Marrakech – The fourth edition of the International Argan Fair officially opened yesterday in Agadir, running from December 21 to January 16 of next year, under the supervision of the Ministry of Agriculture, Maritime Fisheries, Rural Development, Water and Forests.
Organized by the National Agency for the Development of Oasis Zones and the Argan Tree (ANDZOA), the fair reaffirms the strategic role of the argan sector in Morocco’s sustainable development agenda.
Opening at a moment when the Kingdom is preparing to host the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (CAN), the event takes on a strong continental dimension.
The alignment of these two major milestones places Agadir at the crossroads of economic diplomacy, cultural heritage, and African unity, giving the International Argan Fair heightened symbolic resonance beyond its agricultural scope.
Saaïd Amzazi, Wali of the Souss-Massa Region and Governor of the Agadir-Ida Outanane Prefecture, was present today. This highlighted the importance accorded by public authorities to the argan ecosystem and its socio-economic impact, particularly in terms of rural development, sustainability, and women-led cooperatives.
Through its extended program of exhibitions, professional encounters, and cultural initiatives, the fair aims to capitalize on the continental visibility surrounding CAN 2025, positioning the argan tree as both a national heritage and a strategic asset for African cooperation and green growth.
Why Argan? Why Now? & Why Morocco
Beyond its cultural symbolism, the argan tree is a strategic national resource. Endemic to Morocco and recognized by UNESCO as a Biosphere Reserve, the argan ecosystem plays a crucial role in combating desertification, preserving biodiversity, and sustaining rural livelihoods, particularly in the Souss-Massa region.
The argan value chain is also a powerful economic driver, generating income for thousands of families and supporting local economies in environmentally sensitive areas.
The sector carries strong social impact, notably through women-led cooperatives that have elevated argan oil into a globally recognized Moroccan product across the agri-food, cosmetics, and wellness industries.
These cooperatives have become a cornerstone of women’s economic empowerment and inclusive development.
Coming as Morocco hosts the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (CAN), this edition of the fair is bound to take on a broader continental dimension.
The convergence of these two major events places Agadir at the crossroads of sport, heritage, and African cooperation, reinforcing its role as a hub for dialogue and exchange.
Are you coming?
Visitors to the fair are invited to explore the various stands and thematic spaces, which place a special focus on the Argan Biosphere, offering a full immersion into this unique ecosystem.
Beyond its commercial dimension, the event features a rich program of interactive and educational activities open to the general public.
Culinary demonstrations will showcase the flavors of argan oil–based cuisine, while artistic and cultural exhibitions celebrate the rich and diverse heritage of the argan tree.
Through exhibitions, professional forums, and cultural programming, the International Argan Fair aims to leverage the continental spotlight of CAN 2025 to promote Morocco’s green growth model, while strengthening African cooperation around sustainability, heritage preservation, and inclusive development.
