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A S C I C 2 0 2 6

October 27-29, 2026

AFRICAN SMART CITIES & INNOVATION CONGRESS (ASCIC2026)

Intelligent Turn: Drawing on Digital Technologies For Sustainable Governance

Laâyoune, Morocco Hybrid format: On-site & Online

His Majesty King Mohammed VI

About Conference

Welcome to the African Smart Cities & Innovation Congress 2026

Laâyoune, Morocco

The African Smart Cities & Innovation Congress 2026 will take place in the city of Laâyoune, a vibrant symbol of the Moroccan Kingdom’s development strategy in its Southern Provinces. The city represents a dynamic environment where forward-looking urban development meets advanced digital technologies. This major international event will serve as a strategic platform to showcase pioneering initiatives in smart cities, digital governance, and urban innovation.

As Africa experiences rapid urban growth and accelerated digital transformation, the continent has emerged as a fertile ground for innovative smart city solutions. From IoT, AI, big data, and 5G technologies to interdisciplinary perspectives across all scientific fields, the Congress will bring together policymakers, technology experts, industry leaders, researchers, startups, civil society actors, innovators, and PhD students. Together, they will explore forward-thinking initiatives designed to shape the cities of tomorrow. With the growing need for sustainable and inclusive urban development, this congress provides a unique opportunity to exchange knowledge, address emerging challenges, and build new international collaborations.

Join us for three days of inspiring experiences, featuring visionary keynote speeches, interactive panels, and presentations of proven projects and successful case studies. The event will offer valuable opportunities for networking, partnerships, and the sharing of innovative ideas that will influence the future of smart and sustainable urban ecosystems across Africa and beyond.

Research Themes

Main Topics

01
Smart Governance & Digital Transformation
  • Digital government and e-governance
  • Data-driven public decision-making
  • Open government and civic participation
  • Digital identity and public service innovation
02
Artificial Intelligence for Smart Cities
  • AI for urban planning and management
  • AI-driven public services
  • Ethical AI and responsible digital governance
  • Intelligent decision-support systems
03
IoT & Urban Connectivity
  • IoT platforms for smart cities
  • Smart sensors and urban data infrastructure
  • Edge computing and real-time city monitoring
  • Smart city interoperability and standards
04
Big Data, Urban Analytics & Decision Support
  • Urban data platforms and analytics
  • Predictive analytics for city management
  • Data governance and privacy
  • Smart dashboards and digital twins
05
Smart Mobility & Intelligent Transportation
  • Smart traffic management
  • Sustainable and connected mobility
  • Autonomous and electric transport
  • Mobility-as-a-service
06
Smart Energy & Sustainable Infrastructure
  • Smart grids and renewable energy
  • Energy-efficient buildings and districts
  • Green infrastructure and climate adaptation
  • Sustainable urban infrastructure
07
Smart Environment & Climate Resilience
  • Environmental monitoring systems
  • Smart water and waste management
  • Climate-resilient urban planning
  • Nature-based solutions for cities
08
Cybersecurity & Data Protection
  • Cyber-resilient urban infrastructures
  • Secure digital services and smart systems
  • Privacy and ethical data use
  • Security of IoT and connected infrastructures
09
Digital Economy, Innovation & Entrepreneurship
  • Innovation ecosystems and smart startups
  • Digital transformation of industries
  • Smart city innovation and living labs
  • Technology transfer and commercialization
10
Smart Society, Education & Digital Inclusion
  • Smart education and digital learning
  • Digital inclusion and equitable access
  • Citizen engagement and participatory innovation
  • Social innovation for smart communities
11
Smart Health & Digital Public Services
  • Digital health systems and telemedicine
  • AI in healthcare services
  • Public health monitoring in smart cities
  • Health data analytics and decision-making
12
Governance, Policy & International Cooperation
  • Smart city governance models
  • Public-private partnerships
  • Policy frameworks for sustainable innovation
  • African and international collaboration
13
Smart Urban Infrastructure: Integrating Structural Health Monitoring with IoT and Digital Platforms
14
AI-Driven Structural Analysis and Finite Element Simulation for Smart and Resilient Cities
15
BIM and Digital Twins for Smart City Design, Monitoring, and Lifecycle Management
Congress Goals

Our
Objectives

The African Smart Cities & Innovation Congress unites visionaries, researchers, and decision-makers to accelerate the transformation of African cities into resilient, inclusive, and intelligent urban ecosystems.

