Kenya and Morocco have inked a memorandum of understanding (MOU). The agreement, signed in Rabat on Monday, marks a pivotal moment in the bilateral relations between the two nations, with a primary focus on fostering cooperation in the realms of sports and creative arts.
The MOU, signed by Kenya’s Sports Cabinet Secretary Ababu Namwamba and the Minister for National Education, Preschool, and Sports of the Kingdom of Morocco, Chakib Bemmoussa, lays the groundwork for a formal framework of collaboration. Both parties have expressed their commitment to leveraging each other’s strengths to propel development in their respective domains.
Kenya’s Sports Cabinet Secretary Ababu Namwamba emphasized the mutual benefits that the partnership holds. He highlighted Morocco’s commendable advancements in football talent development, infrastructure, and management, which Kenya seeks to learn from as it gears up to host the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). Namwamba articulated Kenya’s interest in establishing an exchange program between the Kenya Academy of Sports (KAS) and Morocco’s talent development agency, aiming to bolster talent nurturing efforts.
Furthermore, Namwamba underscored the significance of nurturing talents within the schooling ecosystem, aligning with Kenya’s Talanta Hela initiative, aimed at identifying, nurturing, and monetizing talents from an early age. The envisioned linkage between schools in Kenya and Morocco aims to facilitate the seamless exploration and monetization of talents, thereby contributing to the overall development agenda.
In response, Minister Chakib Bemmoussa reiterated Morocco’s readiness to collaborate with Kenya, particularly emphasizing the benefits in athletics. With Morocco set to host the Africa Cup of Nations in 2025 and co-host the 2030 FIFA World Cup, the nation’s expertise and experience in sports infrastructure and event management offer invaluable insights for Kenya’s preparations to host the Pamoja AFCON’27.
As part of the collaboration, Ababu Namwamba is scheduled to visit the renowned Mohammed VI Football Academy in Salé, Morocco. The academy, known for its excellence in sports education and development, stands as a testament to Morocco’s commitment to nurturing sporting talent. Additionally, Namwamba will witness firsthand the ongoing infrastructure developments in Morocco, gaining insights that could inform similar initiatives in Kenya.
The partnership between Kenya and Morocco transcends mere cooperation in sports; it signifies a shared commitment to harnessing the transformative power of sports and creative arts for socio-economic development. As both nations embark on this collaborative journey, the prospects for mutual growth and innovation in these vital sectors appear promising.