Rabat: The headquarters of the African Capitals of Culture (ACC) were inaugurated on Thursday in Rabat, attended by prominent figures from both cultural and diplomatic spheres. This marks a significant step in Morocco’s commitment to fostering African cooperation and intercultural dialogue, underlining the Kingdom’s efforts, led by His Majesty King Mohammed VI, to promote a united and connected Africa.

According to Agence Marocaine De Presse, the establishment of this continental institution demonstrates the shared resolve of African states and cities to make culture a pivotal element in the continent’s development. The inauguration ceremony was graced by ACC Committee President Adama Traoré, Acting Secretary-General of the Culture Department Salah-Eddine Abkari, and several ambassadors from African countries accredited to Morocco.

Minister of Youth, Culture and Communication Mohamed Mehdi Bensaid, in a speech delivered on his behalf, highlighted Africa’s cultural diversity and linguistic plurality. He note
d that by hosting the ACC headquarters, Rabat is aligning with a major continental ambition to make culture central to African models of sustainable and inclusive development. Under King Mohammed VI’s leadership, Morocco is reinforcing its cultural roots and placing culture and human capital at the forefront of development processes.

Traoré emphasized that the inauguration is the result of a pan-African initiative launched in Marrakech in 2018. He highlighted that African culture serves as a catalyst for transformation and development, considering the new headquarters in Rabat as a “common home” for dialogue and cooperation among African cities. He also mentioned the upcoming milestone in 2028 in Cabo Verde, with Praia as the host city, symbolizing a new African geography influenced by diverse cultural exchanges.

The ACC headquarters will serve as a hub for meetings, support future host cities, and encourage networking among cultural stakeholders across Africa.