01

Promote research and innovation in smart city development

02

Strengthen North-South cooperation

03

Encourage academia–industry collaboration

04

Share best practices and case studies to transform cities

05

Support sustainable and resilient urban policies

06

Recognize and support innovative city strategies that drive meaningful change

07

Provide strong answers to concrete urban challenges

08

Inspire collaboration and accelerate the adoption of ideas

09

Define a roadmap to move from words to action

What's Happening

Conference Activities

Keynote Speeches
Plenary Sessions
Thematic Panels
Workshops
Round Tables
Doctoral Consortium
Hackathon
Exhibitions
B2B & Networking
Who Attends

Target Audience

Policymakers & Public Sector Decision-Makers
Urban Planners & Smart City Developers
Researchers & Academics
Private & Industry Sector Representatives
NGOs & Sustainable Urban Organizations
PhD Students, Engineers & Startups
Abstract or Full Paper / Orals and Posters Communication

Call for Papers

Important Dates

Abstract or full papers Submission Deadline Extended to October 05th, 2026
Paper Acceptance October 10th, 2026
Camera-ready October 17th, 2026
Registration October 17th, 2026

Instructions to Authors

  • Prospective authors (academic and professional communities) are kindly invited to submit their abstract or original unpublished full papers including tables, figures, and references.
  • All submissions should be written in English.
  • All submissions are handled through the Microsoft Conference Management Toolkit:
    https://cmt3.research.microsoft.com/ASCIC2026
  • Authors must register their email with CMT. Create a CMT account.
  • For submission help, see submit a paper.
  • All papers will be evaluated by at least two independent reviewers for quality, significance, originality, clarity, and relevance.
  • The conference will be conducted in hybrid mode, allowing authors to present either in-person or online.

The Microsoft CMT service was used for managing the peer-reviewing process for this conference. This service was provided for free by Microsoft and they bore all expenses, including costs for Azure cloud services as well as for software development and support.

FULL PAPER SUBMISSION (For Oral Communication)

All full papers must adhere to the following formatting:

ABSTRACT SUBMISSION (For Poster Communication)

  • The abstracts should include the title, the names and affiliation(s) of the author(s), the respective keywords and the Conference’s specific theme and topic.
  • The length of the abstract should be exactly one (1) page.
  • For the preparation of your abstract, please download the Abstract Template below and use it in preparing your abstract.

Publication & Indexing Options:

  • All accepted papers will be published in conference proceedings by Scopus indexed Springer Book series: Springer LNNS. ISSN: 2367-3370, Series: https://www.springer.com/series/15179
  • Springer LNNS Proceedings
  • Authors of selected papers will be invited to submit an extended version of their manuscripts for journal publication in a special issues/sections of relevant and renowned journals (Scopus indexed Journals)..

📥 Feel free to download and share the PDF version of the Call for Papers below:

Best Paper Award

Outstanding papers will be selected in each of the conference tracks.

🏆 Awards winners receive a 50% registration discount for the next ASCIC.

