Speakers

Passionate about youth empowerment and bridging the gap between education and employment in Morocco.

With over 20 years of experience in business management, audit, finance, administration, and HR, Houda Barakate is a seasoned executive dedicated to driving social change through education and workforce development. As the Chief Executive Officer of EFE-Maroc (Education For Employment-Maroc), she leads initiatives that equip young job seekers with demand-driven skills, fostering brighter futures and long-term socioeconomic impact. Under her leadership, EFE-Maroc has celebrated milestones such as supporting over 80,000 graduates and conducting ambitious programs like the "A Chance to RESET", which has placed more than 8,000 youth into meaningful jobs.

Houda’s expertise spans financial efficiency, cost-control, budgeting, and strategic management, honed through roles such as CFO of Laureate UIC-Somed Education Holding and Cost Control Manager at G4S and Palmeraie Development. Her background in audit and finance has been instrumental in building strong financial cases for organizations and optimizing operational excellence.

A forward-thinking leader, Houda is also actively engaged in global discussions on technology and inclusivity. She recently represented EFE-Maroc at the AI FOR DEVELOPING COUNTRIES FORUM (AIFOD) at the United Nations Office in Geneva, advocating for equitable and accessible AI solutions. She has been selected to contribute to a white paper focused on making AI more inclusive for developing nations, reflecting her commitment to innovation and youth empowerment.

Houda holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from ISCAE and a Master’s degree in Financial Management and Audit from IAE Bordeaux. She is passionate about leveraging her expertise to create opportunities for Morocco’s youth and drive sustainable change