
UN to Establish 1st Tourism Office on Innovation for Africa in Rabat
A financial agreement for the establishment of the 1st UN Tourism Office on Innovation for Africa in Rabat was signed on Thursday in Madrid, on the sidelines of the 123rd session of the UN Tourism Executive Council.
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


Ya Biladi
8 hours ago
- Ya Biladi
Diaspo #391 : From Azrou to the palaces of Gulf leaders, Khalid Housti's culinary journey
DR From the quiet mountain town of Azrou to the royal kitchens of the Gulf, Khalid Housti has built an extraordinary culinary career marked by dedication and a commitment to proudly representing Morocco on the global stage. Born in 1980 in the village of Ait Yahia ou Alla, near Azrou, Housti trained in culinary arts at the Higher Institute of Hotel and Tourism Technology in Saidia. Moving to the Arabian Gulf was never part of his plan. Like many young Moroccans of his generation, he had his sights set on migrating across the Mediterranean to more traditional destinations such as France or Spain. But in 2005, a newspaper advertisement for job openings in the United Arab Emirates changed the course of his life. The conditions weren't easy—especially the requirement to speak English, while Housti was more comfortable in Spanish. Nevertheless, he took on the challenge. In an interview with Yabiladi, he shared: «The beginning was tough, due to differences in customs and culture. But I integrated quickly, especially since we arrived as a group of 150 Moroccans». «From the start, I felt a responsibility to represent my country in the best way possible. I made sure to present a positive image of Morocco and Moroccans». From Luxury Hotels to Royal Palaces Housti credits the Moroccan Association in the UAE for helping many like him adapt and thrive. «I consider it like a parent's home. When Moroccans in the UAE face challenges, they turn to the association for support, and its members help ease their burdens». He began his career in a Moroccan restaurant in Dubai, introducing diners to the flavors and culture of Morocco. He later moved to luxury hotels, which opened doors to unique opportunities. «In late 2009, I traveled to Bahrain, where I worked as a private chef for King Hamad bin Isa. That role wasn't just a job—it was a passport to the world. I prepared dishes for global leaders like former U.S. President Bill Clinton, Spain's King Juan Carlos, Saudi King Abdullah bin Abdul Aziz Al Saud, and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas. I also traveled extensively with the royal entourage». Khalid Housti After two enriching years in Bahrain, Housti returned to the UAE, where he continued to excel, working in the palaces of a Gulf prince. «What I'm most proud of is winning two gold medals in some of the world's most prestigious culinary competitions—Gulf Food and the Dubai World Hospitality Championship». A Heart That Remains in Morocco Despite the distance, Housti has never lost his emotional connection to his hometown, Azrou, or to Morocco. Exile didn't weaken his bond with his country; he followed national news—political, cultural, and social—as if he were living there day by day. «My body is in the East, but my heart is in Morocco», he says, describing the constant longing for home that remains with him. In 2015, Housti was named Personality of the Year in the Ifrane region in recognition of his remarkable career and for honorably representing the Moroccan community abroad. Today, he continues to work with the same passion and ambition. For Housti, a future return to Morocco wouldn't be for rest—but to pass on his skills and experience to the next generation of Moroccan chefs.


