Rabat, Morocco — The Secretariat of State in charge of Handicrafts in Morocco has taken a significant step towards modernizing the country’s traditional handicraft industry with the launch of a comprehensive digitalization, training, and support program. The announcement was made during the GITEX Africa Morocco event, which is currently taking place in Marrakech from April 7-9. This initiative is a cornerstone of the secretariat’s roadmap to enhance the sector’s competitiveness and promote it on a broader scale.
The program, which was officially launched at GITEX Africa 2026, is a direct outcome of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed with Mastercard, the Groupe Banque Centrale Populaire, and M2T in May of the previous year. The aim is to expedite the digital transformation of the handicrafts sector, providing artisans with an integrated operational framework that supports the adoption of digital tools. This includes innovative electronic payment solutions that allow transactions to be processed through smartphones.
Secretary of State in charge of Handicrafts, Lahcen Essaadi, emphasized the strategic importance of digitalizing the sector, noting that it is a key to enhancing competitiveness in an increasingly digitalized world. Essaadi highlighted the potential of digital solutions, particularly in the area of electronic payments, to improve artisans’financial inclusion by facilitating access to tailored financial services.
Tarik Sadik, the Director General of the Maison de l’Artisan, echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the program’s focus on accelerating the sector’s digitalization and supporting artisans in their transition to new marketing channels. Omar El Mghari Idrissi, from M2T, underlined the need for digital solutions that cater not only to domestic and international customers but also to the artisans themselves.
Hassan Charaf, the Secretary General of the Fondation Création d’Entreprises du Groupe Banque Centrale Populaire, committed to the foundation’s role in providing artisans with both physical and digital support, including coaching and assistance in developing suitable business models.
The timing of this announcement is significant, as the government reported in March that the handicrafts sector reached a milestone in the previous year, with exports soaring to $130 million. This figure contrasts with $84. 13 million in the previous year.
The United States is the largest importer of Morocco’s artisanal products, accounting for nearly half of all exports, followed by France. The sector employs 20% of active workers, with women making up 54% of artisans.
GITEX Africa Morocco 2026 is drawing over 1,400 exhibitors and is expected to attract more than 50,000 attendees, showcasing a wide range of themes and opportunities for the handicrafts sector.
Source: moroccoworldnews
Original author: Safaa Kasraoui
