CAN 2025: Moroccan craftsmanship showcased prominently

07:30

By: Sahili Aya

CAN 2025: Moroccan craftsmanship showcased prominently

Moroccan craftsmanship is taking center stage during the Africa Cup of Nations (CAN) 2025, with dedicated exhibition spaces set up in fan zones across the host cities. The initiative is led by the State Secretariat for Handicrafts and the Social and Solidarity Economy, in coordination with the Maison de l’Artisan.

These spaces have been installed in Rabat, Tangier, Fez, Casablanca, Marrakech and Agadir as part of the first phase of the 9th National Handicrafts Week, held under royal patronage from December 21, 2025 to January 18, 2026. The timing coincides with the continent’s premier football tournament, creating a strong link between sport, culture and heritage.

Designed to highlight the richness and diversity of Moroccan and African craftsmanship, the fan zone exhibitions feature interactive demonstrations, live workshops and product showcases. Visitors can discover traditional know-how through carpets, textiles, clothing, pottery, ceramics, leather goods, woodwork, jewelry, footwear and decorative items.

More than 300 artisans, cooperatives and craft-based enterprises from Morocco and other African countries participating in CAN 2025 are involved in the initiative. The spaces are open daily and free of charge to both national and international visitors, under the same access conditions as the fan zones, using the FAN ID.

In Rabat’s Souissi fan zone, the handicrafts area includes 25 stands and welcomes guest countries such as Benin, Tunisia, Tanzania and Sudan. Workshops and live demonstrations allow visitors to actively engage with artisans and better understand the creative process.

This initiative reflects Morocco’s broader strategy to promote craftsmanship as a key driver of cultural influence and economic development, while reinforcing the African dimension of national cultural programs under the leadership of HM King Mohammed VI.