As the Africa Cup of Nations enters its final week, host nation Morocco is marking its annual National Handicrafts Week with a cultural exhibition in the capital, Rabat, linking football and artistic expression. The exhibition brings together football-themed artworks and traditional Moroccan craftsmanship, including metal and woodwork, textiles, ceramics, and jewellery, underscoring the shared role of sport and culture in African identity.
Mehdi Kotbi, president of Morocco’s National Foundation of Museums, said the event reflects the close bond between football and culture across the continent. “Morocco beats in the heart of Africa, and Africa beats in the heart of Morocco,” he said, adding that such celebrations offer moments of unity and fraternity amid difficult global events. Artists from across Africa are taking part, including Senegalese painter Zulu Mbaye, who emphasized the importance of South–South cultural exchange. “It’s time for countries of the Global South to invest in dialogue and cooperation among themselves,” he said.
The Moroccan government has been actively promoting its handicrafts sector as both a cultural asset and an economic engine. Official figures show the industry employs more than 2.3 million people and generates an estimated $14 billion in annual revenue, with the United States, France, and Turkey among the top export markets. National Handicrafts Week runs until January 18, coinciding with the AFCON final, symbolically linking Morocco’s sporting moment with a celebration of its cultural heritage.
