Morocco is taking part in the fifth edition of the Abu Dhabi International Food Expo, which kicked off on October 6, 2026, as part of the Food Global Week. The country's participation is overseen by the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Rural Development, and Water and Forestry, and is organized by the Agricultural Development Agency (ADA). The Moroccan pavilion, designed by ADA, features 25 groups of producers from different regions of the country.

The Moroccan pavilion, spanning 270 square meters, showcases over 100 distinguished products carefully selected for their authenticity and high quality. These products reflect the diversity and richness of Morocco's local produce, with more than 770 small farmers participating, including a significant presence of rural women, making up around 42% of the participants. This initiative aims to promote Moroccan local products, enhance their visibility, and support their access to international markets.

The ADA has put together a program of professional meetings and exchanges for Moroccan exhibitors to explore new markets and commercial opportunities. The pavilion is designed to offer a cultural experience highlighting Moroccan cuisine, with cooking demonstrations by a renowned chef and musical animations showcasing the country's rich cultural heritage. The event provides a platform for Moroccan products to gain international exposure, particularly in the Middle East.

The participation of Morocco in the expo aligns with the country's "Generation Green 2020-2030" strategy, which aims to promote local products and support small-scale farmers. The ADA has been present at this event since 2013, working to promote Moroccan local products and secure international market access. The agency provides training and support to exhibitors, including workshops on marketing, management, and packaging.

According to Mahjouba Chkail, Director of Development and Marketing of Local Products at ADA, the participation aims to promote Moroccan local products, which enjoy great reputation both locally and internationally. The initiative seeks to enhance the positioning of these products internationally, particularly through participation in major international food expos like the Abu Dhabi Food Expo.

The ADA aims to organize 200 bilateral meetings with regional and international companies and institutions this year to secure sales contracts, which will contribute to promoting Moroccan local product exports and generating substantial income for cooperative members. The participation also seeks to empower rural Moroccan women in entrepreneurship and highlight their role in these cooperatives.

The Moroccan pavilion was visited by El Mahdi Arrifi, Director General of ADA, and features a contemporary architecture inspired by Moroccan authenticity. The expo allows participants to benefit from the "Hosted Buyers" program, offering opportunities to explore new cooperation and partnership prospects. The event serves as a platform for promoting Moroccan products and supporting the country's food sovereignty.

Key points

  • Morocco participates in Abu Dhabi's Food Global Week with 25 producer groups showcasing diverse local products.
  • The participation aims to promote Moroccan local products and support their access to international markets.
  • The event aligns with Morocco's "Generation Green 2020-2030" strategy to promote local products and support small-scale farmers.

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SaharaWire Newsroom
SaharaWire

Reporting for SaharaWire from the Nairobi bureau.