initiatives and the implementation of human resources programs. Prior to working for LixCap Dounia has held several positions in various fields, namely Agriculture (food monitoring and control), insurance and trade sector which have allowed her to develop many soft and hard skills and become a versatile person with a lot of interests. She graduates from Faculty of Legal, Economic and Social Sciences, and had a background in Food Industrial Manufacturing. Dounia is fluent in Arabic, French and has a medium level in English.
Amina Amengaye Junior Program Assistant
Amina Amengaye joined LixCap in august 2022 as a Junior Program Assistant for “Green Value Chain” (GVC) program & “Morocco Green Economy Financing Facility II” (GEFFII) program. Amina’s last professional experience was with a subsidiary of Royal Air Maroc, where she worked as a customer service representative before joining LixCap team. She also completed various internships during her academic career. The most recent one was in Career Center that is an educational project of USAID for which she was an ambassador at her university in Casablanca where she has organized several events and workshops for students. Amina holds a bachelor’s degree in economy and business management. She’s fluent in Amazigh, Arabic, English, French and has a basic level of Spanish.
Marouane El Bekkaoui Internal Controller Associate
Marouane El Bekkaoui joined LixCap in February 2022 as an internal Controller. With 5 years of experience in the financial services sector. As Consultant in Deloitte, Marouane has worked with several clients, in which he was responsible for maintaining the integrity of financial statements and establishing proactive measure to eliminate discrepancies. Additionally, Marouane has gained a solid experience withing the bank & Financial Markets sector, while consulting the sales department on profitability and different measures to track and enhance work efficiency. Marouane holds a master’s degree in banks and Financial Markets from Cantabria University in Spain and Hassan II University in Morocco. Marouane is fluent in French and English and can converse in Arabic and Spanish.
Ayman Mabchour Assistant Project Manager
Ayman Mabchour joined LixCap in October 2021, he first served as a Program Officer, in USAID’s pilot inclusive development project in Morocco. His main role consists of designing, implementing, and evaluating governance and economic-growth activities. Currently Ayman serves as an Assistant Project Manager working on different projects related to agriculture and energy. Ayman is also operating as a database manager where he leads department integration, streamlining processes, and establishing a knowledge management database of the different projects that the company has worked on. Ayman holds a master’s degree in business assistance, and certified business consultant by the ILO, and APEFE. Ayman is fluent in French, English, Arabic, and can converse in Spanish, and German.
Sokayna El Allam Business Development Manager
Sokayna is an ecosystem builder with over 13 years of experience in the entrepreneurship, leadership and international development space. Sokayna has extensive experience in business and partnership management, as well as designing and implementing innovative programs that promote sustainable development and economic growth across diverse regions such as Latin America, Sub-Saharan Africa, the Middle East/North Africa, and Southeast Asia.
Sokayna joined the LixCap Team as a Business Development Manager back in October 2022, where she leads fundraising efforts, analyzes opportunities, engages partners/clients, coordinates proposal development, and optimizes business processes. Additionally, she drives marketing efforts to showcase LixCap’s projects, and enhances the company’s brand visibility. Her previous role as a Business Development Director at Enactus enabled her to develop proactive partnerships and expand the organization’s portfolio to include renowned partners such as Cisco, Internews, Aspen Institute, USAID, Deloitte, Oracle, the Citi Foundation and several embassies.
Sokayna’s collaboration, priority, and adaptability skills have proven invaluable in her previous roles. She has successfully collaborated with both local and international stakeholders to ensure project implementation success. This approach enabled her to establish stronger relationships with senior-level executives and organizations, including non-profits, private and public agencies. Sokayna’s proficiency in public relations and branding campaigns has enabled her to promote company initiatives, products, and events effectively. Previous joining Enactus, and while living in the US, Sokayna founded Flagship, which is a tech-startup that developed a cross-sector collaboration and partnership platform for the entrepreneurship ecosystem in Morocco and the US aiming to connect entrepreneurs with the resources, knowledge, and access to capital they need to achieve high growth and thrive.
A skilled strategist, well-versed in market-based approach to development. Committed to building consensus through engagement and recognized for ability to build relationships with and influence key stakeholders. Sokayna is an IVLP fellow, an IMF Fellow, and a McCain Institute for International Leadership Fellow. She’s fluent in Arabic, French and English.
Sokayna joined the LixCap Team as a Business Development Manager back in October 2022, where she leads fundraising efforts, analyzes opportunities, engages partners/clients, coordinates proposal development, and optimizes business processes. Additionally, she drives marketing efforts to showcase LixCap’s projects, and enhances the company’s brand visibility. Her previous role as a Business Development Director at Enactus enabled her to develop proactive partnerships and expand the organization’s portfolio to include renowned partners such as Cisco, Internews, Aspen Institute, USAID, Deloitte, Oracle, the Citi Foundation and several embassies.
Sokayna’s collaboration, priority, and adaptability skills have proven invaluable in her previous roles. She has successfully collaborated with both local and international stakeholders to ensure project implementation success. This approach enabled her to establish stronger relationships with senior-level executives and organizations, including non-profits, private and public agencies. Sokayna’s proficiency in public relations and branding campaigns has enabled her to promote company initiatives, products, and events effectively. Previous joining Enactus, and while living in the US, Sokayna founded Flagship, which is a tech-startup that developed a cross-sector collaboration and partnership platform for the entrepreneurship ecosystem in Morocco and the US aiming to connect entrepreneurs with the resources, knowledge, and access to capital they need to achieve high growth and thrive.
A skilled strategist, well-versed in market-based approach to development. Committed to building consensus through engagement and recognized for ability to build relationships with and influence key stakeholders. Sokayna is an IVLP fellow, an IMF Fellow, and a McCain Institute for International Leadership Fellow. She’s fluent in Arabic, French and English.
