## Morocco: Africa's Hub Fueled by Dynamic Economic Diplomacy

**AU Commission Chairperson Highlights Moroccan Investments in Forward-Looking Initiatives**

Addis Ababa –  Morocco has successfully established itself as a key hub within Africa thanks to its impactful economic diplomacy, according to Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, the Chairperson of the African Union Commission (AUC). 

During a meeting held Wednesday at the Moroccan embassy in Addis Ababa, Mr. Youssouf attributed this position to Morocco's substantial investments in progressive and forward-looking initiatives.  


He stated: "[Quote about Morocco's investment and role as an African hub]."


## Morocco: Africa's Hub Fueled by Dynamic Economic Diplomacy

**AU Commission Chairperson Highlights Moroccan Investments in Forward-Looking Initiatives**

Add

Morocco stands as African hub thanks to economic diplomacy, 

Morocco stands as African hub thanks to economic diplomacy, says AUC Chair

##  Morocco Soars to Second Place for Foreign Investment in North Africa

**Kingdom Attracts $1.64 Billion, Marking a 55% Surge in FDI**

Morocco has emerged as a major hub for foreign direct investment (FDI) in North Africa. The kingdom attracted $1.64 billion in FDI last year, a remarkable 55% increase from 2023, according to the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development's (UNCTAD) latest World Investment Report. This impressive performance propelled Morocco to the 13th spot continent-wide, solidifying its position as the second leading destination for FDI in North Africa.  

Egypt secured the top spot in the regional ranking despite a significant decline in investment compared to the previous year. 




##  Morocco Soars to Second Place for Foreign Investment in North Africa

**Kingdom Attracts $1.64 Billion, Marking a 55% Surge in FDI**

Morocco has emerged as

Morocco merges as North Africa’s second-largest FDI magnet i

Morocco merges as North Africa’s second-largest FDI magnet in 2024

## Morocco Tops as Leading Importer of Turkish Goods in Africa

**Trade Flourishes Despite Persistent Imbalance**


Morocco has solidified its position as the leading African importer of Turkish goods, with a staggering $1.8 billion worth of imports recorded in the first half of 2025, according to the Turkish Exporters Assembly (TIM).  This surge in trade is attributed to the strengthening bilateral relations between Rabat and Ankara.

Economic news agency Ecofin highlighted these figures, stating that... [continue with the rest of the article's content] 




## Morocco Tops as Leading Importer of Turkish Goods in Africa

**Trade Flourishes Despite Persistent Imbalance**


Morocco has solidified its position as the l

Despite persistent trade imbalance, Morocco becomes top Afri

Despite persistent trade imbalance, Morocco becomes top African destination for Turkish exports in H1 2025

##  Morocco's Travel Boom: Airports See Passenger Surge, Seaports Flourish

**Passenger traffic at Moroccan airports soars 16.4% in Q1 2025, exceeding growth seen in previous years.**

The Directorate of Studies and Financial Forecasts reports a significant increase in passenger numbers across Morocco’s travel infrastructure during the first quarter of 2025.  Airports saw a remarkable 16.4% year-on-year surge in passengers, building on a robust 13.9% rise recorded in the previous year.  

This upward trend extends to Morocco's seaports as well. By the end of Q1 2025, over 720,645 passengers had transited through Moroccan ports.




##  Morocco's Travel Boom: Airports See Passenger Surge, Seaports Flourish

**Passenger traffic at Moroccan airports soars 16.4% in Q1 2025, exceeding growth se

Passenger numbers surge 16.4% at Moroccan airports in early 

Passenger numbers surge 16.4% at Moroccan airports in early 2025

## Morocco Outpaces MENA Region in Economic Growth Forecast

**Projected 4.2% Growth Puts Morocco Ahead of Regional Peers**

Morocco is set to shine economically in 2025, outpacing most Middle East and North Africa (MENA) countries with a projected growth rate of 4.2%. This impressive forecast, according to a new report by Ernst & Young (EY), places Morocco ahead of regional rivals like Egypt, Qatar, and Oman, trailing only Gulf giants Saudi Arabia (4.3%) and the UAE (4.8%).

