As Morocco’s capital continues to assert itself as a dynamic and influential metropolis on the international stage, some figures work—often away from the spotlight—to strengthen its strategic positioning. Among them, Ms. Hayat Samistands out as a key actor in promoting Rabat’s global influence, thanks to her unwavering commitment, recognized expertise, and deep dedication to the public good.
Since joining the municipal administration in 1996, Ms. Sami has steadily risen through the ranks, holding several high-level positions. Since 2017, she has served as Head of the Division for Decentralized Cooperation and Partnerships, breathing new life into the city’s international action by building bridges with institutions and local governments across the world.
Her vision is anchored in a clear strategy: to foster exchanges, strengthen local capacities, and mobilize innovative resources to support urban development. An approach that has already yielded tangible results.
Thanks to her effective leadership, Rabat has secured key strategic partnerships with major international players such as KOICA (South Korea), AFD (France), GIZ (Germany), and UN Women.
The impact of these partnerships is visible in concrete projects focused on sustainable mobility, training, innovation, and the environment, delivering direct benefits to citizens.
Under Ms. Sami’s guidance, Rabat has also strengthened its presence in major international forums. The city now holds seats in several high-level bodies, including the Treasury of United Cities and Local Governments (UCLG), the Presidency of Metropolis, and the Co-Chairmanship of the Strong Cities Network. This institutional recognition is the result of long-term, visionary and strategic work.
A graduate of ESSEC Paris, the International University of Rabat, and trained in several prestigious institutions, Ms. Sami combines academic excellence with practical field expertise. Multilingual and highly adaptable, she excels in managing complex, multicultural projects. Faithful to the Royal Vision and national priorities, she has always maintained a neutral, apolitical stance—placing her skills at the service of the city and its people, while also strengthening ties with sister cities across the African continent.
Her commitment to South-South partnerships, particularly through the African Fund for Decentralized Cooperation, has helped launch innovative projects in cities such as Dakar, Brazzaville, Praia, and Djibouti—all within a framework of solidarity and mutual expertise. This pan-African vision is fully aligned with Morocco’s African policy as envisioned by His Majesty King Mohammed VI.
Today, Ms. Hayat Sami embodies a new generation of Moroccan public officials, grounded in the values of service, innovation, and openness. Through her work, she represents a modern, humanist, and deeply pan-African model of female leadership.
