Public Spaces and Urban Integration of Migrants in Morocco: Challenges and Opportunities for Inclusive Cities

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Nawal Benabdallah
Jean-Claude MUNYAKA BARAKA
Jérôme CHENAL

Abstract

This study examines the role of public spaces in the urban integration of migrants in Morocco against the backdrop of changing migration patterns. Conducted in five neighborhoods of Casablanca and Rabat, it employs a mixed-methods approach that includes observations, semi-structured interviews, and spatial analysis. The findings reveal that public spaces such as parks and markets are crucial for socialization and economic activities among migrants while highlighting paradoxes such as a high sense of security despite administrative constraints. The analysis identifies major challenges: language barriers, administrative constraints, and socio-cultural tensions. The study proposes strategic recommendations focused on linguistic development, cultural programming, and participatory urban planning to create inclusive urban environments. Ultimately, this research contributes to a better understanding of integration dynamics in Morocco and offers concrete pathways to promote more inclusive cities.

Article Details

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Original Research Article

Author Biographies

Nawal Benabdallah, International University of Rabat

Nawal Benabdallah earned her architecture degree from ENA in 2000 and later pursued a doctoral degree in geography, specializing in "Environmental Management and Sustainable Development" under a UNESCO chair at the Center for Geographic Study and Research (CERGEO), completing it in 2016. Actively involved in research projects, she contributes to publications and scientific activities both nationally in Morocco and internationally. Since 2022, she has served as the founder and head of the research team "African Cities in Transition: Architecture, Urbanism, Environment, Society, and Innovation" at the Center for Global Studies at the International University of Rabat. Benabdallah's research focuses on sustainable urbanism and urban health, particularly addressing the rapid evolution of African urban environments. 

Jean-Claude MUNYAKA BARAKA, CEAT, EPFL, Lausanne, Switzerland

Jean-Claude Munyaka Baraka is a research collaborator at the Centre d'Etude d'Amenagement des Territoires (CEAT) of the Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), Switzerland. Dr. Munyaka holds a PhD in Industrial and Systems Engineering from the University of Pretoria, South Africa. His expertise spans Lean Management for productivity enhancement and waste reduction, as well as supply chain management and transportation in Southern African cities. He has contributed to journal articles, conference presentations, and published papers on simulation models in production chains. Currently, he is involved in developing a toolkit for rural mobility. Alongside his academic pursuits, Dr. Munyaka has served as a consultant specializing in lean manufacturing, with a focus on system optimization and production enhancement.

Jérôme CHENAL, CEAT, EPFL, Lausanne, Switzerland

Jérôme CHENAL serves as the Laboratory Director for the Centre d'Études d'Aménagement des Territoires (CEAT) and Excellence Africa (EXAF) at EPFL. With a prolific academic career, Dr. CHENAL has authored over 400 works, including journal articles, conference papers, and academic book chapters. He holds an affiliated professorship at the School of Architecture, Urbanism, and Design (SPA+D) at Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P) in Morocco and is the Scientific Director of the IMA Urban Lab in Sèmè-City, Benin. Additionally, he co-directs the Master of Advanced Studies (MAS) program in Urban Planning, a collaborative effort between the École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL) and the University of Geneva (UNIGE). Dr. Chenal also leads the Certificate of Open Studies (COS) in Urban Planning and Governance in African Cities at EPFL. Beyond academia, he is recognized as an international consultant and a contributor to Le Monde.fr.

How to Cite

Public Spaces and Urban Integration of Migrants in Morocco: Challenges and Opportunities for Inclusive Cities. (2025). African Cities Journal, 5(1), 23-36. https://doi.org/10.34915/acj.v5i1.180

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