Head of government Aziz Akhannouch has praised what he called Morocco’s surge in public investment in sport, arguing it has moved from the margins of policy into a central tool for social inclusion and development under King Mohammed VI.
Speaking on Tuesday during the monthly public policy session in the House of Councillors, Akhannouch said the country was living an “exceptional moment” after what he described as the outstanding success of hosting the Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025. He said officials, experts and journalists had widely judged it the best edition of the tournament, citing stadium standards, transport, security, record crowds and extensive media coverage.
Akhannouch said the results reflected years of investment and long term planning, framing sport as a lever for human development and a way to narrow social and territorial inequalities. He argued the focus had shifted from counting medals and stadiums to expanding participation and ensuring facilities reach the communities they are meant to serve.
He pointed to 57 national sports federations and 261 regional leagues as evidence of a system that now extends beyond the centre. He said the number of sports associations rose from about 4,745 in 2021 to more than 7,000 in 2025, a jump of more than 53%, with roughly 500,000 members.
He said the government supported upgrades to around 2,500 sports and social facilities over the same period, including more than 1,050 local pitches, 157 multi sport halls and 717 neighbourhood socio sport centres. He added that about 1.2 million pupils took part in school sport and activities in 2025.
add your comment
Terms of publication : Not to offend the writer, people, sacred things, or attack religions or the divine self, and refrain from racist incitement and insults.