At the confluence of Europe, Sub-Saharan Africa, and the Middle East, Morocco seeks to transform itself into a regional business hub by leveraging its geographically strategic location, political stability, and world-class infrastructure to expand as a regional manufacturing and export base for international companies. Morocco actively encourages and facilitates foreign investment, particularly in export sectors like manufacturing, through positive macro-economic policies, trade liberalization, investment incentives, and structural reforms. The Government of Morocco implements strategies aimed at boosting employment, attracting foreign investment, and raising performance and output in key revenue-earning sectors, with an emphasis placed on value-added industries such as renewables, automotive, aerospace, textile, pharmaceuticals, outsourcing, and agro-industry.

As part of the Government’s development plan, Morocco continues to make major investments in renewable energy and is on track to meet its stated goal of 52 percent total installed capacity by 2030. The New Development Model , an overarching plan for economic reform released in April of 2021, lays out the country’s ambition to increase the share of renewable energy in total energy consumption from 19.5 percent in 2021 to 40 percent by 2035. Opportunities for green investment include smart grids, green hydrogen, energy storage, and renewable energy.

According to the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development’s (UNCTAD)  World Investment Report 2022  , Morocco attracted the ninth-most foreign direct investment (FDI) in Africa in 2021. Inbound FDI rose by 52 percent in 2021 to $2.2 billion, vice $1.7 billion in 2020 and 2019 and a 2018 peak of $3.6 billion. France, the United Arab Emirates, and Spain hold a majority of FDI stocks. Manufacturing attracted the highest share of FDI stocks, followed by real estate, telecommunications, tourism, and energy and mines. Morocco continues to orient itself as the “gateway to Africa,” and expanded on this role with its return to the African Union in January 2017 and the launch of the African Continental Free Trade Area (CFTA), which entered into force in 2021. In June 2019, Morocco opened an extension of the Tangier-Med commercial shipping port, making it the largest in Africa and the Mediterranean; the government is developing a third phase for the port which will increase capacity to five million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs). Tangier is connected to Morocco’s political capital in Rabat and commercial hub in Casablanca by Africa’s first high-speed train service. However, weak intellectual property rights enforcement, inefficient government bureaucracy, corruption, and the slow pace of regulatory reform remain challenges.

In 2022, Morocco introduced a series of reforms to strengthen its anti-money laundering and counter terrorist financing legislation, regulations, and criminal penalties to address the weaknesses identified when Morocco was placed on the Financial Action Task Force’s (FATF) “grey list” of countries subjected to increased monitoring due to deficiencies in anti-money laundering and terrorist financing compliance in 2021. As a result of these reforms, in February 2023, Morocco was taken off the FATF grey list.

July 23, Morocco applies one of the highest statutory corporate income tax rates in the world. The report covers the 146 members of the Inclusive Framework on base erosion and profit shifting (BEPS) as of January 1, 2026. Morocco’s combined central and sub-central rate stands at 35.0%. Only France, at 36.1%, is higher. Colombia and Malta match Morocco at 35.0%.

July 22, Morocco’s medium-term economic outlook remains strong, with real GDP expected to grow by 4.3% “in the medium term,” despite the impact of the conflict in the Middle East, according to Ousmane Dione, the World Bank’s Vice President for the Middle East, North Africa, Afghanistan, and Pakistan.

July 21, Morocco registered 42,905 new businesses between January and the end of May 2026, according to new figures from the Moroccan Office of Industrial and Commercial Property (OMPIC). Companies continued to make up most new registrations. Legal entities accounted for 75% of all newly registered businesses, up from 71% during the same period last year.

July 9, Morocco’s central bank, Bank Al-Maghrib, has introduced new limits on domestic electronic payment fees, including a reduced cap for neighborhood businesses and government digital services. Under the new regulatory decision, interchange fees for electronic payments made to small local merchants and through e-government (e-Gov) services will be capped at 0.15% before tax.

June 27, Mohamed Zahoui, Director General of Morocco’s Customs and Indirect Tax Administration, and Zhang Baofeng, Deputy Minister of China’s General Administration of Customs, signed the agreements on the sidelines of the annual session of the World Customs Organization. The agreements aim to strengthen bilateral cooperation in tackling customs fraud, securing global supply chains, and advancing the digital transformation of customs services.

June 10, The Moroccan economy grew by 4.9% in 2025, up from 4.4% in 2024, according to the national accounts published by the High Commission for Planning (HCP). This performance was mainly supported by the dynamism of domestic demand, in a context marked by controlled inflation and an increase in the financing needs of the national economy.

