Pan-African Development Institute Moves Headquarters to Morocco’s Dakhla

Doha – The Pan-African Development Institute (IPD) has chosen Morocco’s southern city of Dakhla as its new permanent headquarters, relocating from its previous base in Switzerland, the organization’s Secretary General Emmanuel Kamdem announced on Tuesday in Rabat.

“The choice of Morocco as the permanent headquarters testifies to the Kingdom’s prominent position on the African and international diplomatic scene,” Kamdem said during a press conference following talks with Morocco’s Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita.

An international organization established in 1964, the IPD currently operates in five African nations – Cameroon, Zambia, Burkina Faso, Sao Tome, and Morocco. As the organization prepares to relocate its headquarters to Dakhla, Kamdem described the southern Moroccan city as a “gateway between sub-Saharan Africa and North Africa.”

The Institute’s governing board has requested an official headquarters agreement with Morocco to develop pan-African programs. Kamdem emphasized Morocco’s role as “a reference” in development, citing its “innovative and high-performing programs” that serve as inspiration for other nations.

“The IPD is committed to promoting and disseminating Moroccan initiatives across other African countries,” Kamdem stated, adding that the Institute aims to actively contribute to strengthening South-South cooperation for the continent’s overall development.

This headquarters relocation comes amid Morocco’s emerging status as a preferred host for major African and international organizations. In recent months, several institutions have established their primary offices in the country.

FIFA recently established its first African bureau in Rabat. During the December signing ceremony, FIFA President Gianni Infantino emphasized: “This isn’t just an administrative office—it’s a pledge to advance football across Africa.”

Prime Minister Aziz Akhannouch noted this achievement builds on Morocco’s growing reputation in global sports.

Within the sports vein as well, the African Clubs Association chose Morocco as its headquarters in January, with eight out of twelve executive board members voting in favor.

ACA President Hersi Said congratulated Morocco and the Royal Moroccan Football Federation President Fouzi Lekjaa on the successful bid.

In the same month, UN Tourism signed an agreement to open its first African thematic office in Rabat. Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili said the office will ensure decentralized communication with partners while contributing to the socioeconomic development of African tourism destinations.

Tourism Minister Fatim-Zahra Ammor noted this choice “confirms the Kingdom’s continental leadership in tourism development.”