Moroccan diaspora remittances climb 11.7% to reach 29.7 billion dirhams in early 2026

Tuesday 05 - 13:40

By: Dakir Madiha

Moroccan diaspora remittances climb 11.7% to reach 29.7 billion dirhams in early 2026

Remittances sent by Moroccans living abroad continued their upward trajectory in the first quarter of 2026, reaching 29.7 billion dirhams by the end of March, compared to 26.62 billion dirhams recorded during the same period in 2025. The figures, published by the Office des Changes, represent an annual increase of 11.7%, reinforcing the critical role these financial flows play in sustaining the national economy.

The strength of diaspora remittances is part of a broader positive picture for Morocco's external accounts. The travel balance recorded a surplus of approximately 23.7 billion dirhams, a gain of 31.4% year-on-year. This improvement was driven primarily by a sharp rise in tourism receipts, which reached 31 billion dirhams, up 23.5%, while spending by Moroccan residents abroad rose at a more contained pace of 3.4%, totaling 7.31 billion dirhams. The widening gap between inflows and outflows signals continued strong demand for Morocco as a travel destination, alongside disciplined outbound spending.

On the investment front, the picture is more nuanced. Net foreign direct investment flows into Morocco declined by 8.3%, settling at 8.45 billion dirhams, as both receipts and expenditures contracted. In contrast, Moroccan direct investment abroad posted a sharp increase of 57.3%, surpassing 2.8 billion dirhams. This divergence suggests that while Morocco remains an active outward investor seeking opportunities beyond its borders, inbound foreign capital showed signs of moderation during the period.

Taken together, these indicators reflect a resilient external financial position anchored by steady diaspora transfers and buoyant tourism revenues, even as foreign investment dynamics undergo a period of recomposition. The consistent growth in remittances underscores the enduring economic ties between the Moroccan diaspora and the home country, with these transfers functioning as a structural pillar of foreign currency inflows regardless of broader global economic fluctuations.