With just a few days to go before the start of the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025, the host nation is asserting itself more than ever as a home for African and international football.
Beyond the sporting celebration eagerly awaited by millions of fans, the event is supported by an extensive infrastructure modernisation programme designed to meet the highest standards of the CAF and FIFA.
At the centre of this major undertaking is a woman leading one of the most ambitious technical and organisational challenges of recent decades: Zineb Benmoussa, Director General of the National Agency for Public Facilities (ANEP).
Entrusted with delegated project management for the nine stadiums set to host AFCON 2025, ANEP has, in less than two years, overseen the upgrading and construction of strategic sports facilities across the Kingdom. These venues were designed to guarantee spectator and player comfort, integrating rigorous international standards while showcasing a modern and confident Moroccan architectural identity.
An engineer by training who built her entire career within ANEP, Zineb Benmoussa’s expertise have been crucial for the host nation.
From the construction of the large stadiums of Fès, Marrakech and Agadir to the Mohammed VI Football Complex in Maâmora, as well as numerous hospital and administrative facilities, her experience has shaped a management approach based on anticipation, close monitoring, and strong on-site team coordination.
In this interview with Cafonline.com, Zineb Benmoussa discusses her role, the key choices behind the AFCON 2025 stadium projects, the environmental requirements built into their design and the pride of contributing to a national project that will leave a lasting legacy for future generations.
Cafonline.com: Can you describe your exact role within ANEP in relation to the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025?
Zineb Benmoussa: Before describing my own role, it is important to recall ANEP’s mandate. ANEP is formally responsible for the delegated project management of the nine stadiums that will host the matches, as well as other facilities linked to Morocco’s organisation of the competition.
In concrete terms, this mission involves defining and preparing project programmes, leading studies, managing and coordinating construction works, and overseeing the administrative and financial aspects of all nine stadium projects.
As Director General of ANEP, I define the institution’s overall strategy for managing these projects, taking into account their specific requirements. I ensure global supervision and close follow-up.
Given the urgency and sensitivity of this national project — we prepared the nine stadiums in less than two years — speed was the dominant factor.
I also represent ANEP before public partners, ensuring sound budget management, compliance with procedures, and adherence to technical and regulatory standards.
How did your previous experience prepare you for such a large-scale project?
My experience stems from my career path. I began as a young engineer, a graduate of a top engineering school, joining the institution at the start of my career.
I then held several positions of responsibility, primarily technical, before taking over as Director General. I have spent my entire career at ANEP.
This allowed me to gain extensive experience in building and upgrading sports infrastructure. I was involved in the construction of the stadiums in Fès, Marrakech and Agadir in their initial versions delivered between 2010 and 2013.
I also contributed to all projects of the Royal Moroccan Football Federation, particularly the Mohammed VI Football Complex in Maâmora, as well as training centres across the country.
In parallel, ANEP acts as delegated project manager for the Ministry of Health: we build major university hospitals (CHU), regional hospitals, and recently completed the upgrading of 1,400 health centres.
We also oversee administrative buildings for various ministries. This experience helped us refine our management and coordination methods. For the major CAN stadiums, a dedicated team was set up for each project, bringing together all technical and logistical expertise required, present on-site at all times.
This close monitoring is the key to the programme’s success and explains how deadlines were met.
How were the nine stadiums designed to ensure comfort for spectators and players?
The nine stadiums — Prince Moulay Abdellah Sports Complex, Moulay Hassan Stadium, Al Barid Stadium, Olympic Stadium, Fès Sports Complex, Grand Stade de Tanger, Marrakech Stadium, and Mohammed V Complex in Casablanca — were designed from the outset to meet CAF standards, and for some of them, FIFA standards as well.
Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium and the Grand Stade de Tanger already comply with FIFA 2030 standards.
These standards prioritise above all the comfort of spectators and players.
For spectators, they ensure good visibility from all stands, appropriate dimensions for smooth circulation, accessibility for people with specific needs, and a sufficient number of support facilities such as restrooms, refreshment areas, and lounges.
For players, CAF and FIFA requirements ensure secure, separate circulation routes and spaces designed according to international standards.
We also incorporated Moroccan design elements, with colours and motifs inspired by local culture, to provide a pleasant, professional and functional environment that supports preparation and recovery.
Were there specific environmental requirements in the construction of these stadiums?
Yes, absolutely. The Prince Moulay Abdellah Grand Stadium is already HQE-certified (High Environmental Quality). There is a certification for the design and construction phase, and another for after project completion. The first has already been obtained, and we are in the final stages of post-completion certification.
Environmental considerations were integrated from the design phase, including the use of natural ventilation whenever possible, energy efficiency optimisation, effective lighting systems, and sustainable solutions for water and waste management.
Which aspects of the project did you find most personally rewarding?
The entire programme was fascinating, particularly the extremely tight deadlines. As an engineer, the architectural envelopes — especially those of the Prince Moulay Abdellah Grand Stadium and the Grand Stade de Tanger — stood out for me.
The technical complexity of the steel structures made this phase especially delicate. Extreme precision is required in both design and execution, as the slightest error can impact the entire structure.
Once the stadium envelope is completed, a major milestone is reached: finishing works can begin, and the project enters its final phase.
As a woman supervising such a major project, how did you feel about the responsibility?
Taking responsibility for constructing and upgrading nine stadiums to CAF standards — including two meeting FIFA 2030 standards — is not easy for anyone, man or woman.
For example, the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium site had up to 13,000 workers. Managing such an operation with simultaneous tasks is extremely complex. Challenges were nearly daily, requiring resilience, quick decision-making, and the ability to maintain a positive human dynamic.
Being a woman can sometimes help create a working atmosphere characterised by diplomacy and calm. This role brought me deep personal fulfilment and immense pride, as we contributed to a national project inspired by the enlightened vision of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, may God assist him.
How do these stadiums fit into Morocco’s long-term vision for sports infrastructure?
For several years, Morocco has implemented an ambitious sports strategy, reflected today in its hosting of continental and international competitions.
The infrastructure modernisation programme aims to provide facilities meeting global standards and position Morocco among the leaders in this field.
Beyond CAN 2025 and the 2030 World Cup, these stadiums will contribute sustainably to the development of sports nationwide and will serve as multifunctional venues capable of hosting sports and cultural events.
What lessons do you take from this project for the future?
Managing projects with major technical constraints and tight deadlines has been a valuable source of learning for ANEP teams. These lessons will strengthen our efficiency and prepare future generations to better manage Morocco’s major infrastructure projects.
What legacy do you hope to leave through this TotalEnergies CAF AFCON 2025?
I hope this challenge becomes a symbol of ambition and perseverance for future generations.
