Morocco/Africa: Export opportunities to be seized

A lthough The volume of trade between Morocco and African countries has risen from 36.3 billion Dirhams (USD 3.63 billion) to 52.7 billion Dirhams (USD 5.27 billion) in 2023. Exports to African countries account for 7.6% of total Moroccan exports. In detail, phosphates and their derivatives account for two-thirds of these exports, followed by fishery products (36%), vehicles (38%), textiles and clothing (2%), leather products (36%) and electrical equipment (19.5%).

Studies reveal that the Moroccan market has untapped opportunities, estimated at 12 billion dirhams (USD 1.2 billion) in potential exports to Africa, according to Omar Hejira, Secretary of State to the Minister of Industry and Trade, in charge of Foreign Trade. The studies also highlight additional prospects in various regions of the continent. They include 60 investment projects likely to boost Moroccan exports, added Hejira in response to questions in the House of Representatives.

In this vein, he encouraged Moroccan exporters, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises, to increase their exports to Africa. A growth market with 1.3 billion consumers. The Ministry is preparing an exhibition of Moroccan products for export. It is scheduled for the end of next year, with a section dedicated to African products.

Omar Hejira announced that regional consultation meetings on the development of the foreign trade roadmap for the 2025-2026 period had produced 524 proposals. He pointed out that 80% of the proposals came from the regions, compared with 20% (113 proposals) from the central level.

The proposals focus mainly on improving competitiveness, simplifying procedures and supporting small and medium-sized enterprises. In addition to diversifying export markets, particularly in Africa, and strengthening the export fabric and its sustainability. These consultations mobilized all stakeholders, including the Moroccan employers union (Confederation générale des Entreprises du Maroc, CGEM), professional federations, and the presidents of chambers of commerce, industry and services. These meetings, held in less than a month, brought together more than 1,200 participants from all over the region. They showed that 85% of exports come from just three regions, highlighting the importance of establishing a balance between the different regions.

A few figures

• Moroccan exports reached 430 billion dirhams (USD 43 billion) in 2023, compared with 716 billion dirhams (USD 71 billion) for imports, said Hejira. He stressed the challenge of reducing the trade deficit by boosting exports.
• 70% of national exports go to Europe, mainly Spain and France, which account for 46%.
• 92% of Moroccan exports are concentrated in six key sectors: automobiles (34.4%), agriculture and food industries (19.3%), phosphates and derivatives (17.8%), leather products (10.7%), aviation (5.3%), and electronics (4.3%).

Fatim-Zahra TOHRY