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Join on Telegram Rabat – Morocco’s cultural scene is getting a shot in the arm thanks to a new €600,000 (Around MAD 6.4 million) project the European Union (EU) and the Federation of Cultural and Creative Industries (FICC) signed on Monday.
The initiative, titled “ICC: Innovation and Diversity, Accelerators of Development,” aims to empower Morocco’s creative sector and unlock its potential for economic growth and job creation.
This project builds on a landmark agreement signed in June 2023, marking the first-ever EU support program specifically dedicated to Morocco’s cultural and creative industries. Spanning over four years, the “ICC” project will be spearheaded by FICC and focus on several key areas.
FICC said in a press release that the project will strengthen its advocacy efforts, allowing the federation to champion the needs of cultural entrepreneurs and push for a more supportive legal framework for creative industries in Morocco.
This includes advocating for the development of a clear legal status for cultural enterprises, which would provide much-needed clarity and stability for businesses in the sector.
“Culture is a powerful driver of dialogue and development, and its role is undeniable in the Morocco-EU partnership,” stated Patricia Llombart Cussac, EU Ambassador to Morocco. “This project will help structure the sector by bolstering advocacy and the legal framework, ultimately contributing to economic growth and creating decent jobs for young people.”
According to the same source, the project recognizes the importance of promoting Moroccan cultural products on the international stage. Thus, several initiatives will be implemented to explore export opportunities and improve access to financing for cultural enterprises.
Additionally, the project will delve into the sector’s socio-economic impact, particularly its potential for job creation among Morocco’s youth.
“The Cultural and Creative Industries are a crucial sector for job creation and economic growth in Morocco,” said Chakib Alj, President of CGEM, Morocco’s General Confederation of Enterprises. “At CGEM, we are dedicated to supporting this sector due to its significant role in fostering societal development while offering tangible solutions to economic challenges, especially job creation.”
Meanwhile, President of FICC Neila Tazi sees this project as a culmination of years of advocacy for the sector. “This agreement with the EU represents a continuation of our efforts to champion the cultural and creative industries,” she stated. “The project’s actions will unlock new opportunities for a sector brimming with potential for job creation and supporting other strategic sectors like tourism and regional development.”
