The first edition of the North Africa Smart Infrastructure Summit opened on Wednesday in Rabat with the goal of supporting infrastructure development efforts across the region.
Organized by Verve Management, an international platform for dialogue and exchange, the event brings together thought leaders, experts, and decision-makers to explore opportunities for advancing smart infrastructure, with a strong focus on Morocco.
Held under the theme “Building the Foundations of a Sustainable Future,” the two-day gathering highlights Morocco’s progress in real estate, sports infrastructure, airports, transport, and hospitality, while also examining innovative strategies ahead of major upcoming milestones.
Speaking at the opening, Minister of Equipment and Water Nizar Baraka said the summit’s theme reflects Morocco’s strategic priorities.
He stressed that infrastructure development is a cornerstone of the country’s ongoing transformation, particularly in preparation for upcoming sporting events, and a key tool to address growing challenges posed by climate change.
Baraka noted that Morocco is adopting flexible and sustainable approaches in the planning and execution of infrastructure projects to confront the impacts of climate disruptions, including droughts and irregular rainfall.
Such shifts, he added, call for resilient and adaptive infrastructure capable of withstanding crises, sustaining economic growth, and ensuring social and territorial equity.
The minister underlined that his department, in close coordination with partners and institutions, is working on technical and smart solutions that place environmental considerations at the heart of infrastructure planning and implementation.
These solutions, he said, aim to cut carbon footprints, adapt to climate change, and deliver infrastructure that is more resilient, safe, and sustainable.
For his part, Minister of Transport and Logistics Abdessamad Kayouh pointed to his ministry’s focus on innovation and scientific research as key drivers of competitiveness and sector development.
In remarks delivered on his behalf by the ministry’s Secretary-General Zine El Abidine Britel, Kayouh said partnerships with universities and research centers are being strengthened to develop modern technological solutions for transport and logistics in line with Morocco’s digital transition.
This approach has already led to cooperation agreements with the Foundation for Research, Development, and Innovation in Science and Engineering (FRDISI), aimed at building advanced multimodal transport management systems powered by AI and enhancing safety and security oversight.
According to the minister, these projects extend beyond technical innovation by creating opportunities for researchers, students, and engineers to strengthen their practical skills and connect academic training with real industry needs.
The summit, which has drawn more than 120 speakers and 800 delegates, is structured around four thematic tracks: hospitality, stadiums and sports infrastructure, airports and transport, and real estate development.
MWN with MAP
