Morocco and Senegal deepen industrial ties with a pan-African vision

Friday 01 August 2025 - 08:20

Morocco and Senegal are strengthening their economic partnership, advancing a shared Pan-African co-development vision. Bilateral trade between the two nations surged from $98.5 million in 2010 to $370 million in 2024, underscoring their growing collaboration based on mutual trust, solidarity, and economic complementarity.

Key areas of collaboration

In a recent interview with Senegal's government newspaper Le Soleil, Morocco’s Minister of Industry and Commerce, Ryad Mezzour, outlined three priorities to further enhance cooperation:

Transferring expertise in key sectors such as agribusiness and renewable energy. Sharing and improving port and logistics infrastructure. Establishing joint investment funds focused on regional small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

Mezzour emphasized Senegal’s pivotal role in Morocco’s African industrial strategy, supported by ongoing bilateral technical programs. He also highlighted Morocco’s robust economy, which saw a 55% increase in foreign direct investment (FDI) in 2024. This growth is driven by sector diversification, an attractive legal framework, and Morocco’s strategic position as a tri-continental connectivity hub.

Morocco’s franchise sector and export ambitions

The minister also highlighted the rapid development of Morocco’s franchise industry, which now boasts 745 networks—84% of them international—achieving an average annual growth rate of 25% over the past 15 years and generating 20 billion dirhams in revenue. The government’s 2025-2027 roadmap aims to boost exports, create jobs, and expand the global reach of Moroccan brands.

“Our ambition is to build shared prosperity with Africa,” Mezzour stated, reinforcing Morocco’s commitment to fostering meaningful partnerships across the continent.

Broader African cooperation

This interview was part of a special edition of Le Soleil marking Morocco’s 26th Throne Day. The publication highlighted Morocco’s sustainable development model, industrial goals, and strong partnerships with African nations, particularly Senegal.

Additionally, the edition explored key growth sectors, including phosphates, manufacturing, franchising, and sports. Major projects tied to Senegal’s preparations for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations and Morocco’s joint bid for the FIFA World Cup 2030 were also featured.

With shared ambitions and strategic investments, Morocco and Senegal aim to position themselves as leaders in Africa’s industrial and economic transformation.