Rabat – Saïdia Mediterrania has become the first development project in Africa to reach the final phase of the HQE Sustainable Development Certification, marking a milestone for sustainable urban planning on the continent.
The destination has successfully obtained Phase 6 – Assessment and Knowledge Sharing, the final stage of the internationally recognized certification process.
The achievement follows several years of work aimed at integrating environmental, social, and economic sustainability into the project’s development.
It recognizes Saïdia Mediterrania’s ability to balance tourism growth, economic value creation, natural resource preservation, and long-term quality of life.
Developed by the CDG Group through the Saïdia Development Company (SDS), the project is now positioned as a continental benchmark for sustainable territorial development.
The certification highlights Morocco’s expertise in responsible urban planning while reinforcing the destination’s credibility among investors, institutional partners, and stakeholders.
The HQE Sustainable Development Certification, managed by Certivéa, assesses projects through six stages: launch, initial analysis, objective setting and contractualization, design, implementation, and final assessment and capitalization.
Completing the full process confirms that Saïdia Mediterrania has met international standards for governance, stakeholder engagement, and sustainable project management from planning to completion.
Beyond environmental performance, the certification also evaluates social and economic impacts, recognizing projects that create long-term value for local communities, visitors, and surrounding ecosystems.
“This international certification is of strategic importance for our destination. It validates the sustainable development vision we have pursued since the project’s inception,” said Jalil Bennis, Director General of the Saïdia Development Company (SDS) in a press statement.
“We are proud to be the first in Africa to complete this demanding process, proving that territorial development can drive a more respectful, inclusive, and prosperous future.”
The recognition further strengthens Saïdia Mediterrania’s position as one of Morocco’s flagship sustainable tourism destinations and reflects the country’s growing focus on internationally recognized standards for responsible development.
