Villes marocaines et migrations

Swiss partners

• Ecole polytechnique fédérale de Lausanne EPFL: Jerôme Chenal (main applicant), Salifou Ndam, Jean-Claude Baraka Munyaka, Pablo De Roulet

Partners in the MENA region

• Université Internationale de Rabat, Morocco: Nawal Benabdallah (main applicant), Mariame Chahbi, Youssef El Ganadi, Zinab Himeur, Lamiae Moujoud

Presentation of the project

The Villes Marocaines et Migrations (VMM) project is a collaborative research initiative between the École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL) and the Université Internationale de Rabat (UIR). Supported by HES-SO and the MESRI, it examines the dynamics of urban migration in Morocco, focusing on Casablanca and Rabat.

Through mixed methods (quantitative and qualitative), the study explores how sub-Saharan African migrants use and appropriate public spaces, the challenges they face, and how urban governance shapes integration.
Major achievements include:
• Development of a digital questionnaire on Kobo Toolbox;
• Field data collection from 140 migrants across five urban districts;
• Organization of a round table at UIR (April 2024) and a symposium at EPFL (December 2024);
• Publication of three scientific papers and one special issue in the African Cities Journal.

The project strengthens South–North collaboration, contributes to evidence-based policy on urban integration, and supports inclusive governance for resilient African cities.