Marrakech – In preparation for upcoming international sporting events, Rabat has launched a comprehensive program aimed at improving the skills of taxi drivers, focusing on English language training. The initiative targets approximately 22,000 taxi drivers holding “trust licenses” in both first and second-category taxis operating in the capital.
Overseen by the Rabat Wilaya and the Chamber of Commerce, Industry, and Services, the program is designed to equip drivers with the necessary skills to serve the expected influx of international visitors during major tournaments like the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025 and the 2030 World Cup.
Unions and professional associations have emphasized the importance of offering services that align with Morocco’s image, while also supporting drivers in enhancing their language skills. They consider this initiative a strategic investment in the future of the profession.
One of the key advantages of the program is that it is completely free for participants. Classes, which are held at the Chamber of Commerce and taught by specialized instructors in partnership with the Rabat Prefecture, provide an accessible way for drivers to improve their skills, fostering uniform development across the sector.
The program is designed to benefit both urban taxi drivers and those working at key locations such as Rabat-Salé Airport and the city’s major stadiums. Rabat’s four primary venues – Stade Moulay Abdallah (68,000 seats), Stade Moulay Hassan (22,000), Stade Olympique de Rabat (21,000), and Stade Al Barid (18,000) – will host thousands of international fans and visitors during the upcoming events. The initiative is seen as a significant step in elevating the profession and preparing drivers for future challenges. Beyond English language skills, it is part of a broader modernization effort to professionalize the sector.
Training will cover practical skills such as greetings, route management, explaining local landmarks, and providing safety instructions. The program is not just a cosmetic improvement but aims to enhance professional dignity and provide tangible benefits to the drivers.
However, there are some challenges in the program’s implementation. In Rabat, scheduling training sessions during peak business hours has created conflicts with drivers' working hours, reducing their ability to earn. Additionally, classroom overcrowding has made effective learning difficult, with suggestions for evening sessions and more classroom spaces.
In Casablanca, concerns have been raised about the sustainability of the training efforts. Without continued government support, volunteer-led initiatives may struggle to maintain momentum, with unions calling for involvement from the Ministry of the Interior to ensure the program's longevity.
This initiative represents a major step toward preparing Rabat to showcase Morocco's tourism potential and global image, particularly as Fouzi Lekjaa, Morocco’s minister for the budget, has linked investments for AFCON 2025 directly to preparations for the co-hosted 2030 World Cup.
Local authorities and industry representatives are clearly focused on positioning Moroccan taxis as key contributors to welcoming and facilitating mobility during major global events, while enhancing the country’s reputation among international visitors.