Keynote Speakers

Keynote Speakers

Laurent Canale

IEEE Senior Member, Toulouse University, France

Nour-Eddin El Faouzi

Professor and Research Director, Gustave Eiffel University, France

Saad Younis Jasim

President, SJ Environmental Consultants (Windsor) Inc, Ontario, Canada

Khalid Berrada

Director of ICESCO’s Open Education

Sandra Baer

Brand Ambassador, SmartCitiesWorld, Washington, United States of America

Jamal Alotaibi

Qassim University, Saudi Arabia

Grace Kimaru

ASCIF Ambassador and Founder Foster Green Organization, Kenya

Mohammed Seaid

Durham University, United Kingdom

Colin de la Higuera

UNESCO Chair RELIA and Professor in Computer Science at University of Nantes, France

Mike Singh

Chairman of the Telkom Caribe Group, TC Energy & ICT Infra, USA

Sultan Al Sultan

CEO, Environmental Center Of Remote Sensing, Ryiadh, KSA

Abdellatif El Afia

University Mohammed V - Rabat, Mrocco

Bashir Saleh

Head of the Construction Division, Libyan Academy, Tripoli

Madiha BENCEKRI

Road Network Specialist at the Ministry of Transport-Qatar, Research Professor, University of Seoul, Korea

Corey Gray

President and Chair, Smart Cities Council, Washington DC, USA

Robert Laurini

University of Lyon, France

Jaewon Peter Chun

President, World SmartCities Forum (WSCF)

Shaik Hamdan

Middle East Regional Lead for the Smart Cities Council, Abou Dabi, Émirats arabes unis

Antonio J. Jara

Chief Technology Officer, Libelium, Spain

Maalainine Taleb Bouya

President of the regional section of Sahara Forum for Dialogue and Cultures, Laayoune-Sakia El Hamra region, Morocco

Houssain Kettani

Al-Akhawayn University, Morocco

Az Eddine Bennani

Professor and Senior Expert in Artificial Intelligence, Digital Strategy, and Systemic Governance.

Mohamed Hakim Belkadi

Systemic architect of value and territory judicial expert in predictive urban ecosystems and interconnected environments specialist in territorial cybernetics founder of the TISU ( urban systemic entanglement theory ) UNAccc global SDG advisor & Ambassador, Morroco

Badr Ben Hichou

Smart Cities Expert, Harmony Technology, Morocco

Dr. Abdelaziz Lakhfaouni

Delegate Member of the Arab Council for Creativity and Innovation and Representative of the Council in the Kingdom of Morocco

Nouraddine Gribi

Member of the Commission for Moroccans Residing Abroad Sahara Forum for Dialogue & Cultures, Netherlands

Hazem Galal

Top Urban and Top Urban AI, Doubaï, Émirats arabes unis

Tarik Moudni

Director of STM, Morocco

Gianluca Misuraca

founder and Vice President on Technology Diplomacy and International Relations of Inspiring Futures (IF)

Mohamed Bussif

Expert en géopolitique-Rabat

Ismail Amir Sido

Director of Development and External Relations, SupMti, Mrocco

Abderrahim kssiri

Aspect-Maroc

Ali Soltani

senior researcher in computational urban planning and policy, University of New England, Sydney

Hassan Agouzol

Senior Expert, Co-Fonder of the imal initiative for Climate & Development

MONIR EL MOUNAOUI

technical director (CTO) and R&D manager of Global Technology Solutions & Services (GT2S), France

Cornelia Levy-Bencheton

Expert in Community Engagement, Marketing, and Urban Innovation

Youssef MOUFAK

VP Partnerships & Ecosystems - ABA TECHNOLOGY
0

Participants

0

Hackathon Projects

0

Keynote Speakers

0

Exhibitors

Organizers

Ibn Zohr University
Abdelmalek Essaadi University
Mediterranean Smart Cities Forum
SCERADD

