Morocco Women's Argan Co-op Reaches 5 Global Markets

Women in Morocco's Sidi Ifni Province are turning traditional argan knowledge into global business success, proving that rural communities can compete on the world stage.

Jemaa Essoussy founded the Assil Ouargane Cooperative in 2016 with a clear vision: transform local argan oil and plant-based ingredients into premium cosmetic products. Starting from a mountainous area where women entrepreneurs typically struggle with market access and funding, she built something remarkable.

The cooperative now sells products in five international markets. Getting there required earning serious credentials, including health permits, organic certification, ISO 22716 standards, and Morocco's official quality label from the Ministry of Agriculture.

Essoussy refuses to see obstacles as problems. "We see them as motivations that pushed us to move forward and continue working toward success," she told ANDZOA's Voice of Argan podcast.

One major hurdle was packaging. Creating professional presentation that represents Morocco while meeting international standards isn't easy for rural cooperatives. Early support in this area helped build the consumer trust needed to expand beyond local markets.

The cooperative didn't achieve this alone. Support from Morocco's Ministry of Agriculture, regional authorities, and technical partners provided crucial training, regulatory guidance, and market connections. This partnership model shows what becomes possible when public institutions back women-led initiatives.

Since 2019, the cooperative has participated in the International Argan Tree Fair in Agadir. The platform connects them with clients across the Souss region and gives visibility to products from less accessible areas.

The Ripple Effect

The cooperative's success is changing what's possible for women across Morocco's rural economy. Other women entrepreneurs in mountainous regions now have a proven model showing that professional standards, proper support, and traditional knowledge can combine into profitable business.

Essoussy sees government backing as essential but believes women's capability was always there. "Women today, with state support and proper guidance, are capable of achieving real success," she said.

The cooperative plans to expand further in coming years, potentially reaching even more international markets while continuing to employ local women and preserve traditional argan production methods.

One cooperative in rural Morocco is proving that distance from major cities doesn't have to mean distance from global opportunity.