UN to Establish 1st Tourism Office on Innovation for Africa in Rabat
The agreement was initialed by Morocco's Minister of Tourism, Handicrafts and Social Economy Fatim-Zahra Ammor, and Secretary General of UN Tourism Zurab Pololikashvili, attended by the Kingdom's Ambassador to Spain Karima Benyaich.
This marks a key step towards the effective operationalization of UN Tourism's first Thematic Office on Innovation for Africa in Rabat.
The agreement tackles both parties' commitments, as well as the administrative arrangements granted to the Office, in accordance with article 5 of the Headquarters Agreement inked in January 2025 between the Moroccan Government and UN Tourism.
This Office will work towards supporting UN Tourism's 2030 Agenda for Africa, to turn this productive sector into a vector for development on the continent, in line with the Royal Vision of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, in favor of joint African action.
The Thematic Office is a major step forward for tourism promotion on the continent. Building on Morocco's leadership as an African hub for tourism and innovation, it will strengthen cooperation between African states and UN Tourism, bolstering the socio-economic transformation of African tourist destinations through innovative programs.
MAP: 29 mai 2025
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Morocco World
2 hours ago
- Morocco World
OCP Foundation Champions Rural Cooperatives Across Africa
Mrirt — The OCP Foundation is celebrating International Cooperatives Day today by reflecting on its decade-long mission to empower rural communities through cooperative development. The Moroccan organization works across 12 regions in Morocco and nine countries in the Global South, supporting farmers and artisans who unite to build stronger local economies. Building stronger communities The Foundation takes a hands-on approach to cooperative development. It listens to local communities and creates programs that match their specific needs. Over the past ten years, the organization has supported 932 cooperatives in Morocco alone, reaching more than 9,000 cooperative members — 75% of whom are women. 'We express our sincere thanks to all the trainers who worked tirelessly to strengthen our capabilities,' said Omar Joud, President of the Grand Atlas Cooperatives Union in Ouarzazate. Programs that make a difference The Foundation runs several key programs. The 'BootCoop' program provides intensive educational training to help new cooperatives get started, through mentoring, and expert guidance to build strong foundations. Meanwhile, 'CoopStore' creates a network that helps cooperatives sell their products. The program started with 10 founding cooperatives and now includes 60 members. It connects rural producers directly to markets and ensures fair prices for their goods. The Foundation also trains trainers. Working with the International Labour Organization, it has certified 22 trainers from Morocco, Guinea, Cape Verde, and Ivory Coast. These trainers now teach cooperative management skills across their respective regions. Reaching beyond Morocco The Foundation's impact extends far beyond Morocco's borders. In Malawi, it helped create two women's cooperatives focused on pigeon pea processing, training 80 women in transformation and marketing techniques. In Ivory Coast, women's groups have planted 145 hectares of cassava with the Foundation's support. Zimbabwe's project focuses on tamarind processing, benefiting 350 people across seven groups. Senegal sees some of the Foundation's largest projects. Along the Great Green Wall, 700 women benefit from two Integrated Community Agricultural Farms. In Joal Fadiouth, 600 women participate in mangrove restoration efforts. 'We express our deep gratitude to the OCP Foundation for its invaluable support,' said Ndiyae Khadidiatou, Deputy Mayor of Joal Fadiouth in Senegal in a statement. Looking forward The Foundation continues to evolve its approach. It focuses on social innovation, experience sharing, and partnerships that align with UN Sustainable Development Goals. The organization believes that cooperatives create more just, human, and resilient economies. Through programs like Mourafaka, which has provided 2,681 coaching sessions to 197 cooperatives, the Foundation proves that communities working together can transform rural economies – reinventing solidarity economies one village at time.
