Opening of the 26th Edition of the Rabat Forum on Mines and Enterprises
26th Edition of the Rabat Forum on Mines and Enterprises Officially Launched
The 26th edition of the Rabat Forum on Mines and Enterprises was officially launched this Wednesday at the National School of Mines of Rabat. The event was attended by Leila Benali, Minister of Energy Transition and Sustainable Development, Ryad Mezzour, Minister of Industry and Trade, as well as several ambassadors from African nations.
Held under the High Patronage of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, this year’s forum theme is: "South-South Cooperation: Morocco at the Heart of New African Dynamics for Integrated Growth." It serves as a strategic platform promoting dialogue between academia and the industrial sector, while also providing students and graduates with opportunities for exchange and professional integration.
Strategic Challenges in a Changing International Context
In her opening speech, Leila Benali emphasized that the forum’s theme aligns perfectly with the Kingdom’s strategic priorities, particularly in the areas of energy and sustainable development, against a backdrop of significant global changes and geopolitical tensions.
She asserted that the current situation confirms the relevance of Morocco’s energy and mining strategy, launched in 2009, highlighting the importance of energy sovereignty and regional integration, based on renewable energies and strategic minerals.
Transforming Africa into a Value-Creating Hub
The minister stressed the need to move beyond the limited view of Africa as merely a reservoir of resources, advocating for it to become a true value-creating centre, grounded in a sustainable and innovative development model.
She also called for an ambitious national vision regarding energy and industrial transition, focusing on the development of renewable energies, strengthening infrastructure, and promoting research and innovation. In this regard, she mentioned the recent launch of Morocco’s first digital mining cadastre.
Innovation and Entrepreneurship at the Forefront of Priorities
Ryad Mezzour, for his part, highlighted the importance of fostering a spirit of innovation and entrepreneurship among the youth to support the Kingdom’s major economic and industrial projects.
He underscored that Morocco’s strategic choices, particularly in investing in human capital and infrastructure, have solidified its position as an emerging regional player, referencing the royal Atlantic initiative aimed at promoting shared development.
Three Major Areas of Focus
Omar Aouassdi, the Director of the National School of Mines of Rabat, specified that this edition’s discussions revolve around three main themes: the valorization of African resources, the development of intra-African trade, and the strategic role of infrastructure, particularly in transportation, logistics, and digital domains.
Strengthened Commitment to South-South Cooperation
Joseph Fayiah Johnson, the Ambassador of the Republic of Liberia to Morocco, lauded the dynamism of South-South cooperation, calling it a concrete lever for the development of the African continent. He also highlighted Morocco’s role in reinforcing African partnerships based on the principle of mutual benefit.
A Forum Dedicated to Employment and Innovation
On the sidelines of the event, royal distinctions were awarded to several officials from the institution in recognition of their professional commitment.
Spanning two days, the forum brings together major national and international companies, providing concrete opportunities for internships, employment, and partnerships, while highlighting innovations and best practices in the industrial sector.
This 26th edition thus reaffirms the forum’s status as an essential rendezvous for stimulating innovation, enhancing youth employability, and promoting South-South economic and industrial cooperation.