June 3, South Africa is no longer the most industrialised economy in Africa. This is according to the African Development Bank (ADB). The ADB said South Africa had been overtaken by Morocco as the continent’s most industrialised economy, which it said was due to a combination of steady Moroccan improvement and slow South African decline.   

May 26, According to the latest report from the Department of Economic and Fiscal Forecasts (DEPF), cement sales, a key barometer of the construction sector, posted a notable year-on-year increase of 31.8% in April 2026, nearly matching the 32% growth recorded in the same period last year. In its recent economic update, DEPF noted that the rise was driven by higher deliveries across all sales segments: ready-mix concrete up 62.5%, distribution 21.8%, precast components 22.4%, infrastructure projects 27.5%, building construction 65.1% and mortar 26.5%. Cumulative cement sales by the end of April 2026 edged down 0.1% year-on-year, compared with a 10.3% growth in the prior year. The mild decline was mainly attributed to falling sales in January and February, when heavy rainfall forced temporary work suspensions at multiple construction sites.

May 25, Since May 1, multiple African countries have been granted tariff-free access to the Chinese market, opening up new opportunities for Morocco's argan oil industry. The sector is now at a critical stage as it seeks to expand sales while maintaining sustainable development. Evolving trade policies in Beijing could mark a turning point for one of Morocco's most iconic products. China has scrapped tariffs on goods imported from African nations with which it maintains diplomatic ties, allowing argan oil to enter a major consumer market that was previously partially restricted by tariff barriers. According to CGTN, producers in southern Morocco have started making arrangements to tap into the new demand.This prospect is of strategic importance. As the first major economy to offer full tariff exemptions for a wide range of African products, China has given Moroccan exports an unprecedented competitive edge.

May 21, Morocco will be among the first African countries piloting the African Digital Access and Trade Public Infrastructure (ADAPT) initiative. Jointly launched by the African Union Commission and the World Bank, the initiative aims to accelerate trade digitalization under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). Kenya and Nigeria are also selected as pilot nations. The AfCFTA Secretariat stated the selection is based on domestic ratification of relevant protocols, alongside political commitment, institutional readiness, compatibility with existing national digital infrastructure and large-scale implementation capacity. These pilot countries will play a vital role in establishing governance frameworks and conducting regulatory tests, focusing particularly on cross-border data exchange, digital payment and system interoperability. Launched in November 2025, ADAPT marks a major milestone in building the world's largest free trade zone.

May 19, Boway Group of China plans to invest nearly 220 million US dollars to build an alloy electronic material strip production plant in Morocco. Its subsidiary Ningbo Boway Alloy Material Co., Ltd. intends to construct the facility in Nador, a city in northeastern Morocco, with a designed annual production capacity of 50,000 tons. Company representatives held talks with local government officials in Nador on Thursday to push forward the project. The initiative was first unveiled last November, when the enterprise reached a preliminary agreement with Moroccan authorities. The provincial government of Nador stated in an official statement: "This meeting offers an opportunity to review project progress, particularly regarding the completion of requisite administrative approval procedures and the construction scheduling of industrial facilities." The statement was released by Morocco’s official media TeleNador and other local news outlets.

May 9, Chinese industry giant Goldwind Science & Technology is stepping up its layout in Morocco. Listed in Hong Kong and Shenzhen, the company has issued a financial guarantee of 29.4 million US dollars in favor of its subsidiary Goldwind Morocco, headquartered in Casablanca Finance City. The guarantee is tied to a long-term strategic wind power maintenance contract signed with Énergie Éolienne du Maroc.

May 1, The National Office of Hydrocarbons and Mines (ONHYM) has officially launched financing preparations for a transnational natural gas pipeline project with a total investment of 25 billion US dollars, marking its first large-scale capital raising after shareholding system reform. Known as the Nigeria-Morocco Gas Pipeline (NMGP), the project will serve as a major energy artery linking West Africa with the Mediterranean region and Europe upon completion, profoundly reshaping the energy landscape between Europe and Africa. Planned to stretch 6,900 kilometers in full length, the pipeline will connect gas fields across Nigeria, Senegal, Mauritania and other countries, directly covering ten neighboring West African nations.

April 28 ，Morocco could generate 1.7 million additional jobs by 2035 and increase real GDP by close to 20 percent above baseline – but realizing that potential will require pursuing a strong program of reforms. Two analytical reports, developed in close partnership with the Government of Morocco and released today by the World Bank Group, provide both the evidence and a policy roadmap to make that transformation a reality.