**Factors Driving Moroccan Momentum:**

The EY report highlights several factors contributing to Morocco's economic surge:

* **Strong consumer demand:**  Fueled by robust spending, consumers are driving a significant portion of the growth.
* **Sustained investment:** Both public and private sectors are making substantial investments in various sectors, further boosting the economy. 
* **Favorable weather conditions:** Improved rainfall during the winter months has aided agricultural production and eased cost pressures.
* **Lower global energy prices:** Reduced energy costs have provided relief for businesses and consumers alike, bolstering consumption.

**Global Growth Slowdown Amidst Geopolitical Tensions:**

While Morocco thrives, global economic growth is expected to cool off. EY predicts a dip to 3.0% in 2025 and 2.9% in 2026, down from the current 3.2%. This slowdown is attributed to rising trade tensions, persistent geopolitical instability, and volatile supply chains.

**MENA Region Rebounds, Risks Remain:**

Despite these global challenges, the MENA region is projected to rebound with a growth rate of 3.6% in 2025, nearly double its estimated 1.9% rate for 2024. This resurgence is driven by increasing oil output, renewed investor confidence, and improving demand across the region.

However, significant risks persist, including military tensions involving Iran, Israel, and the United States. A major disruption in the Strait of Hormuz, a critical oil route, could trigger inflation spikes and negatively impact trade, tourism, and foreign investment.


**Inflation Expected to Decline Significantly:**

The MENA region anticipates a substantial drop in inflation from 6.4% in 2024 to 4.3% next year. Egypt is poised for the steepest decline, transitioning from 28.2% to 13.6%. Conversely, Gulf states may experience a slight uptick, with inflation rising from 1.7% to 2.1%.

**Oil Production on the Rise:**

As of June, eight OPEC+ countries, including Algeria, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE, collectively added over one million barrels per day across three months. This supply increase occurs despite shaky energy markets due to geopolitical risks.


**Tight Monetary Policies Persist:**

Despite falling inflation, tight monetary policies are anticipated to remain in place throughout the region. Egypt has cautiously begun easing interest rates after a stringent tightening cycle in 2024. In the Gulf, borrowing costs will likely align with U.S. rates due to currency ties with the dollar.  


## Morocco Outpaces MENA Region in Economic Growth Forecast

**Projected 4.2% Growth Puts Morocco Ahead of Regional Peers**

Morocco is set to shine economicall

Morocco beats regional growth expectations in 2025, says rep

Morocco beats regional growth expectations in 2025, says report

##  Fuel Sales Dip: Moroccan Distributors See Revenue Decline in 2024

**Wholesale gasoline and diesel distributors in Morocco saw a slight decrease in total revenues last year, marking a shift in the country's fuel market.**

Total revenue generated by the nine major distributors reached 77.3 billion dirhams in 2024, a drop of 3% from the previous year, according to the Competition Council’s Q1 2025 report.  Diesel dominated sales, accounting for 85% of volume and 83% of revenue.

**A Landscape in Flux: Service Stations Surge**

Despite the overall revenue decline, Morocco's fuel retail network saw significant expansion. The nationwide total number of service stations reached 3,534 by the end of 2024, up from 3,350 the year prior.

The nine companies bound by previous settlement agreements operated 2,535 stations (72% of the total), with a modest increase of 51 new outlets compared to 2023.  However, other operators exhibited more aggressive growth, expanding from 866 to 999 stations. This resulted in a significant rise in their market share from 25.9% to 28.3%, signaling a potential shift in power within the Moroccan fuel retail landscape.   




