Morocco's creative industries aim for 5% GDP contribution by 2030

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By: Dakir Madiha

Morocco's creative industries aim for 5% GDP contribution by 2030

The Moroccan Forum of Cultural and Creative Industries (FOMICC) opened in Rabat for its third edition, showcasing the growing cultural sector's ambition to play a pivotal role in the national economy. Running from December 11 to 14 at the National Institute of Music and Choreographic Arts (INSMAC), the event brings together professionals from various creative fields, including arts, crafts, digital innovation, and entrepreneurship.

A growing sector with ambitious goals

Morocco's cultural and creative industries (ICC) generated nearly MAD 50 billion ($5.4 billion) in 2024, representing approximately 2.7% of the national GDP. As the sector expands, stakeholders aim to double its contribution, targeting 5% by 2030. This year’s forum serves as a platform for collaboration and actionable strategies, coinciding with Morocco’s preparations to host major global events like the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) and the 2030 FIFA World Cup.

Strategic tracks for growth

The 2025 FOMICC program is centered on five key themes:

1- Financing creative entrepreneurship: Addressing the sector’s funding challenges, the forum explores alternative solutions like impact financing, business angels, and crowdfunding to promote sustainable growth.

2- Export, mobility, and market access: Discussions highlight opportunities to strengthen "Brand Morocco" globally, spanning fashion, cinema, gaming, and digital arts, with a focus on co-production and creator mobility.

3- African cooperation: Emphasizing the importance of structured alliances across the continent, the program seeks to unify fragmented creative industries in music, cinema, and visual arts.

4- Sports and culture: The forum explores how cultural industries can enhance global events with hybrid experiences, audiovisual projects, and heritage-focused initiatives.

5- Digital arts, video games, and animation: With an eye on Morocco’s growing digital ecosystem, the track highlights the need for training, infrastructure, and storytelling rooted in Moroccan heritage. Building local ecosystems for a global vision

The FOMICC forum has evolved into a key platform for fostering collaboration and innovation in Morocco’s creative sector. Younes Boumehdi, President of the Hiba Foundation, described the event as a dynamic ecosystem where ideas converge to shape long-term strategies. Over the past three years, the Foundation has partnered with technoparks, universities, artisans, and cultural organizations to strengthen local creative economies.

This year’s program includes the Kawaliss incubator, which supports emerging entrepreneurs through networking sessions, workshops, and a Creative Entrepreneurship Market. By 2030, stakeholders aim to position Morocco’s creative industries as a driving force for economic and cultural influence both regionally and globally.