Strengthening regional cooperation between Île-de-France and Morocco

Thursday 17 April 2025 - 16:05

By: Zahouani Ilham

Strengthening regional cooperation between Île-de-France and Morocco

A high-level delegation from Île-de-France will travel to Morocco from April 22 to 25, 2025, visiting Rabat, Casablanca, Benguerir, and Marrakech. The visit, led by the President of Île-de-France, will include several vice-presidents and a business delegation comprising seven companies specialized in artificial intelligence, sustainable urban development, urban greening, and water efficiency.

Rabat (April 21–22)

The trip will begin in Rabat with the signing of a declaration of intent between Île-de-France and the National Museums Foundation of Morocco. This cultural cooperation aims to share expertise in preserving and acquiring contemporary African art. The collaboration also anticipates the grand opening of the African Culture City at the Museum of the Continent.

The delegation will meet with key Moroccan officials, including the Head of Government and the High Commissioner for Planning, to reinforce Franco-Moroccan institutional ties.

Casablanca (April 22–23)

In Casablanca, the two regions will renew their cooperation agreement for the 2025–2027 period. Since its launch in 2016, this partnership has supported fifteen major projects. It centers on five strategic pillars: climate and sustainable mobility, digital innovation, cultural exchange, economic development, and institutional support. Upcoming actions will include promoting gender equality, social inclusion, and digital governance.

Île-de-France officials will also meet with members of the French Chamber of Commerce in Morocco to promote business opportunities between local companies and the visiting French startups.

Participating Companies

Seven Île-de-France-based companies will join the mission:

SYSTNAPS: Specializes in data lifecycle management and AI
BEEWANT: Offers data analytics tools for large data sets
ARSENIO: Provides training in sustainable construction
WATER CONNECT: Designs urban cooling solutions
ACCENTA: Works on building decarbonization
MUBE: Develops smart green urban columns
LEAKMITED: Uses AI to improve water network efficiency

In Casablanca, the delegation will also inaugurate a training restaurant for underprivileged youth, part of the NAFASS project, supported by Île-de-France with €90,000.

Benguerir (April 23)

The delegation will visit Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P) to formalize a new cooperation agreement. This partnership will focus on academic exchanges, research collaboration especially with Paris Cité University and entrepreneurship in sectors like clean tech, renewable energy, and digital economy. Three concrete agreements will follow: a joint project call, a student mobility program, and a 2025 doctoral scholarship.

Marrakech (April 24)

In Marrakech, Île-de-France and the Marrakech-Safi region will sign a cooperation agreement focused on innovation, sustainability, and solidarity. The day will also include a humanitarian visit to a mountain village affected by the 2023 earthquake. Île-de-France had previously contributed €500,000 in emergency aid to organizations assisting victims of the disaster.