Morocco is strengthening its presence at Ecomondo as the Italian trade fair seeks wider partnerships across Africa and the Mediterranean, Morocco World News reports. Alessandra Astolfi, international exhibitions director and head of the Green and Technology division at Italian Exhibition Group (IEG), said Morocco has become an important partner for the event, which gathers companies, institutions and experts working on the ecological transition and circular economy.
Speaking on the sidelines of the 29th edition, held in Rimini from November 3 to 6, Astolfi cited a recent roadshow in Casablanca on water management and Europe-Africa cooperation. She said Morocco is of particular interest because of its investments in tackling water stress. Moroccan professionals attended, and Morocco will receive particular attention at next year’s 30th edition.
The two countries already have a framework for cooperation: a December 2022 memorandum of understanding on the environment and sustainable development, covering climate change, biodiversity, coastal management, water resources, renewable energy and the energy transition, with joint projects, technology transfers and capacity building. In June, Italy took part in the launch of a Team Europe program supporting Morocco’s National Water Policy, which mobilized around MAD 3.7 billion ($378.82 million).
Astolfi also announced an agreement between IEG and Confindustria Assafrica & Mediterraneo, an Italian association connected with African embassies, to strengthen engagement with the continent in areas such as energy, maritime activities, smart cities, wind power and the energy transition.
Fabio Fava, president of Ecomondo’s Scientific and Technical Committee, stressed the importance of Africa and the Mediterranean to the fair’s strategy, citing technological cooperation, climate challenges and young Africans’ role in the transition. He discussed urban waste recovery, smart irrigation and using organic waste to restore soil fertility, and called for more investment in education and university exchanges.