Morocco Becomes Key Partner at Italy's Ecomondo Fair
Water and circular-economy businesses gain a new Morocco route through Italy's green transition trade fair.
Updated on Nov. 5, 2026 in Job Fairs
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Morocco has become an important partner for Ecomondo, Italy's green transition fair, which was held in Rimini from November 3 to 6 at its 29th edition. Moroccan professionals attended discussions on water management, waste recovery and Africa's role in the green transition.
Why it matters
Morocco's water stress and its investments in sustainable water solutions made it a natural focus for the fair's circular economy and water-sector programming. The Italian Exhibition Group's new agreement with Confindustria Assafrica & Mediterraneo signals a broader push to deepen engagement with African markets for companies in these sectors.
The Team Europe water program mobilized about MAD 3.7 billion ($378.82 million) in funding for Morocco's National Water Policy. The 29th Ecomondo edition ran for four days, November 3 to 6, in Rimini, with a Casablanca roadshow held ahead of it.
The players
Ecomondo
Italy's green transition and circular economy trade fair, held annually in Rimini and organized by Italian Exhibition Group.
Italian Exhibition Group
Italy's largest trade fair organizer, running exhibitions across sectors and expanding its international event network.
Confindustria Assafrica & Mediterraneo
Italian business association that promotes trade and investment ties between Italian companies and African and Mediterranean markets.
The details
Morocco's participation centered on Moroccan professionals in circular economy and water sectors traveling to Italy to take part in discussions on water management, waste recovery and African roles in the green transition. A roadshow in Casablanca built engagement on water management and Europe-Africa cooperation ahead of the fair. The fair's push ties into existing policy frameworks, including a December 2022 Italy-Morocco memorandum of understanding on the environment and sustainable development.
Timeline
December 2022: Italy and Morocco signed an environmental and sustainable development memorandum of understanding.
June: Italy joined the launch of a Team Europe program supporting Morocco's National Water Policy.
November 3 to 6: The 29th Ecomondo edition was held in Rimini.
Next year: The 30th Ecomondo edition will give Morocco particular attention.
Market Landscape
The fair's Morocco focus follows the EU's Team Europe model, which pairs public funding with partner-country water policy. Italian trade organizers are using fairs and business associations to channel European green-economy activity into North African markets.
Companies in water management, waste recovery and circular economy services should note growing trade-fair and business-association channels into Morocco and wider Africa. Operators weighing participation in international fairs should factor in partner-country programming as a sourcing and networking option.
The takeaway
Operators in environmental and water-related services should watch whether the Italian Exhibition Group and Confindustria Assafrica & Mediterraneo agreement produces concrete Africa-focused programming before the 30th Ecomondo edition. Treat any cross-border market entry as a decision to review with qualified legal and financial advisers.
What happens next
The 30th edition of Ecomondo is scheduled for next year, when Morocco will receive particular attention.
Further reading
For more on how trade fairs connect employers and talent across borders, see the Job Fairs section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Morocco World News.
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