Morocco Shapes the Future of Its Cities: Launch of the Smart Cities 2025 Exhibition in Casablanca
The ninth edition of the “Smart Casablanca City” event kicked off on May 21, 2025, in Casablanca, as part of the Smart Cities Tour in Morocco, under the slogan “Smart Future Cities: Innovation for a Sustainable and Inclusive City.” This event serves as a significant starting point for discussions on the foundations of smart Moroccan cities, in anticipation of major future events, most notably the 2030 World Cup.
Participants at the event addressed three main strategic themes: reimagining sports in a connected world, ensuring an inclusive mobility experience in a smart city, and enhancing community engagement through participatory governance. The discussions highlighted the crucial role of modern technology in addressing challenges faced by major cities and its impact on improving urban quality of life.
In her speech during the New Generation Smart Cities Summit, Minister of Digital Transition and Administrative Reform, Amaal Al-Flih Al-Sghrouchni, emphasized that digital transformation is a fundamental pillar in building smart, sustainable, and inclusive cities. She stated that a smart city is not just about digital infrastructure, but rather a comprehensive vision centered around people, involving listening to citizens’ needs and adopting innovative solutions to enhance transparency, improve public services, and protect the environment and natural resources.
The minister also underscored the importance of cooperation among African nations in the field of digital transformation, considering experience sharing a necessary step towards achieving sustainable and integrated development. She praised Morocco’s pioneering role in this area under the guidance of His Majesty King Mohammed VI.
During the opening of the “Smart City” forum, a representative of the Minister of Transport and Logistics highlighted the importance of this annual event as a platform for collective discussion regarding the future of Moroccan cities, commending the choice of topics such as smart transport and sustainable urban transformation.
He explained that the transport sector is witnessing positive dynamics thanks to royal directives and strategic projects, particularly in preparation for Morocco hosting the 2030 World Cup. He pointed out the need to modernize the transportation system in line with spatial and technological changes, through a new national charter for mobility, which is currently under preparation.
Key ongoing projects were reviewed, including the expansion of Mohammed V Airport, the launch of the regional express train, and the development of modern logistics areas, all aimed at enhancing connectivity between cities and improving quality of life.
The ministry affirmed its commitment to support digital transformation in the transport sector and collaborate with all partners to build smart and sustainable Moroccan cities that serve the citizens. Mayor Nabila Rmili reiterated Casablanca’s commitment to constructing a smart, sustainable, and inclusive city based on territorial justice and international cooperation.
The mayor welcomed delegations from major cities such as Paris, Shanghai, Jakarta, Marseille, and Abidjan, emphasizing the strength of partnerships that connect Casablanca with these metropolises and their cooperation in various fields such as mobility, culture, and environment.
She outlined the major projects taking place in the city, from heritage rehabilitation to the creation of new neighborhoods like “Casa Finance City” and “Casa Tech Valley,” asserting that development should not only focus on the center but also include all neighborhoods, especially marginalized ones.
Rmili stressed the importance of integrating technology into urban planning, particularly through investment in digital twins and enhancing urban health, indicating that well-being in cities is no longer a luxury but a health priority.
She concluded her speech by affirming that Casablanca’s membership in the C40 network demonstrates the city’s commitment to combating climate change, while also praising the recent royal initiative to create regional backup platforms for essential materials, describing it as a model for smart cities capable of anticipating and responding to challenges.
On her part, Aouatif Hayar, head of the smart city initiative in Morocco, welcomed participants in Casablanca, an economic hub open to urban cooperation. She expressed pride in international partnerships, particularly with cities such as Shanghai, Jakarta, Paris, Riyadh, Marseille, Toulouse, and Nouakchott, emphasizing the depth of these relationships and their impact on enhancing innovation and shared expertise.
Hayar highlighted Casablanca’s vision as a city striving for leadership in sustainability, innovation, and territorial justice. She applauded the city’s inclusion in the C40 climate network, reflecting its commitment to addressing climate change at both local and global levels.
She also spotlighted structured projects that include the renovation of architectural heritage (like Villa Cartie and the Sacred Heart Cathedral) and the establishment of new urban spaces such as “Casa Vin City” and “Casa Tech Valley,” which aim to achieve equitable and balanced development.
Hayar called for the adoption of smart tools, such as digital twins, to enhance urban planning and immediate risk response, asserting that a smart city is not just technical but deeply rooted in human and social dimensions.
