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| Ministry of Handicrafts (Morocco) | |
|---|---|
| Name | Ministry of Handicrafts (Morocco) |
| Native name | وزارة الصناعة التقليدية والاقتصاد الاجتماعي والتضامني |
| Jurisdiction | Kingdom of Morocco |
| Headquarters | Rabat |
Ministry of Handicrafts (Morocco) is the Moroccan cabinet department charged with promotion, regulation, and support of the artisanal sector across the Kingdom of Morocco, interacting with ministries such as Ministry of Industry, Trade and Green and Digital Economy, Ministry of Tourism, Handicrafts, Transport and Social and Solidarity Economy and institutions like the Office Cherifien des Phosphates for supply chains. The ministry operates within the framework of national strategies influenced by the Monarchy of Morocco and regional administrations in Rabat-Salé-Kénitra, Marrakesh-Safi, and Souss-Massa.
The ministry traces its lineage to post‑colonial institutional developments following Moroccan independence and administrative reforms under the reigns of Mohammed V and Hassan II, later reoriented during the constitutional reforms of Mohammed VI. Its evolution intersected with national cultural policies linked to the Ministry of Culture (Morocco), economic restructuring tied to agreements like the Morocco–United States Free Trade Agreement and decentralization laws inspired by the 1996 Moroccan constitution. Key moments include programmatic shifts aligned with the National Initiative for Human Development and the territorial reforms prompted by the 2011 Moroccan constitutional referendum.
The ministry is mandated to develop artisanal heritage, protect intangible cultural assets recognized by institutions such as UNESCO, and support artisans operating in regions like Fez, Chefchaouen, Essaouira and Tangier. Responsibilities include policy coordination with bodies such as the Ministry of Youth, Culture and Communication, certification frameworks referencing standards of the Moroccan Agency for Sustainable Energy in craft supply chains, and implementation of fiscal measures negotiated with the Ministry of Economy and Finance. The mandate covers training schemes linked to vocational centers inspired by the National Office of Vocational Training and Work Promotion and market access initiatives connected to fairs like the Salon du Cheval and platforms coordinated with the Moroccan Export Promotion Agency.
The ministry’s internal divisions mirror specialized agencies found in Moroccan public administration, including directorates for promotion, quality control, training, and regional coordination operating alongside commissions that liaise with bodies such as the Chamber of Crafts and Artisans and regional councils established under the Law on Regionalization (Morocco). Leadership roles report to the cabinet and interact with parliament committees in the House of Representatives (Morocco) and the House of Councillors. The structure incorporates partnerships with research institutions such as Hassan II Institute of Agronomy and Veterinary Medicine for material studies and with universities like Mohammed V University for design curricula.
Policy instruments include subsidized training similar to programs from the Ministry of National Education, Preschool and Sports, financial support aligned with interventions by the Bank Al-Maghrib and microfinance schemes inspired by Al Amana Microfinance. Programs target clusters in historic craft centers such as the Madrasa of Al-Attarine area of Fez and market platforms like Jemaa el-Fnaa in Marrakesh. Initiatives coordinate with cultural listings like those managed by UNESCO World Heritage Centre and regulatory frameworks that reference legislation debated in the Parliament of Morocco. The ministry also aligns with trade promotion efforts involving the Casablanca Stock Exchange for broader artisanal enterprise growth.
Artisanal production remains central in Moroccan value chains spanning ceramics from Safran], [Note: placeholder to textiles in Ouarzazate, leatherwork in Fez, and woodcrafts in Azrou. The sector contributes to employment figures monitored by the High Commission for Planning (Morocco) and to tourism flows measured by the Moroccan National Tourist Office. The ministry’s interventions affect export channels coordinated with the Moroccan Agency for the Development of Investment and Exports and supply relationships with industries such as the phosphates sector managed by OCP Group. Employment programs intersect with social policies administered by the Ministry of Solidarity, Social Development, Equality and Family.
The ministry maintains bilateral and multilateral ties with entities like UNESCO, the European Union, and cooperation programs with countries including France, Spain, and Turkey, and technical assistance from agencies such as UNIDO and UNDP. Partnerships extend to cultural diplomacy through Moroccan missions abroad and collaboration with craft institutions like the V&A Museum and trade initiatives involving the International Trade Centre. Funding and project design sometimes involve development banks, notably the African Development Bank and the World Bank.
Notable initiatives include capacity building programs in historic medinas such as restoration-linked projects in Fez and market revitalization schemes in Marrakesh coordinated with heritage actors like the École nationale d'architecture (Rabat) and conservation projects echoing efforts seen at Ait Benhaddou. Craft fairs, export promotion events, and digital platforms aimed at artisans involve collaborations with private sector actors including chambers like the Confédération Générale des Entreprises du Maroc and social enterprises modeled on international examples such as Fair Trade International. Pilot projects have targeted women artisans from regions such as Dakhla-Oued Ed-Dahab and Guelmim-Oued Noun aligning with gender inclusion agendas associated with the Ministry of Solidarity, Social Development, Equality and Family.
Category:Government ministries of Morocco Category:Cultural organizations based in Morocco