Inauguration of the 26th Mines-Rabat Enterprises Forum
The official launch of the 26th edition of the Mines-Rabat Enterprises Forum took place on April 15, 2026, at the National School of Mines in Rabat. The event was graced by the presence of key government officials and African diplomats, underscoring Morocco's pivotal role in the economic and industrial dynamics of the African continent.
This two-day forum, held under the High Patronage of King Mohammed VI, revolves around the theme: "South-South Cooperation: Morocco at the Heart of New African Dynamics Promoting Integrated Growth." It serves as a vital platform for interaction between academia and the industrial sector, fostering exchanges that enhance employability and career prospects for students and recent graduates.
Strategic Importance of the Forum's Theme
In her speech, Minister of Energy Transition and Sustainable Development Leila Benali emphasized the strategic significance of the forum's theme, which aligns with national priorities amidst profound global changes and geopolitical tensions. She highlighted that Morocco's energy and mining strategy, initiated in 2009, is anchored on essential pillars such as renewable energy, strategic minerals, and energy efficiency, thereby strengthening the Kingdom's energy sovereignty.
Furthermore, she urged Africa to transcend its role as a mere resource provider, advocating for a transformative shift towards becoming a genuine value-creation hub. This transition, she noted, should be comprehensive, covering energy, economic, and industrial dimensions, and must be driven by innovation and robust infrastructure.
Minister of Industry and Trade Ryad Mezzour also underscored the crucial role of youth in this transformation, calling for an enhancement of entrepreneurial and innovative spirit to support the nation’s significant economic projects. He stressed Morocco's ongoing efforts to create a competitive industrial ecosystem on a global scale and to consolidate its position as a regional leader.
Omar Oussouaddi, the director of the ENSMR, highlighted Morocco's role in building an integrated and resilient Africa based on dynamic and solidarity-driven South-South cooperation. The forum's discussions will focus on three major axes: the valorization of African resources, the development of intra-African trade, and the strengthening of logistical and digital infrastructures.
Joseph Fayiah Johnson, the Liberian ambassador to Morocco, noted that South-South cooperation is not just a theoretical concept but a tangible and structuring reality, commending Morocco’s role in reshaping diplomatic balances within Africa.
During the event, Minister Benali awarded several employees of the institution with Royal Honors in recognition of their commitment.
Bringing together major national and international companies, the Mines-Rabat Enterprises Forum provides genuine opportunities for internships, recruitment, and partnerships while emphasizing innovation and industrial excellence. This 26th edition reaffirms its status as an essential gathering aimed at stimulating innovation, enhancing youth employability, and promoting ambitious South-South economic cooperation.
As reported by industries.ma.
