Morocco is experiencing rapid urbanization under the combined pressure of growth demographic (the population has more than doubled in 30 years) and the rural exodus. The rate of urbanization should thus reach 68% in 2030. This situation has generated problems new urban areas and major spatial and socio-economic imbalances (emergence of slums and unsanitary housing, failure of urban transport, etc.). It relates to particularly the region of Grand Casablanca (3.7 million inhabitants, 18.8% of GDP and 47% industrial jobs).

Greater Casablanca is undergoing strong urban tensions between a modern, well-off, equipped and accessible, and an East, industrial, landlocked, popular and in the process of impoverishment. He suffers from a significant shortage of housing, equipment and services for the middle classes, requiring major developments on the outskirts.

To respond to this demographic dynamic, Morocco in the early 2000s a program to create 15 new towns by 2020, including Zenata, located in the east of Greater Casablanca region.