Celebrating a Decade of Morocco Day
Marrakech is set to host a remarkable celebration as the Moroccan American Network commemorates the 10th anniversary of its flagship event, ‘Morocco Day,’ scheduled for October 30, 2026. This year’s festivities will be broadcast live from AVActions studios located in Alexandria, Virginia, marking a significant milestone in the initiative’s journey. The organizers view this anniversary as not only a celebration of the past but also as a launchpad into a new decade, positioning Morocco as a strategic economic gateway to Africa in alignment with the ambitious Morocco 2030 vision.
Founded by esteemed Moroccan journalist Mohamed El Hajjam and former U.S. official LaRuby May, the Moroccan American Network began as a self-funded civic initiative. Over the years, it has evolved into an influential economic and cultural program that fosters business networking, media diplomacy, and cultural exchanges between Moroccan and American communities. This year’s event aims to expand its impact by creating a global “network of networks” that encompasses African diaspora communities, with a particular focus on the Ethiopian American community, which numbers over 300,000 individuals in the Washington D.C., Maryland, and Virginia area. This community serves as a model for diaspora engagement and collaboration.
Key Events and Highlights of Morocco Day
The program for Morocco Day is rich with opportunities for leadership, media, and cultural exchange. One of the most anticipated features is the global launch of Finkoma.com, a digital platform designed to connect Moroccan and African talent, entrepreneurs, and investors not only across North America but globally. A notable business panel titled “Shaping Africa’s Future,” moderated by El Hajjam, will feature prominent figures such as Tefera Alemayehu, Tatek Eshete, Prof. Abdeslem El Idrissi, and Abderrahid Aboubacar, providing insights on the future landscape of African economies.
The evening will also host a Transatlantic Media and Diplomacy Forum, featuring journalist and academic Hassan Nader, culminating in an engaging keynote address and book signing by Prof. El Idrissi, who will introduce his latest work, ‘Estevanico,’ detailing the life of Mustapha El Azemmouri, the first African and Moroccan explorer to traverse North America. Additionally, the Global Passport Connect program will honor Henok Tesfaye, CEO of USP Holdings/U Street Parking, who is celebrated for his inspiring journey from immigrant to successful entrepreneur.
The Moroccan American Network has a rich legacy of transatlantic networking that began well before this anniversary. A record from June 2013 identifies the network's inception and highlights its inaugural CEO Summit, which attracted approximately 150 attendees, including notable political figures. Over the years, various events have showcased Moroccan culture in the U.S., such as the International Waterfront Festival in Alexandria, where Moroccan traditions were prominently featured.
As the Moroccan American Network looks to the future, it has announced the Morocco Day 2027 Summit, scheduled for April 16-18, 2027, in Casablanca. This summit, themed ‘A Decade of Bridge-Building… The Next Decade of Opportunities,’ will tackle pressing issues such as artificial intelligence, trade, and infrastructure, bringing together U.S.-African chambers of commerce, academic leaders, and institutional investors. Bertram C. Johnson, a former Michigan state senator, is slated to be the keynote speaker, highlighting the continued commitment to fostering international collaboration.
As Morocco Day enters its second decade, it stands as a testament to the power of connection and collaboration among Moroccan entrepreneurs, American business organizations, and diaspora communities, with aspirations to broaden its reach across the entire African diaspora.
As reported by moroccoworldnews.com.