##  Fuel Sales Dip: Moroccan Distributors See Revenue Decline in 2024

**Wholesale gasoline and diesel distributors in Morocco saw a slight decrease in total re

Wholesale Fuel sales in Morocco fall to 77.3 billion dirhams

Wholesale Fuel sales in Morocco fall to 77.3 billion dirhams in 2024

##  Morocco's Economy Powers Ahead: Construction Boom, Tourism Surge, and Industry Growth Lead the Way

**Moroccan economy shifts gears, with non-agricultural sectors driving growth.** 

RABAT – Morocco’s economic performance in the first half of 2025 showcases a strong transition towards non-agricultural sectors as key industries like construction, tourism, mining, and manufacturing post impressive growth. This data was revealed during a joint meeting of Parliament's finance and economic development committees held on Thursday.

**Construction Sector Soars: Infrastructure Projects Fuel Growth**

Cement sales, a significant indicator of construction activity, surged by 15.3 percent in the second quarter, a sharp rise from the first quarter's 4.6 percent increase.  This surge is attributed to the accelerated pace of major infrastructure projects in preparation for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations and the implementation of the direct housing subsidy program, which has benefitted 55,512 individuals as of July 10.

**Tourism Rebounds: Visitor Numbers Spike**

The tourism sector continues its robust recovery with a remarkable 19 percent year-on-year increase in tourist arrivals across border entry points during the first half of 2025. Overnight hotel stays also saw a significant rise, increasing by 14 percent by the end of May.


 **Mining Sector Boasts Strong Performance**

The phosphate sector has also contributed significantly to economic momentum. OCP Group's turnover witnessed a 10.2 percent increase in the first quarter, driven by higher sales volumes and international demand from Europe, Africa, Oceania, and Brazil. Moroccan phosphate exports increased by 10.3 percent through May, aided by tighter global supply resulting from Chinese export restrictions.

**Industrial Growth Persists: Manufacturing Drives Expansion**

The industrial sector maintains its expansion trajectory with a production growth of 3.2 percent in Q1, spurred by strong performances in the automotive, chemical, and agri-food industries.  Retail sales benefit from improved household purchasing power and easing inflation, reflecting delayed effects of wage hikes and enhanced rural incomes.


**Trade Dynamics: Imports Rise, Export Coverage Ratio Declines**

Imports increased by 7.4 percent, primarily driven by energy, equipment, and semi-finished and consumer goods. Conversely, the export coverage ratio declined by 2.7 points to reach approximately 60 percent.

 **Shifting Towards Resilience:**

The Ministry of Economy and Finance asserts that these developments demonstrate a sustained transition towards a more resilient and climate-independent economic model, with non-agricultural sectors nearing their structural potential for the third consecutive year. 




##  Morocco's Economy Powers Ahead: Construction Boom, Tourism Surge, and Industry Growth Lead the Way

**Moroccan economy shifts gears, with non-agricultural s

Construction, tourism, and industry anchor Morocco’s economi

Construction, tourism, and industry anchor Morocco’s economic momentum in 2025

## Fuel Prices Soar: Moroccan Companies Rake In Profits Despite Market Volatility

**Fuel distributors enjoyed a surge in profitability in 2024, despite ongoing global price fluctuations.** The Competition Council's Q1 2025 report reveals that the industry rebounded strongly from years of uncertainty.

**Dominating a $78 billion market:** Nine major companies control 84% of Morocco's fuel distribution sector, generating a total revenue of 77.9 billion dirhams last year. Net profits reached nearly 2.3 billion dirhams, with an average net margin of 2.9% across the sector – equating to 43 centimes per liter of diesel and 61 centimes per liter of gasoline.

**A dramatic turnaround:** This marks a significant increase from the 1% average margin seen in the previous three years, reversing the instability witnessed in 2022 and 2023 when profit margins plummeted to just 0.6% due to global price surges and market disruptions.  

**New players shake up the scene:** While the top nine distributors maintain a strong grip on the market, new entrants like BGN Energy Maroc, BB Energy, and Appollo Petroleum are gaining ground, intensifying competition in pricing, storage capacity, and retail network expansion. 