Morocco World
5 hours ago
- Morocco World
UPF Partners with Arizona State University to Launch American International Institute in Morocco
Rabat – The Private University of Fez (UPF) announced Wednesday a landmark partnership with Arizona State University (ASU) to establish the American International Institute, a new hub for dual-degree education in Morocco and the wider region. Scheduled to launch on July 9, 2025, the institute aims to expand access to high-quality, English-language education in fields such as management, digital technologies, engineering, and health sciences. Students will graduate with both Moroccan state-recognized diplomas and American university degrees. In joining the ASU–Cintana Alliance, UPF becomes part of a global network of universities designed to deliver internationally competitive programs while remaining rooted in local contexts. 'This partnership is a game-changer not only for UPF but for the entire country,' said Mohammed Aziz Lahlou, President of UPF, in a statement. 'Our students will gain access to opportunities that were previously out of reach — combining Moroccan and American degrees, learning from international faculty, and experiencing a globally focused education.' Addressing Morocco's education gap The initiative comes as more Moroccan students seek international degrees. According to UPF , nearly 70,000 Moroccan students currently study abroad each year, highlighting a gap in domestic offerings that meet global standards, particularly in English. A market survey conducted by the university suggests strong demand for such programs: 75% of respondents welcomed the UPF–ASU concept, and one-third expressed a preference for programs taught exclusively in English. Through the institute, students will benefit from: Courses designed by ASU and aligned with international standards Masterclasses, global signature courses, and international competitions Research and professional development with ASU faculty Study-abroad opportunities within the ASU–Cintana network An immersive, English-language learning environment A global vision Arizona State University, named the most innovative university in the US by U.S. News & World Report for 10 consecutive years, emphasized its mission to democratize higher education. 'Knowledge should no longer be a scarce resource for a few; it must expand globally — and that is precisely what we are doing,' said ASU President Michael Crow. Douglas L. Becker, Founder and Chairman of Cintana Education, described the partnership as a 'visionary step' for higher education in North Africa. ' UPF is not just expanding its academic offerings — it is aligning with one of the world's most innovative universities and a forward-thinking global network to deliver high-quality education to Moroccan students,' Becker said. UPF aims to grow the American International Institute into a multi-campus network within Morocco, with a target of 4,000 students by 2034. The programs will focus on employability, corporate immersion, and digital, student-centered learning. Founded in 2006, UPF is Morocco's first state-recognized private university in Fez. With campuses in Fez and Rabat, it currently offers more than 45 programs spanning dental medicine, engineering, architecture, political science, health sciences, business, and management. Tags: Arizona State UniversityEducationUPF Fes
Morocco World
16 hours ago
- Morocco World
Renault Celebrates Production of Morocco's First Fully Electric Quadricycle
Rabat – The Renault factory in Tangier celebrated on Friday the production of the 2,000th Mobilize DUO, the first fully electric four-wheeled vehicle made in Morocco. The car is part of a newer category of small electric vehicles designed for city driving. A communication system developed by engineers in Morocco has been integrated into the vehicle, which is mainly intended for export to European markets. It was designed and assembled entirely by Moroccan talent, with engineering and production teams receiving over 8,000 hours of training in new skills related to electric mobility. The launch event saw the participation of Morocco's Minister of Industry and Trade, Ryad Mezzour, CEO of Mobilize Gianluca De Ficchy, and General Manager of Renault Group Morocco Mohamed Bachiri. Also present at the event was the President of the Tangier-Tetouan-Al Hoceima region Omar Moro, Tangier Med CEO Mehdi Tazi Riffi, and other local officials and business leaders. The Mobilize DUO, fully electric and designed for city transport, is being built at a new assembly line inside the Tangier factory, which can produce up to 17,000 units per year. The line was specifically designed for fully electric vehicles and uses more advanced technology to meet these requirements. This project also allowed for the inclusion of a new group of Moroccan suppliers that specialize in electric vehicle components, helping them grow and boosting the local auto industry. Speaking at the ceremony, Mezzour said the factory, 'a leader in carbon neutrality and operational excellence, shows our shared commitment to developing Morocco's ability to innovate and adapt.' 'We are proud to witness the production of the 2,000th Mobilize DUO, the first 100% electric car made at Renault Tangier,' the minister said. He also commended Renault's progress, especially its integration of new suppliers, saying it strengthens Morocco's role as a strategic hub for electric mobility. Gianluca De Ficchy, CEO of Mobilize, said that his company aims to remove the barriers to electric mobility by offering financing, charging, and transport solutions that are accessible to all. 'The DUO is a result of our efforts to create urban transport that is safer, smarter, and more sustainable,' he added. Meanwhile, Renault Morocco's head, Mohamed Bachiri, said that the DUO project reflects the group's ongoing trust in the Moroccan industrial platform. The project is part of the broader momentum behind the Made in Morocco label, he stressed.