April 13, President of Morocco’s Hydrocarbons and Mining Agency (ONHYM), Amina Benkhadra, announced that Nigeria and Morocco will sign an intergovernmental agreement on the $25 billion planned gas pipeline this year. Benkhadra announced that a high committee will be created in Nigeria, following the signing of the intergovernmental agreement. The high authority will convene ministerial representatives from all 13 participating countries to “provide political and regulatory coordination.”

April 13, Huawei Morocco leveraged its fourth consecutive participation in GITEX Africa in Marrakech to showcase a sweeping and expanding portfolio that moves decisively beyond telecommunications, unveiling AI-driven, cloud, and digital infrastructure solutions aimed at transforming key sectors across the continent.

April 12, Royal Air Maroc (RAM) has received a new Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner as part of its fleet expansion strategy. Le360 (Morocco’s leading online French-language media) reported today that it received the new airline on Friday at the Mohammed V Airport in Casablanca. The new delivery expands Royal Air Maroc’s fleet to 65 aircraft. Royal Air Maroc is expected to receive more aircraft, expanding its fleet to a total of 74 aircraft by the end of this year.

April 3，Morocco received 4.3 million tourists in the first three months of this year, up 7% from ‌a  year earlier, the tourism ministry said on Friday even as tensions in the Gulf have weighed on air traffic and travel costs globally.

March 30，The Africa Feed & Food (AFF) group announces the signing of an investment agreement with RMBV and Proparco, a subsidiary of the French Development Agency group, for a capital entry of 850 million dirhams (around 78 million euros). This operation, carried out exclusively through a capital increase without the sale of existing shares, allows the group to preserve its family control while opening its capital to two leading institutional investors, according to the press release.

March 27，Morocco has secured the top position in Ireland’s green bean market, underscoring its role as the world’s leading exporter, according to East Fruit. Ireland imported 817 tons of Moroccan green beans in 2025, 2.5 times more than in 2024 and nearly seven times the volume of 2023. This marks a new record and Morocco’s first time as Ireland’s No. 1 supplier.

March 25，ACAPLAST Industrial Group has opened a new factory in the Atlantic Free Zone in Kenitra, making rubber, plastic, and silicone parts for cars. The factory will supply components for electric, hybrid, and hydrogen vehicles.

March 19，Morocco has reached a major milestone in its clean energy transition with the signing of Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) and the start of construction for the Noor Atlas photovoltaic solar project. The initiative will deliver 305 megawatts of solar power from six plants across the country. Authorities expect the facilities to begin supplying electricity to the national grid by July 2027.

March 9，Chinese satellite operator Geespace, a subsidiary of Geely Holding Group, continues to expand its footprint in the African satellite market by singing agreements with Algeria and Morocco. These partnerships aim to strengthen Algeria’s domestic satellite capabilities and support Morocco’s development of satellites services and applications, underscoring Geespace’s broader push to deploy low-Earth orbit satellite technology for commercial and institutional purposes.

February 25, Morocco signed a partnership agreement to build the country's fourth-largest industrial zone. The new Industrial Acceleration Zone (IAZ), to be developed in the commune of Ouled Saleh in Nouaceur Province, will span 476 hectares, making it one of the largest such zones in the country after those in Casablanca, Kenitra and Tangier.

February 18, Morocco's Ministry of Tourism, Attijariwafa Bank, and Visa signed a memorandum of understanding in Rabat, launching the Stay Cashless program to accelerate digital payment adoption across the tourism sector. 

February 17, According to the report, the Moroccan automotive industry is expected to grow from USD 4.76 billion in 2026 to USD 8.44 billion by 2031, at a CAGR of 12.15% during the forecast period (2026-2031). It attributes this trajectory to structural advantages, including supply-chain resilience, competitive labor costs, and geographic proximity to European markets.     

February 12, The International Monetary Fund (IMF) is projecting economic growth of 4.9 percent for Morocco in 2026, supported by strong public and private investment, a favourable agricultural season and improved fiscal balances.

February 6, Morocco’s ports experienced a significant boost in activity in 2025, with total traffic reaching 262.6 million tons, up from 241.2 million tons in 2024, an increase of 8.9%. Domestic traffic rose to 130 million tons, up 3.5% from the previous year, while transshipment volumes jumped to 132.6 million tons, a 14.7% increase.

