Rabat Takes the Crown as Host of Africa’s Capitals of Culture Committee

Marrakech – On Tuesday, Rabat buzzed with excitement as Morocco’s Minister of Youth, Culture, and Communication, Mohamed Mehdi Bensaid, and UNESCO’s cultural expert, Michel Saba, inked a game-changing deal.

The agreement sets the stage for Rabat to host the African Capitals of Culture Committee (ACC), putting the city in the spotlight of Africa’s cultural renaissance.

Under this agreement, Morocco is set to host the committee’s headquarters, following a July 2023 decision by the African Union (AU) Executive Council in Nairobi.

This move comes on the heels of a report from the AU’s technical committee on youth, culture, and sport.

The ministry emphasized that this initiative aligns with King Mohammed VI’s grand vision to collaborate with and for Africa.

It also highlighted South-South cooperation as a cornerstone of Morocco’s foreign policy, guided by the enlightened leadership of the King.

The ministry also noted that the ACC is an AU initiative designed to spark creativity and encourage cultural exchange across Africa. 

It aims to boost cultural cooperation and highlight the arts in major African cities, fostering a rich tapestry of artistic and cultural interactions.

Additionally, the ACC will be responsible for organizing African cultural events and designating “African Capitals of Culture” across the continent. 

Rabat, who claimed the title of the “African Capital of Culture” in 2023, has already showcased its vibrant cultural heritage through significant events that celebrate Africa’s rich cultural tapestry.