The fifth edition of the Grand Prix d’Afrique concluded a three-day gathering that blended professional industry seminars with elite equine competition, bringing together racing delegates and lottery operators from 14 countries. According to reports from regional media outlets, the event took place from September 10 to 12, marking its first time splitting activities between El Jadida and Casablanca.
Professional Seminars and B2B Startup Exhibition at El Jadida
For the first time since its inception, the professional meetings of the Grand Prix d’Afrique shifted to El Jadida, utilizing the Mohammed VI Exhibition Centre for the opening phases. The Société Royale d’Encouragement du Cheval (SOREC), in partnership with the African Lotteries Association (ALA), hosted delegations from 14 nations alongside international racing stakeholders.
The opening day on Thursday, September 10, featured an official opening ceremony and a B2B exhibition designed to connect industry operators. According to coverage from Hespress Français, the exhibition hosted 25 partner companies, including 10 startups that showcased operational solutions and digital expertise to visiting delegations. SOREC positioned itself as an incubator within the African racing ecosystem by carving out dedicated space for these emerging firms to forge direct business relationships.
On Friday, September 11, attention turned to the ALA seminar centered around the theme “Culture, social behaviors, and consumption in the African lottery business.” Panelists and international partners presented market analyses, followed by cultural showcases highlighting regional specificities across participating African delegations. Roundtables examined how shifting consumer habits influence the commercial evolution of lotteries across the continent.
Costa Fal Claims Victory in Casablanca Finale
Competition shifted to Casablanca on Saturday, September 12, for the racing card that brought the summit to a close. The afternoon featured eight distinct horse races, culminating in the marquee Grand Prix d’Afrique event.
According to Al Jareeda, the feature race was won by Costa Fal. Owned and trained by Mourad Zinoune and guided by jockey Madihi Zouhair, the winning horse completed the course in 2 minutes and 08.48 seconds. The victory capped a transition from previous iterations of the event, which had been hosted entirely in Marrakech for its first three editions, followed by a Casablanca stop in 2025.
Evolution and Geographic Shift of the Summit
While the sporting and professional components concluded on September 12, organizers have not yet announced the venue or dates for the sixth edition.
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