Co-financed by the German Development Bank’s subsidiary (KfW), the “Investing for Employment” (IFE) program, and the State Secretariat for Handicrafts and the Social and Solidarity Economy, these agreements aim to strengthen and diversify training offerings in service-related crafts, in alignment with labor market needs and to provide new prospects for young people. They are expected to create professional opportunities in rapidly growing sectors.
The two projects also seek to enhance the institutes’ capacity and improve the quality of training in service-oriented crafts, in response to the expectations of artisans. This sector plays a crucial role in creating sustainable jobs, combating precarity, and boosting local and regional economies.
The financing agreements were signed by Ms. Inge Gärke, Director General of the IFE program, Mr. Abdelrahim Zemzami, President of the Chamber of Handicrafts for the Rabat-Salé-Kénitra region, and Mr. Naji Fakhkhari, President of the Chamber of Handicrafts for the Fez-Meknes region.
The first agreement concerns the expansion and rehabilitation of the Specialized Institute of Traditional Arts in Rabat, including the creation of three new training streams in service-oriented crafts. These will address the growing demand in rapidly expanding industrial sectors such as refrigeration and air conditioning, photovoltaics, and automotive electricity.
The second agreement involves the upgrading and rehabilitation of the Specialized Institute of Traditional Arts in Fez, along with the creation of new specialized workshops responding to high demand from private sector operators in the region.
In his speech on the occasion, the Secretary of State for Handicrafts and Social and Solidarity Economy, Lahcen Saâdi, emphasized that these two structuring projects are part of the national momentum in the sector and fall within the framework of Moroccan-German cooperation.
Mr. Saâdi noted that the growing demand for service-related craft professions, along with the strong interest of young people in skills-based training, requires a collective responsibility: to rethink vocational training in crafts comprehensively and adapt programs to regional realities and labor market needs.
He also stressed that training centers will receive special attention, in line with new government policies, particularly concerning employment and unemployment reduction. These efforts, he added, aim to achieve two main objectives: creating job opportunities and ensuring the sustainability of traditional trades.
For her part, Ms. Gärke stated that the IFE program allocated €1.51 million for the Rabat institute and €1.02 million for the Fez institute, noting that the planned training programs will enhance young people’s access to professional integration.
Mr. Zemzami highlighted that this structuring partnership reflects a shared commitment to advancing the vocational training system through the creation of pathways tailored to current needs. It also demonstrates awareness of the need to accompany global transitions in green technologies, sustainable mobility, and renewable energy—thus contributing to the development of a sustainable economy.
Mr. Fakhkhari, in turn, emphasized the direct benefits of the agreement for the training sector in the Fez-Meknes region, particularly in terms of improving the level of trainers and trainees. He believes it will help create jobs, support young enterprises, and provide the sector with new skills that can boost its dynamism and performance.
Sebastian Wilde, Head of Development Cooperation at the German Embassy in Rabat, stated that these projects are part of the German government’s special initiative “Decent Work for a Just Transition.” According to him, they exemplify Germany’s ongoing commitment within the framework of its partnership with Morocco.
The signing ceremony was attended by representatives of the German Embassy in Rabat, the KfW Development Bank, officials from the governmental authority responsible for vocational training, various ministerial departments, central and regional players in the crafts sector, as well as several vocational training operators and representatives of the private sector.
Editorial team/le7tv