Casablanca is hosting, from December 18 to 28, the Handicrafts Trade Fair of the member countries of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), an international event organized by Atelier Vita in partnership with several institutions and under the auspices of the Ministry of Industry and Trade. The event is taking place at the Aïn Sebaâ Exhibition Park.
The organization of this fair comes at a particularly symbolic moment, as Morocco is also hosting the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), reflecting the Kingdom’s commitment to strengthening cultural rapprochement and dialogue between peoples, while further consolidating its position as a regional and international hub for economic and cultural exchange.
The official opening ceremony, held on Friday evening, was attended by a number of prominent diplomatic and institutional figures, including a representative of the Ministry of Industry and Trade, the Director General of the Bayt Mal Al-Qods Acharif Agency, as well as several consuls accredited in Morocco and representatives of partner foreign institutions. The event also attracted broad national and international media coverage.
Spanning an area of approximately 3,000 square meters, the fair brings together more than 70 exhibitors representing 14 countries from the Arab, African and Asian regions, including Morocco, Palestine, Tunisia, Turkey, Senegal, Chad, Pakistan, The Gambia, Mali, Niger, Burkina Faso, and Mauritania. The Republic of the Ivory Coast has been designated as the guest of honor for this edition.
Exhibitors are showcasing a wide range of handicraft products that reflect the richness and diversity of the cultural heritage of the participating countries, including jewelry, wood carving, decorative items, copperware, traditional textiles, and carpets.
Speaking on the occasion, Imad Benjelloun, Chief Executive Officer of Atelier Vita, said that the fair represents a unique opportunity to discover the cultures of 14 countries through authentic handicraft products, while also providing a space for interaction and exchange between artisans, professionals, and visitors. He highlighted the role of the event as a catalyst for promoting handicrafts as a driver of economic and cultural development, as well as a platform for stimulating trade exchanges and professional partnerships.
For her part, Latifa Bouabdalaoui, Director General of the Islamic Centre for Development of Trade, stressed the significance of the strong African participation in this edition. She noted that the event highlights African expertise in handicrafts and creative industries, while illustrating Morocco’s commitment to South–South cooperation and to strengthening economic integration within the Islamic world.
As guest of honor, Côte d’Ivoire is participating through Ivory Coast Export, which is present as a GOLD Sponsor. Jean Gosse, Director of Partnerships at the agency, recalled that the handicrafts sector in the Ivory Coast represents more than 40% of the national economic fabric and contributes over 20% of the country’s gross domestic product, encompassing more than 245 handicraft professions. He underlined the growing export potential of the sector, provided that it is properly structured and supported, within the framework of promoting the “Made in Ivory Coast” brand internationally.
Open to the general public until December 28, the OIC Handicrafts Trade Fair aims to serve as a space for discovery, intercultural dialogue and economic cooperation, once again confirming Morocco’s role as a crossroads of civilizations and a platform for international exchange.