Co-Organizers

EST-TETOUAN
EST-LAAYOUNE
icesco
ISLAMI-WORLD-UNI

Partners

Université Ibn Zohr
Wilaya Laâyoune Sakia EL Hamra
Commune de Laâyoune
OCP Phosboucraa
MASEN
ONEE Branche Eau
ONEE Branche Électricité
CRI Laâyoune
ANEF
ONSSA
ONP
INRH
ANDA
ONCA
CCIS LSH
Ensemble d’Artisanat
Groupement Sanitaire Territorial
OFPPT
CMC Laâyoune
Attijariwafa Bank
Banque Populaire
Bank of Africa
CIH Bank
Tamwilcom
Ciments du Maroc
Nareva
CFCIM
MAP Maroc
SNRT
Laâyoune Connect
WSCF
scc
ascif
ACCI
sahara
stm
Alaoula
cri-rdod
FMP
lagence-du-sud
Oracle
Libelium
Asus
HPE
Orange
Basikon
Hikvision
Eki
Up-Network-Maroc
supmti
aesvt
cmed
Schedule

Conference Program

  • First Day Oct 27, 2026
  • Second Day Oct 28, 2026
  • Third Day Oct 29, 2026
08:00 AM - 05:00 PM

Modern Marketing Summit Sydney 2023

October 27-29, 2026 AFRICAN SMART CITIES & INNOVATION CONGRESS (ASCIC2026) Intelligent Turn: Drawing on Digital Technologies For Sustainable Governance Laâyoune, Morocco Hybrid format: On-site & Online About Us Contact His ...
08:00 AM - 05:00 PM

Modern Marketing Summit Sydney 2023

October 27-29, 2026 AFRICAN SMART CITIES & INNOVATION CONGRESS (ASCIC2026) Intelligent Turn: Drawing on Digital Technologies For Sustainable Governance Laâyoune, Morocco Hybrid format: On-site & Online About Us Contact His ...
08:00 AM - 05:00 PM

Modern Marketing Summit Sydney 2023

October 27-29, 2026 AFRICAN SMART CITIES & INNOVATION CONGRESS (ASCIC2026) Intelligent Turn: Drawing on Digital Technologies For Sustainable Governance Laâyoune, Morocco Hybrid format: On-site & Online About Us Contact His ...
08:00 AM - 05:00 PM

Modern Marketing Summit Sydney 2023

October 27-29, 2026 AFRICAN SMART CITIES & INNOVATION CONGRESS (ASCIC2026) Intelligent Turn: Drawing on Digital Technologies For Sustainable Governance Laâyoune, Morocco Hybrid format: On-site & Online About Us Contact His ...
08:00 AM - 05:00 PM

Modern Marketing Summit Sydney 2023

October 27-29, 2026 AFRICAN SMART CITIES & INNOVATION CONGRESS (ASCIC2026) Intelligent Turn: Drawing on Digital Technologies For Sustainable Governance Laâyoune, Morocco Hybrid format: On-site & Online About Us Contact His ...
08:00 AM - 05:00 PM

Modern Marketing Summit Sydney 2023

October 27-29, 2026 AFRICAN SMART CITIES & INNOVATION CONGRESS (ASCIC2026) Intelligent Turn: Drawing on Digital Technologies For Sustainable Governance Laâyoune, Morocco Hybrid format: On-site & Online About Us Contact His ...
08:00 AM - 05:00 PM

Modern Marketing Summit Sydney 2023

October 27-29, 2026 AFRICAN SMART CITIES & INNOVATION CONGRESS (ASCIC2026) Intelligent Turn: Drawing on Digital Technologies For Sustainable Governance Laâyoune, Morocco Hybrid format: On-site & Online About Us Contact His ...
08:00 AM - 05:00 PM

Modern Marketing Summit Sydney 2023

October 27-29, 2026 AFRICAN SMART CITIES & INNOVATION CONGRESS (ASCIC2026) Intelligent Turn: Drawing on Digital Technologies For Sustainable Governance Laâyoune, Morocco Hybrid format: On-site & Online About Us Contact His ...
08:00 AM - 05:00 PM

Modern Marketing Summit Sydney 2023

October 27-29, 2026 AFRICAN SMART CITIES & INNOVATION CONGRESS (ASCIC2026) Intelligent Turn: Drawing on Digital Technologies For Sustainable Governance Laâyoune, Morocco Hybrid format: On-site & Online About Us Contact His ...
08:00 AM - 05:00 PM

