Agro-industry: between export ambitions and internal weaknesses
With the first quarter of 2025 marked by economic growth of +4.8% and an agricultural sector up +4.5%, Morocco continues to push its pawns to establish itself as a major agribusiness player in the region.
There’s no shortage of arguments: well-connected ports and a dense road and rail network. Added to this are free trade agreements that open up markets to Europe, Africa, and the Middle East. And above all, a climate that allows for the production of high-value crops (citrus fruits and early vegetables) tailored for export.
But behind this picture, the Fitch Solutions report reminds us that the sector remains exposed. Two weaknesses occur repeatedly: dependence on imports and vulnerability to drought. The figures speak for themselves: this year, self-sufficiency is estimated at no more than 24.5% for wheat and 23.9% for sugar. When world prices soar, consumers immediately feel the impact. Another obstacle: a fragmented agricultural sector where nearly 70% of workers work on small plots of land, often without secure land titles. This slows productivity and delays the adoption of modern tools.
Downstream, the situation is similar. The processing industry remains in the background, limiting local added value and leaving the field open to certain imported products. And pressure on water, exacerbated by the lack of irrigation infrastructure and the scarcity of arable land, is another weak link. Added to this are the effects of climate change.
However, the sector has room for maneuver. Policies ranging from the Green Morocco Plan to Generation Green 2020-2030 focus on modernizing sectors, integrating value chains, and developing precision irrigation. New cereal varieties that are more resistant to drought, the rise of modern distribution channels, and the opening of new trade agreements represent potential opportunities for diversification.
Some segments are already doing well. In sugar, Morocco has become Africa’s leading exporter. Cosumar , the sector’s leader, plans to increase national production to 600,000 tons by 2026. Poultry is attracting both investment and creating jobs, especially since the EU granted export approval. Alongside these sectors, other sectors include mechanization, biotechnological research, the development of varieties adapted to climate conditions, and fertilizer production, an area where Morocco already plays a key role at the regional level.
Khadija MASMOUDI
