#54 - Samer Choumar - Z.Sytems - Reinventing the traditional retail sector

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In Morocco, everyone buys from Moul Hanout.Moul Hanout are the traditional retail stores, they are in every neighborhood of the country.

And they represent 85% of FMCG trade…But they face real challenges: growing competition from modern retail & fragmented supply chances.A few months ago, I met Samer Choumar.

After a few years building an hospitality startup in Saudi Arabia, he is know working on a new (and bold) mission.

He told me that he believes Moul Hanouts can be transformed and digitalized.He co-founded Z.systems with Meriem Benabad to reinvent the traditional retail sector.

I sat down with him in the latest episode of Next Wave Podcast and he explained his vision for Z.systems in Morocco & Africa.

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▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬ TIMELINE ▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬

00:00:00 : Introduction

00:01:57 : Building Z.Systems in Morocco

00:16:41: Marketplace model for retail

00:21:45 : Moul Hanout in Moroccan culture

00:25:32 : Origin of Z.Systems

00:31:08 : Dalaa: reinventing diapers

00:34:53 : Data approach and insights

00:39:31 : Marketplace concept

00:46:05 : Consulting experience impact

00:57:33 : Lessons on hiring

01:12:08 : Internal drive and motivation

01:25:16 : Saudi economy evolution in hospitality

01:36:10 : Tech and business ecosystem in Saudi Arabia

01:45:01 : Building Z.Systems in Morocco (steps)

01:55:44 : Next steps for Z.Systems

02:03:05 : Life outside work

02:06:14 : Book recommendation