Modern Marketing Summit Sydney 2023

October 27-29, 2026 AFRICAN SMART CITIES & INNOVATION CONGRESS (ASCIC2026) Intelligent Turn: Drawing on Digital Technologies For Sustainable Governance Laâyoune, Morocco Hybrid format: On-site & Online About Us Contact His ...
08:00 AM - 05:00 PM

Modern Marketing Summit Sydney 2023

October 27-29, 2026 AFRICAN SMART CITIES & INNOVATION CONGRESS (ASCIC2026) Intelligent Turn: Drawing on Digital Technologies For Sustainable Governance Laâyoune, Morocco Hybrid format: On-site & Online About Us Contact His ...
08:00 AM - 05:00 PM

Modern Marketing Summit Sydney 2023

October 27-29, 2026 AFRICAN SMART CITIES & INNOVATION CONGRESS (ASCIC2026) Intelligent Turn: Drawing on Digital Technologies For Sustainable Governance Laâyoune, Morocco Hybrid format: On-site & Online About Us Contact His ...
08:00 AM - 05:00 PM

Modern Marketing Summit Sydney 2023

October 27-29, 2026 AFRICAN SMART CITIES & INNOVATION CONGRESS (ASCIC2026) Intelligent Turn: Drawing on Digital Technologies For Sustainable Governance Laâyoune, Morocco Hybrid format: On-site & Online About Us Contact His ...
08:00 AM - 05:00 PM

Modern Marketing Summit Sydney 2023

October 27-29, 2026 AFRICAN SMART CITIES & INNOVATION CONGRESS (ASCIC2026) Intelligent Turn: Drawing on Digital Technologies For Sustainable Governance Laâyoune, Morocco Hybrid format: On-site & Online About Us Contact His ...
08:00 AM - 05:00 PM

Modern Marketing Summit Sydney 2023

October 27-29, 2026 AFRICAN SMART CITIES & INNOVATION CONGRESS (ASCIC2026) Intelligent Turn: Drawing on Digital Technologies For Sustainable Governance Laâyoune, Morocco Hybrid format: On-site & Online About Us Contact His ...
08:00 AM - 05:00 PM

Modern Marketing Summit Sydney 2023

October 27-29, 2026 AFRICAN SMART CITIES & INNOVATION CONGRESS (ASCIC2026) Intelligent Turn: Drawing on Digital Technologies For Sustainable Governance Laâyoune, Morocco Hybrid format: On-site & Online About Us Contact His ...
08:00 AM - 05:00 PM

Modern Marketing Summit Sydney 2023

October 27-29, 2026 AFRICAN SMART CITIES & INNOVATION CONGRESS (ASCIC2026) Intelligent Turn: Drawing on Digital Technologies For Sustainable Governance Laâyoune, Morocco Hybrid format: On-site & Online About Us Contact His ...
08:00 AM - 05:00 PM

Modern Marketing Summit Sydney 2023

October 27-29, 2026 AFRICAN SMART CITIES & INNOVATION CONGRESS (ASCIC2026) Intelligent Turn: Drawing on Digital Technologies For Sustainable Governance Laâyoune, Morocco Hybrid format: On-site & Online About Us Contact His ...
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Venue Info

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Hotel & Resort

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Transport

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Venue

Join us in the beautiful city of Laâyoune, Morocco.

Accommodation

Recommended hotels in Laâyoune for your stay.

Hotel Parador

City Center, Laâyoune

A classic and historic hotel located in the heart of Laâyoune, offering premium services and comfortable rooms for conference attendees.

Book on Booking

Hotel Al Massira

Avenue de la Mecque

A business hotel about 350 m from the center, with an outdoor swimming pool, two restaurants, free Wi-Fi throughout and a tour desk for excursions. An airport shuttle is available for a fee.

