Marrakech Set for Global Housing Conference in 2026
The city of Marrakech, Morocco, is set to host the 58th edition of the Habitat and Francophonie Network (RHF) on May 8 and 9, 2026. This prestigious international event focuses on the critical issues of accessible, sustainable, and inclusive housing. Organized under the auspices of the Moroccan Ministry of National Territorial Planning, Urbanism, Housing, and City Policy, the conference is spearheaded by the Al Omrane Group, bringing together a diverse array of experts, professionals, institutional representatives, and partners from the Francophone world. The central theme for this year's gathering is "Towards an Integrated Approach to the Sustainability of Affordable Housing."
The opening ceremony will feature high-profile attendees, including Mr. Adib Benbrahim, Secretary of State for Housing, Mr. Housni El Ghazaoui, Chairman of the Al Omrane Holding, and Mr. Hermann Kamonomono, President of the Habitat and Francophonie Network. In a speech delivered by Mr. Benbrahim on behalf of the Minister of National Territorial Planning, Urbanism, Housing, and City Policy, the key directions of the Kingdom's housing and urban development policies were highlighted. The address emphasized the need to move beyond traditional sectoral approaches in favor of integrated territorial development, aligning with the Royal High Directives calling for a significant revitalization of the overall upgrading of territorial spaces and addressing social and spatial disparities.
The ministerial message also underscored the importance of the direct housing assistance program for 2024-2028, marking a significant evolution in public action through a more equitable, transparent approach focused on direct support for households. This new momentum reflects a renewed vision for housing policy that incorporates concerns about the quality of living environments, the enhancement of territories, and sustainable urban development.
Reaffirming Commitment to Housing Solutions
Through the organization of this 58th edition, the Al Omrane Group reaffirms its commitment to sharing expertise, fostering international cooperation, and promoting innovative and sustainable solutions that address housing challenges and territorial cohesion. The annual RHF conference serves as a strategic platform for exchanging ideas and reflecting on the major housing and territorial development issues within the Francophone context. This year's program will spotlight several key themes related to affordable housing, territorial resilience, innovation in housing production methods, and the challenges of territorial governance. Various panels, roundtable discussions, and institutional meetings aim to encourage the sharing of experiences, facilitate dialogue among sector stakeholders, and foster the emergence of concrete, innovative, and inclusive solutions for housing policies.
Established in 1987, the Habitat and Francophonie Network is an international organization dedicated to ensuring effective access to healthy, decent, and affordable housing. The network includes professionals and organizations involved in social and affordable housing across several Francophone countries, including Morocco, France, Canada, Belgium, Senegal, Tunisia, Lebanon, Cameroon, Ivory Coast, Gabon, Mali, Mauritania, Madagascar, and Chad. Through its cooperation, training, awareness-raising, and research activities, the RHF contributes to skill development, the dissemination of best practices, and the promotion of innovative solutions in the housing sector.
This international gathering also highlights Morocco's positioning as a key player in housing and urban planning, in line with a national dynamic that prioritizes access to decent housing, territorial cohesion, and sustainable urban development. The Al Omrane Group, as the State's arm for implementing housing and territorial development policies, continues its mission to support the Kingdom's socio-economic development. Structured around the Al Omrane Holding and ten regional subsidiaries, the Group is involved in land development operations, the creation of new urban areas, and the production of housing for various population categories. Since 2023, it has embarked on an in-depth strategic review of its positioning and economic model to define a renewed vision that places citizens and the quality of public service at the forefront of its priorities.
As reported by lareleve.ma.
