African lotteries and horse racing unite in Casablanca for Grand Prix d’Afrique
The Grand Prix d’Afrique illustrates the vitality of the partnership between ALA and SOREC and confirms Morocco’s unifying role on the continent.
Morocco.- Casablanca played host to the fourth edition of the Grand Prix d’Afrique, held from September 11 to 13, 2025, marking the event’s first appearance in the city after three years in Marrakech.
Organised by Morocco’s Royal Society for the Encouragement of the Horse (SOREC) and the African Lotteries Association (ALA), the gathering drew delegations from 13 countries to celebrate horse racing and discuss advancements in lotteries.
The event kicked off at Bouskoura’s Cité du Cheval, an 87-hectare site with 400 stables and 4.4 kilometres of training tracks. SOREC General Director Omar Skalli led a guided tour for attendees, including Ahmed El Bouari, Morocco’s Minister of Agriculture, and ALA President, Dramane Coulibaly.
Skalli highlighted the move to Casablanca as a way to expand the event’s influence and connect participants more closely. He said: “The Grand Prix d’Afrique is growing into a vital event for stakeholders in African horse racing and lotteries. By holding it in Casablanca for the first time, the 2025 edition shows our commitment to expanding the event’s reach and building stronger connections among all the delegations.”
Coulibaly added: “The Grand Prix d’Afrique illustrates the vitality of the partnership between ALA and SOREC and confirms Morocco’s unifying role on the continent. This edition reflects our shared ambition to support innovation and the transformation of African lotteries to deliver a modern and responsible experience.”
The second day’s programme featured seminars at the Cité du Cheval, under the theme “African Lotteries: New Distribution Challenges for a Better Customer Experience”. Discussions explored strategies to improve customer access via both physical and digital channels, with a spotlight on leveraging artificial intelligence to streamline operations and cater to the unique needs of the African market. Experts from the industry shared ideas on modernisation and responsibility in the sector.
The event concluded on 13 September with a race day at the Casa-Anfa Racecourse, featuring eight prize-giving ceremonies that drew large crowds and showcased skilled riders and horses.
Omar Lakjal rode Lity Hiro to win the SOREC Prize, while Kacem Faddoul claimed the PMU Prize on Boltril. Zouhair Madihi took the African Fraternity Prize aboard Dunapolis and later secured the top honour in the Grand Prix d’Afrique on Casa de Campo.