Book on Booking

Hotel Emilio Moretti

Place Oum Saad, Avenue Afghanistan

A four-star hotel a few steps from the airport, with a restaurant, free Wi-Fi, free parking and a 24-hour front desk. Guests rate its staff and location the highest.

Book on Booking

Sahariano Hotel City Center

Boulevard Mekka, City Center

A modern three-star about 400 m from the center, with air conditioning, free Wi-Fi, room service and a 24-hour front desk. Well rated on Booking, with more than 1,200 guest reviews.

Book on Booking

Sahara Line Hotel

Corner of Kairawane and 24 Novembre

A central three-star a short walk from Place Oum Saad, with a 24-hour front desk, room service, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Guests praise the breakfast, clean rooms and friendly staff.

Book on Booking

MH Hotel La Casa

Hay El Hassani, Avenue El Mourabitin

A newer three-star about 1.2 km from the center, with a restaurant, room service, free Wi-Fi and airport transportation. Rated among the best on Booking for comfort and cleanliness.

Book on Booking

Hotel Borj Safae

Avenue Mohammed VI, Lotissement Erraha

A three-star about 4 km from the center, with a terrace, free Wi-Fi, room service and parking next to the hotel. Family rooms have balconies, and guests rate the staff highly.

Book on Booking

More hotels

On Booking.com

Browse every hotel and apartment in Laâyoune, with live prices and availability.

See all hotels

Getting There

Flights and coaches serving Laâyoune.

By air

Hassan I Airport (EUN) is only a few kilometers from the city center. Royal Air Maroc flies to Laâyoune daily from Casablanca and also connects it with other Moroccan cities such as Marrakech, Rabat and Agadir. Binter Canarias links the city with Gran Canaria.

Book your ticket on the airlines' official websites:

Choose Laâyoune (EUN) as your destination on Royal Air Maroc or Binter. Schedules change by season, so check before you book.

By road

CTM and Supratours coaches serve Laâyoune and arrive at the Gare Routière. From Casablanca the overnight journey takes roughly 18 to 19 hours, which is why most visitors choose to fly.

Book your coach ticket on the official websites:

Check timetables before you travel, as they can change.

Getting Around

Taxis, airport transfers and car rental in Laâyoune.

From the airport

The airport is about 2 to 3 km from the center, a 5 to 10 minute drive. No regular public shuttle serves it, so most arrivals take a taxi.

Agree on the fare before you set off. Hotel Al Massira and MH Hotel La Casa list airport transfers among their services, so ask when you book.

Petit taxi

City taxis for trips within Laâyoune. They take up to three passengers and stay inside the city limits.

Ask the driver to use the meter, or agree on the price before you get in. Fares are usually higher at night.

Grand taxi

Larger taxis for trips beyond the city, such as Foum El Oued beach, 20 to 25 km away. They run shared on fixed routes, or you can charter the whole car.

Always settle the price before departure.

Car rental

International and local companies rent cars in Laâyoune. Avis and Green Motion are among the brands listing a pick-up point at the airport, and local agencies are listed below.

Reserve ahead in busy periods and bring your driving licence and passport.

Good to know

  • Taxis are paid in cash. Carry dirhams in small notes.
  • Your hotel's front desk can call a taxi for you and tell you the usual fare to your destination.
  • Keep your hotel's name and address on your phone to show the driver.

Agencies & Transport

Local travel agencies and tourist transport operators in Laâyoune.

Arremal Travels

Travel agency

64 Avenue de la Mecque, Laâyoune

La Vida Travels

Travel agency

2 Avenue de la Mecque, 3rd floor, Laâyoune

Banna Tours

Travel agency

Boulevard Mohammed VI, corner of Boulevard Lalla Fatima, Lot Al Mostakbal

Storm Tours

Car rental and tourist transport

Boulevard Khalid Bnou Loualid, Tran Sahara district

Listings are provided for convenience and are not an endorsement. Please confirm services, availability and prices directly with each operator.