January 21, Morocco climbed to third place in Africa's textile and apparel export market in 2025, reflecting rapid growth in manufacturing capacity and strategic trade positioning. South Africa leads the continent, followed by Egypt. Morocco surpassed several competitors due to its efficient ports, modern factories, and extensive free trade agreements with Europe.

January 21, New car sales in Morocco totaled 234,372 units in 2025, an increase of more than 33% from 2024, according to the Association of Vehicle Importers in Morocco (AIVAM). Diesel vehicles, which have long dominated sales, fell from around 90% to 70% of total registrations. Hybrid and fully electric vehicles accounted for 12% of sales in 2025, up from 8% a year earlier, with more than 28,000 units sold.

January 20, Economists expect Morocco's economy to grow by about 5% in 2026, up from an estimated 4.7% in 2025, according to the country's statistics agency (HCP). In its 2026 economic outlook, the agency said the increase would be driven by a rebound in agriculture and solid performance in non-agricultural activities, supported by strong domestic demand and stable prices.

January 08, Morocco secured second place in Africa and the Arab world in the latest Business Ready report by the World Bank Group. Morocco scored 63.44 points out of 100, up from 62.41 in the first edition of the report, showing steady progress in creating a more business-friendly environment. 

January 6, The Ministry of Tourism, Handicrafts, and Social and Solidarity Economy has announced Morocco welcomed 19.8 million tourists in 2025, a 14% increase from 2024, Morocco’s Press Agency (MAP) reported. The ministry said this achievement is the result of the 2023-2026 Tourism Roadmap, which focuses on expanding air connectivity, upgrading accommodation capacity, diversifying tourism offerings, improving service quality, and stimulating local investment.

December 10, A new report by Modern Diplomacy described Morocco’s partnership with China in artificial intelligence (AI) and electric vehicles (EVs) as a major opportunity for industrial growth by 2026. The report, titled noted that over the next eighteen months, Morocco aims to strengthen strategic cooperation with Chinese counterparts in battery production, EV components, and AI technologies. 

December 8, According to a new report from the High Commission for Planning (HCP). the country’s GDP at current prices reached 1.596 trillion dirhams, up 7.9% from 2023. Households and non-profit institutions serving families accounted for 28.4% of GDP and held the largest share of disposable income at 63.1%. Their savings represented 26.8% of the national total, while their investment contribution reached 26.1%.

December 8, A new report by the Chinese platform Tire China says Morocco is emerging as a strategic hub for the global tire industry as international automakers expand their operations in the North African country. The report finds that Morocco is no longer just an assembly base for global carmakers but a strategic location that tire companies cannot ignore, citing the rapid growth of the country’s automotive sector and its proximity to Europe.

December 7, Morocco tourism sector is heading for its strongest year on record after welcoming 18 million visitors by the end of November, more than 600,000 above the total reached in all of 2024, according to the tourism ministry. The ministry said arrivals were up 13.5 percent year on year, crediting investments under the 2023 to 2026 roadmap including expanded air links, international promotion and a broader tourism offer.

November 27, Once cautious about online shopping, Moroccan consumers are now among the world’s most confident digital buyers. New data shows Morocco ranks 4th globally in trust toward Black Friday deals, reflecting a powerful shift in consumer behavior. More than 8 in 10 Moroccan consumers (82%) browse products online multiple times a week, one of the highest rates worldwide. Yet only 29% make purchases as frequently. 

November 26, Real GDP rose 4.7% year-on-year in the first half of 2025, nearly doubling the pace of the previous year as industry, services and a modest agricultural rebound pushed activity upward. 

November 24, Kuwait's population witnessed a significant surge during the first nine months of 2025, increasing by 3.6 percent-equivalent to 181,000 people-to reach 5.169 milion by the end of the third quarter. This marks the highest growth rate recorded since 2021. At the end of December 2024, the population stood at 4.988 million.     

November 16, BMI (a Fitch Solutions Company) states Morocco's EV market will see significant growth in 2025-2026, driven by new model influx and local production expansion, following strong 2024 performance. Morocco's passenger EV sales are forecast to rise 80.4% to 5,311 units (2.6% penetration) in 2025, up from 1.9% in 2024, and 36.3% to 7,237 units (3.4% penetration) in 2026, with BEVs projected at 4,248 units and PHEVs at 2,889 units.

November 4, Morocco’s unemployment rate has seen a slight decrease in the third quarter of 2025, reaching 13.1%, according to a report from the Higher Commission of Planning (HCP).