Morocco World
11 hours ago
- Morocco World
Textile: Valerius Morocco's New $10.27 Million Plant to Create 1,640 Jobs
Doha – Valerius Morocco inaugurated its new clothing manufacturing facility in Salé on Thursday. The ceremony took place in the presence of Morocco's Minister of Industry and Commerce, Ryad Mezzour. The project represents a total investment of MAD 102.72 million ($10.27 million). It will generate 1,640 new direct and indirect jobs in the region. The establishment of this manufacturing unit stems from an investment agreement signed between Valerius Morocco and the Moroccan government on July 27, 2021. This agreement was formalized under the Industrial Development and Investment Fund (FDII). In Lisbon in 2023, Morocco and the Portuguese textile group Valerius Texteis signed a MAD 1 billion ($100 million) agreement for a textile recycling project expected to create 1,500 jobs. Speaking at the inauguration, Minister Mezzour talked about the strategic importance of the textile sector to the national economy. 'With 227,460 jobs and MAD 45.9 billion ($4.59 billion) in export turnover, the textile sector occupies a strategic place in the national economy,' he stated. The minister noted growing interest from foreign investors, particularly Portuguese companies looking toward Morocco. 'Our country represents a strategic choice for Portuguese textile manufacturers seeking co-production opportunities to strengthen their proximity supply chains,' Mezzour added. Hammani Amahzoune, General Manager of Valerius Morocco, emphasized the benefits of the partnership. 'This partnership allows us today to produce for major brands and companies, whether based in the United States or Europe,' he said. Integrating design and creativity to boost Moroccan textile's global standing According to Amahzoune, quality is a major asset for the company. He revealed that Valerius Morocco has invested in equipment of European and American origin to excel in quality and attract more orders. He also stressed the importance of continuous training of human resources, which has generated interest from major international textile brands. Valerius Morocco is a joint venture between Moroccan company SG3H and the Portuguese international industrial group Valerius Group. The partnership combines expertise in industrial manufacturing, design, creativity, R&D, and marketing within the textile sector. The project falls within the Fast-Fashion ecosystem. Through this initiative, Valerius Morocco aims to strengthen its position as a manufacturer of women's and children's clothing, focusing on finished products that integrate design and creativity. Minister Mezzour expressed hope that this collaboration signals a fruitful partnership between Moroccan and Portuguese textile industries. He anticipates that the relationship will extend to other initiatives, such as the use of recycled fibers and ecological dyeing processes to reduce carbon footprint. Read also: Galician Textile Industry Turns to Morocco Amid Portuguese Industry's Crisis Tags: textile in Moroccotextile industry


Morocco World
12 hours ago
- Morocco World
Fahd Mokdad Takes Helm at Allianz Maroc as New Director General
Doha – Allianz Maroc announced a major leadership change this week. Fahd Mokdad has been appointed Director General of the insurance company, effective May 29. He succeeds Abderrahim Dbich, who decided to pursue new opportunities outside the SanlamAllianz Group. Mokdad joined Allianz Maroc in 2013 as Head of Bancassurance. He later held several key positions within the company and across the African region. From December 2017 to April 2024, he served as Head of Bancassurance in Africa. Most recently, since March 2022, he worked as Director of Distribution and Partnerships at Allianz Maroc. The new Director General brings 25 years of experience in the banking and insurance sectors. Before joining Allianz, Mokdad worked at Credit du Maroc from 2004 to 2013. He held positions as Head of Sales/Branches from 2011 to 2013 and Head of Marketing and Products Development for the Retail Market from 2004 to 2011. His earlier career included roles at Crédit Agricole Consumer Finance as Marketing Manager for consumer credits from 2002 to 2004 and at BNP Paribas from 2000 to 2002, where he was responsible for retail marketing and development for the diaspora at BMCI. 'Fahd will continue to drive the Company's development while ensuring superior service quality for our policyholders and partners,' stated Allianz Maroc in their announcement. Read also: Philippe Dessevre to Spearhead Allianz Trade Global Reinsurance Division Mokdad holds a Master's degree in International Development from the Centre d'Etudes Supérieures du Commerce International (CESCI) and a Master's degree in Marketing from the Ecole Supérieure de Commerce et de Marketing (ISTEC) in Paris, France, both obtained in 2000-2001. In his new role, Mokdad will focus on furthering Allianz Maroc's growth trajectory. The leadership transition marks a new chapter for Allianz Maroc, focused on innovation, customer proximity, and strengthening its presence in the national insurance landscape. Allianz Maroc acknowledged Dbich's contributions during his tenure, noting that his leadership and commitment helped accelerate the company's growth, consolidate its market position, and strengthen its resilience in the face of industry changes. The insurance firm has operated in Morocco for over 70 years. Since 2016, it has evolved under the Allianz banner, a global insurance leader with more than a century of presence in Africa. In 2023, the company became a subsidiary of SanlamAllianz joint venture, a major non-banking financial services provider operating in 27 African countries. Allianz Maroc now has 240+ well-trained General Agents and Direct Offices serving demanding individual and corporate clients. Tags: allianzinsurance industry