Seif Kousmate (b. 1988, Essaouira) is a Morocco-based self-taught photographer who has developed a visual vocabulary that knits together documentary and the poetry of fine art photography. He is the co-founder of KOZ collective. After working as a Project Manager in the civil engineering sector, Kousmate dedicated himself professionally to photography beginning in 2016. Since then, he has worked on visual projects addressing migration and youth in Africa. Since 2020, he has worked on the project Waha (The Dying Soul), a multi-dimensional essay that captures the consequences of climate change and globalization on the Moroccan oases ecosystem. A National Geographic Explorer since 2018, Kousmate was selected for the 6x6 Global Talent Program by World Press Photo in 2020 and is a Magnum Foundation and Prince Claus' grantees. He is among the 2022 Foam Talent, and his project Waha is shortlisted at the Prix Roederer at Rencontres d’Arles. Kousmate’s work has been exhibited in Europe and Africa, and published in international magazines and newspapers including The New York Times, Newsweek, The Guardian, and El Pais.