Traditional Crafts Enhance Fan Zones During AFCON Morocco 2025

Piles of Handmade Plates with Oriental Patterns · By Lahcen Kardi/ Pexels

Moroccan traditional craftsmanship is playing a prominent cultural role during the Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025, with dedicated artisan spaces installed inside official Fan Zones across several host cities.

The initiative is led by the State Secretariat in charge of Handicrafts and the Social and Solidarity Economy, in coordination with the Dar Essanaa Foundation. It forms part of the first phase of the 9th National Handicrafts Week, organized under the High Patronage of His Majesty King Mohammed VI.

The event runs from December 21, 2025 to January 18, 2026, coinciding with the AFCON finals hosted by the Kingdom.

Artisan Spaces Across Six Host Cities

Dedicated handicraft areas have been set up inside Fan Zones in Rabat, Tangier, Fez, Casablanca, Marrakech and Agadir, reflecting the strong cultural momentum generated by the continental football tournament.

These spaces aim to highlight the richness and diversity of Moroccan and African traditional crafts through exhibition booths, live demonstrations of artisan skills, and interactive activities showcasing the beauty and authenticity of handmade products.

Over 300 Artisans and Cooperatives Represented

More than 300 artisans, cooperatives and craft-based enterprises from Morocco and other participating African countries are involved in this initiative. Visitors can discover a wide range of traditional products, including rugs, textiles and garments, pottery and ceramics, copperware, woodcraft, jewelry, leather goods, traditional footwear, plant-based products, marble and decorative items.

The artisan spaces are open daily and accessible free of charge to both local and international visitors, under the same entry conditions as the Fan Zones, using the official AFCON Fan ID.

Rabat Fan Zone Highlights African Cultural Exchange

At the OLM Souissi Fan Zone in Rabat, the handicraft area includes 25 exhibition booths and welcomes several African guest countries, including Benin, Tunisia, Tanzania and Sudan.

The program features artisan workshops, live demonstrations of traditional crafts, and participatory activities allowing visitors to engage directly in the creative process, reinforcing the cultural and educational dimension of the experience.

Strengthening Cultural Influence Through AFCON 2025

The 9th National Handicrafts Week reflects ongoing efforts by Moroccan institutions to enhance the visibility of traditional crafts and reinforce their role as a key driver of cultural influence and inclusive economic development, both nationally and internationally.

These activities also embody Morocco’s African dimension, highlighting the Kingdom’s commitment to cultural cooperation and heritage promotion across the continent, under the enlightened leadership of His Majesty King Mohammed VI.