Rabat: AfricUpdate – News Desk
Preparing for upcoming sporting events, Rabat has launched a comprehensive program to enhance the skills of taxi drivers, with a focus on English language training. The initiative targets approximately 22,000 holders of “trust licenses” operating both first and second category taxis in the capital city. The program, overseen by the Rabat Wilaya and the Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Services, aims to prepare drivers for the influx of international visitors expected during imminent high-profile tournaments, particularly the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025 and the 2030 World Cup.
Unions and professional associations stressed the need to offer services that reflect the country’s image while supporting drivers in improving their language skills. They view such measures as a strategic investment in the future of the profession. One of the program’s key strengths is that it’s completely free for participants. Classes are held at the Chamber of Commerce premises and are taught by specialized instructors, in partnership with the Rabat Prefecture. This format allows all drivers to participate without cost, promoting uniform skill development across the sector.
The training will benefit both urban taxi drivers and those serving strategic locations such as Rabat-Salé Airport and the capital’s major stadiums. Rabat alone holds the lion’s share with four venues – Stade Moulay Abdallah (68,000 seats), Stade Moulay Hassan (22,000), Stade Olympique de Rabat (21,000), and Stade Al Barid (18,000) – all essential for accommodating thousands of international supporters and visitors during the forthcoming flagship sporting event.
Professionals specify that the initiative is far more than language training, representing a structured approach that elevates the taxi driver profession and prepares it for future challenges. Beyond learning English, it reflects a broader dynamic of modernization and professionalization being put in place. The training focuses on practical skills, including greetings, address clarification, route management, explanation of monuments, and safety instructions. The program is designed not merely as a cosmetic enhancement but as a lever for professional dignity.
According to covering reports, some implementation challenges exist. In Rabat, concerns revolve around training sessions scheduled during peak business hours, creating conflicts with drivers’ earning opportunities. Classroom overcrowding also presents difficulties for effective learning, with recommendations for evening sessions and additional classroom spaces.
In Casablanca, reports indicate challenges related to the sustainability of training efforts. Without government support, volunteer-based teaching initiatives may struggle to maintain momentum long-term, with unions calling for Ministry of Interior involvement to ensure program continuity. The Rabat initiative marks a significant step in preparing the capital to serve as a showcase for Morocco’s tourism ambitions and global image, especially as Fouzi Lekjaa, Morocco’s minister in charge of the budget, has linked investments for AFCON 2025 directly to preparations for the co-hosted 2030 World Cup.
