Morocco’s Benguerir emerges as smart city laboratory

The city of Benguerir is redefining urban development in Morocco through an integrated approach combining technological innovation,social inclusion,and ecological commitment,establishing itself as Africa’s premier smart city testing ground.

Breaking from traditional urban expansion models,Benguerir embodies a renewed vision built on three fundamental pillars: innovation,territorial intelligence,and sustainable development. This approach transcends mere slogans,manifesting in concrete efforts to create resilient,inclusive territories featuring intelligent infrastructure and participatory governance.

Through the Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P) ecosystem,Benguerir functions as a real-scale “living lab” where innovations undergo practical testing. This dynamic positions the city as a pioneer of the African smart city model,blending scientific research,technological experimentation,and citizen involvement.

The city’s “green” designation reflects genuine commitment,targeting 20 square meters of green space per inhabitant alongside energy-efficient sustainable buildings designed to minimize environmental impact. Water management forms a cornerstone strategy,with innovative infrastructure including seawater transport from Safi and solar energy utilization optimizing this precious resource.

Benguerir demonstrates that modernization,sustainability,and citizen participation can coexist through concrete projects: green spaces irrigated via wastewater treatment systems,intelligent buildings,and urban agriculture initiatives. This integrated approach addresses rapid urbanization,and energy transition challenges.

Nationally,this dynamic aligns with broader movements supported by renewable energy megaprojects and green infrastructure. Morocco positions itself as a proactive actor in building sustainable cities capable of addressing 21st-century challenges. With strategic location and long-term vision,Benguerir aspires to become an exportable model for other African cities,embodying a new territorial thinking paradigm.