**Growth fueled by volume:** Fuel sales volumes increased by 3% to 7.3 billion liters in 2024, indicating that volume growth is driving the sector's improved financial performance more than price fluctuations.

**Diesel vs. Gasoline: A Profit Disparity:** The report highlights a structural disparity in margins between diesel and gasoline. In 2024, the average net margin for diesel stood at 43 centimes per liter compared to 61 centimes for gasoline – attributed to differences in supply costs, taxes, and targeted commercial strategies.

**Retail prices remain high:** Despite slight decreases in international prices, retail fuel prices have remained elevated, widening the gap between pre-tax purchase costs and consumer prices.  

**Sustainability Concerns Linger:** While the sector enjoyed a strong financial rebound in 2024 with returns on capital employed (ROCE) at 30% and return on equity (ROE) at 29%, disparities remain significant between companies. Dividend payouts have also declined, highlighting potential concerns about long-term sustainability.


**The Competition Council emphasizes that despite the strong performance in 2024, it is not enough to guarantee long-term, sustainable growth in the sector.**


## Fuel Prices Soar: Moroccan Companies Rake In Profits Despite Market Volatility

**Fuel distributors enjoyed a surge in profitability in 2024, despite ongoing

Competition Council: Nine major companies dominate 84% of do

Competition Council: Nine major companies dominate 84% of domestic fuel market

## Short-Term Rentals Spark Tension in Moroccan Coastal Cities

**Digital Platforms Fuel Local Concerns Amidst Booming Tourism**

Morocco's popular northern cities and coastline are experiencing a surge in tourism this summer, but the influx of visitors is bringing friction between residents and the burgeoning short-term rental market driven by platforms like Airbnb. 

In Tangier, local residents are voicing growing discontent with the frequent turnover of tenants within their apartment buildings as units are frequently rented to tourists through these digital platforms.

"These sudden arrivals disrupt our way of life," shared a resident in downtown Tangier, expressing concern that escalating tensions could lead to confrontations, particularly with younger renters who "believe anything goes."

**Legal Grey Area Exacerbates the Situation**

Tourism expert Zoubir Bouhout acknowledges the popularity of short-term digital rentals but points out their lack of legal regulation in Morocco.  "While these platforms bring significant income and attract millions of dirhams in investment, they operate without a legal framework," he explains, highlighting the risks for both investors and neighbors.

Bouhout notes that authorities have so far tolerated this activity, but disputes often result in harsh penalties due to existing laws focused on traditional long-term lease agreements. This lack of oversight leaves residents vulnerable to potential risks such as renters with criminal records or unsafe behavior entering shared living spaces, raising concerns about safety and wellbeing.

**Calls for Reform Echo Across Legal Circles**

Legal scholars are urging legislative reform to address the complexities of online rentals. Professor Mohamed Yahya at the Faculty of Law in Tangier emphasizes the legal ambiguities surrounding contract validity, data protection, and liability for disturbances caused by online renters. 

"Enforcing these contracts is difficult, especially when determining jurisdiction in disputes," Yahya explains. "The existing legal framework does not adequately address the unique challenges posed by digital rentals."  He calls for clear definitions of rights and responsibilities for all parties involved, including neighboring tenants.

**Bridging the Gap Between Law and Reality**

Yahya also stresses the need for electronic signatures and digital tools to verify rental agreements and streamline dispute resolution processes. He points to a lack of legal awareness among both landlords and renters as a contributing factor to ongoing conflict, urging lawmakers to act swiftly to bring clarity to this increasingly important sector.  


He highlights that the majority of short-term rental hosts do not pay taxes on their income, suggesting that intervention by lawmakers could protect all parties involved while ensuring revenue for the state.

"Investor confidence depends on predictable and transparent regulations," Yahya concludes, emphasizing the need for a clear legal framework to support Morocco's broader investment and tourism ambitions.  


## Short-Term Rentals Spark Tension in Moroccan Coastal Cities

**Digital Platforms Fuel Local Concerns Amidst Booming Tourism**

Morocco's popular northern cit

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