Casablanca will become a continental hub for culture, trade and women’s economic empowerment when the 4th African Women Artisans Congress and the 17th edition of the Dar Maalma Expo convene from June 25 to 28, 2026.
The event, organised by the Network of Women Artisans of Morocco (REFAM DAR MAALMA) under the High Patronage of King Mohammed VI, is expected to draw policymakers, development institutions, entrepreneurs and artisans from across Africa to discuss the future of the continent’s creative economy and cultural industries.
Held against the backdrop of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), the congress aims to position women artisans at the centre of Africa’s economic integration agenda while preserving the continent’s rich cultural identity.
Organisers described the gathering as more than a traditional trade fair, calling it a strategic platform for structural transformation, female entrepreneurship and cross-border collaboration.
“This congress reflects a new vision for African development — one where traditional craftsmanship becomes both an economic force and a tool of cultural diplomacy,” REFAM DAR MAALMA said in a statement.
Discussions during the four-day summit will focus on strengthening African handicraft value chains and expanding access to international markets. Panels will also address financial inclusion, innovation and technical support mechanisms designed to help women-led artisan businesses scale competitively across the continent.
Another major theme will be the role of cultural heritage in economic diplomacy, with participants examining how African craftsmanship can enhance the continent’s global influence while safeguarding ancestral knowledge.
One of the most anticipated moments of the event will be the Dar Maalma Grand Caftan Show on June 27. Organisers say the showcase will celebrate “the Thousand Colors of Africa” through creations that blend centuries-old artistry with contemporary fashion and economic innovation.
Far beyond a conventional runway presentation, the show is expected to highlight African fashion as a symbol of cultural sovereignty and a growing driver of creative industry investment.
The congress and expo also aim to encourage partnerships among governments, regional organisations and development agencies seeking inclusive growth strategies led by women entrepreneurs.
REFAM DAR MAALMA has issued an open invitation to African institutions, investors and international partners to participate in what it describes as a landmark continental gathering.
The event is expected to provide a platform for empowering women artisans and strengthening the creative economy that is seen as essential to building a resilient, integrated and culturally confident continent.
