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Culture

Morocco's Cultural Shift: From Consumer to Creator in the Creative Economy

Thursday 03 - 07:33

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In a bold move to reshape Morocco's cultural landscape, Minister of Youth, Culture, and Communication Mohamed Mehdi Bensaid has called for a transformation in the nation's approach to cultural and creative industries (CCIs). Speaking at the opening of the second edition of the CCI Sessions in Rabat, Bensaid emphasized the need to pivot from cultural consumption to production, aiming to position Morocco as a key player in the global creative economy.

The event, held under the patronage of His Majesty King Mohammed VI and supported by the European Union, brought together government officials and industry leaders to discuss the future of Morocco's vibrant cultural sector. This year's theme, "Celebrating Heritage, Investing in Progress," underscores the country's commitment to leveraging its rich cultural heritage for economic growth and development.

Bensaid highlighted Morocco's current status as a significant consumer of cultural and creative content, while acknowledging its underrepresentation as a producer. "Our music, landscapes, history, stories, costumes, and cuisine contribute to global CCIs, yet we must reinvent our creativity and youth at home," he stated, advocating for a renewed focus on local cultural production.

The minister emphasized the central role of CCIs in the global economy, moving beyond the perception of culture as merely supplementary. He pointed out Morocco's unique advantages, including a well-educated, dynamic youth population open to global trends, which represents a significant opportunity for enhancing creativity and expanding the local CCI market.

Morocco's free trade agreements and history of attracting foreign direct investments in capital-intensive industries like automotive and aerospace were cited as potential springboards for growth in the creative sector. The government's commitment to this vision was evident in the attendance of high-ranking officials, including the Minister of Economy and Finance, Nadia Fettah, and the Minister of Equipment and Water, Nizar Baraka.

The CCI Sessions aim to address key aspects of the cultural sector's future, focusing on new trends in governance, financing, and digital transformation. These efforts are expected to not only enhance local creative industries but also create jobs and enrich the nation's cultural fabric.

As Morocco sets its sights on becoming a producer rather than just a consumer of culture, the country is poised to tap into its vast creative potential. This strategic shift could lead to significant economic benefits while preserving and promoting Morocco's unique cultural identity on the global stage.