Morocco and the European Union have signed three new cooperation projects aimed at strengthening the country’s cultural and creative industries (CCIs), in a move officials say will support youth employment and economic growth.
The agreements were signed on Tuesday in Rabat under a broader Support Programme for Cultural and Creative Industries, bringing together Moroccan authorities, European partners and cultural organisations.
The initiative was overseen by Morocco’s Minister of Youth, Culture and Communication Mohamed Mehdi Bensaid and EU Ambassador to Morocco Dimiter Tzantchev.
The three projects will be implemented in collaboration with European and local cultural institutions, including the Africalia Foundation, the Goethe-Institut and the Hiba Foundation.
Officials said the goal is to help young Moroccan creatives develop sustainable businesses, improve access to funding and expand their participation in international cultural networks.
More Read
The first project, “Iqlaa Your Cultural Accelerator,” led by Africalia in partnership with the Hiba Foundation and the French Institute, is designed to support emerging cultural entrepreneurs and help them build economically viable creative businesses.
The second initiative, “Hi-Fenn Connect, Create Resonate,” led by the Goethe-Institut alongside the Ali Zaoua Foundation and the Wallonia-Brussels Foundation, focuses on fostering collaboration between Moroccan and European creative professionals, encouraging co-production and exchange of expertise.
The third project, “Creative Morocco Gate,” led by the Hiba Foundation and the Association of Independent Radio and Television Stations, aims to establish a platform for entrepreneurs in the cultural sector, improving access to information, networking opportunities and development support.
More Read
Speaking at the signing ceremony, Minister Bensaid said the partnership reflects the strength of cooperation between Morocco and the European Union across political, diplomatic and cultural fields.
He said the cultural and creative industries have become an increasingly important driver of economic growth globally, and Morocco is working on a national strategy to better position its cultural sector in international markets.
EU Ambassador Tzantchev said the agreements underscore a shared commitment to supporting youth, creativity and innovation through structured partnerships between European and Moroccan institutions.
He also pointed to ongoing joint initiatives such as Morocco Gaming Expo 2026, describing it as an important platform for showcasing young talent and expanding opportunities in the digital creative sector.
The new projects form part of a wider effort by both sides to deepen cultural cooperation and strengthen creative ecosystems as tools for inclusive economic development, particularly for young people.
Officials said the initiatives are expected to contribute to job creation, skills development and greater international exposure for Moroccan creative professionals in fields ranging from digital media to music, design and film.
More Read
The agreements reinforce a growing trend in development policy that positions cultural industries not only as heritage preservation tools, but also as strategic economic sectors capable of driving innovation and youth employment across the region.
