The fifth edition of the Grand Prix of Africa, held from September 10 to 12, 2026, concluded successfully at the Casa-Anfa racetrack in Casablanca. This prestigious event, organized by the Royal Society for the Encouragement of Horses (SOREC), welcomed participants from 14 different countries, creating a vibrant atmosphere of professional engagement and exchange of expertise over the three-day period. The closing day featured eight thrilling races, culminating in the highlight event, the Grand Prix of Africa, which was triumphantly claimed by 'Costa Fal,' owned by Mourad Zinoun and expertly ridden by jockey Zouhaïr Madihi.
After three successful editions in Marrakech and a preliminary event in Casablanca in 2025, this year marked the Grand Prix's inaugural experience in El Jadida. The SOREC, in collaboration with the African Lottery Association (ALA), brought together key players from the African gaming, lottery, and equestrian sectors, emphasizing strategic reflection and knowledge sharing during this fifth edition. This event has solidified its reputation as a professional gathering that fosters dialogue and the exchange of experiences among industry stakeholders regarding the evolving African markets.
This year's discussions focused particularly on the changing behaviors and consumption patterns within the industry, highlighted during a seminar organized by the ALA. The professional meetings took place at the Mohammed VI Exhibition Park on September 10, featuring an official inauguration and the launch of a B2B exhibition that hosted 25 exhibiting partners and startups. This provided participants with a dedicated space to explore innovative solutions and expertise that can benefit the sector. The following day, September 11, marked the event's peak with the ALA seminar themed "Cultures, Social Behaviors, and Consumption in the African Lottery Business," which brought together experts, African lottery delegations, and international partners to discuss the sociocultural specifics of various markets across the continent and their impact on consumer behavior.
Omar Skalli, Director General of SOREC, expressed his enthusiasm for this edition, stating, "This fifth edition marks a new chapter in the development of the Grand Prix of Africa. Its establishment in El Jadida reflects our commitment to further elevate this event and provide continental stakeholders with a meeting point that meets their ambitions." Meanwhile, Dramane Coulibaly, President of the African Lottery Association, emphasized the significance of the partnership between the ALA and SOREC, remarking, "The Grand Prix of Africa showcases the vitality of our collaboration and our shared ambition to strengthen cooperation among African lotteries. The theme chosen this year will help us better understand behavioral changes and consumption modes, enabling us to support the sector's transformations across the continent."
As for the sports program's conclusion, following two days of professional discussions in El Jadida focused on the challenges faced by the equestrian and lottery sectors, it consisted of eight competitive races. The Grand Prix of Africa was notably won by the horse Costa Fal, completing the race in an impressive time of 2 minutes, 8 seconds, and 48 hundredths. Costa Fal is owned and trained by Mourad Zinoune, who celebrated this remarkable victory alongside his talented jockey, Zouhaïr Madihi.
As reported by afrique.le360.ma.
