Fez: On the sidelines of the Africa Cup of Nations (CAN) Morocco 2025, about thirty African journalists visited the Training and Qualification Center for Craft Trades in Fez. This center was built by the Mohammed V Foundation in 2009 at a cost of 36 million dirhams.

According to Burkina Information Agency, this visit emphasized Morocco's dedication to African cultural cooperation and the sharing of traditional skills. The Fes Centre for Training and Qualification in Craft Trades has become a prominent institution for training in traditional Moroccan craft trades.

The center primarily accommodates Moroccan trainees but also welcomes African residents in a spirit of South-South cooperation. "We welcome African students, representing no more than 5% of our student body," stated Ahmed Aboujaafar, the center's director. He highlighted that this strategy is intended to encourage cultural and professional exchanges while maintaining a focus on national training.

Trainees receive diplomas recognized by the Moroccan Ministry of Handicrafts, with educational programs covering 25 sectors of traditional crafts. These include weaving, textiles, sewing, tapestry, and leatherwork, among others. The center's programs aim to pass on not only technical skills but also cultural values deeply embedded in Moroccan and African heritage.

Additionally, the institution is committed to preserving and promoting shared cultural heritage. Traditional symbols and designs taught to students are incorporated into everyday objects, enhancing their presence and adoption by younger generations. This strategy seeks to avert the decline of crafts impacted by evolving consumer habits.

The center's director stressed that the future of artisanal trades relies heavily on demand and product promotion. "Reviving a trade means restoring value to its products and integrating them into a cultural dynamic," he explained. He further noted that major continental events, like the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, offer a prime opportunity to showcase these skills and bolster African cultural collaboration.