Morocco seeks stronger and more competitive position under King Mohammed VI’s leadership

Monday 07 September 2026 - 14:04

By: Azzat Manal

Morocco seeks stronger and more competitive position under King Mohammed VI’s leadership

Morocco is seeking to strengthen its position in the global economy and consolidate its role as a hub for stability and prosperity in Africa and the Euro-Atlantic region, Prime Minister Aziz Akhannouch said Monday in Paris.

Speaking before the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), Akhannouch highlighted the country’s economic and social transformation, which he attributed to the strategic vision of King Mohammed VI and the continuity of public policies. He said Morocco had demonstrated its ability to protect citizens, preserve economic stability and continue investing in long-term development despite an increasingly challenging international environment.

The prime minister pointed to geopolitical tensions, global inflation and major changes in international supply chains as some of the pressures affecting economies worldwide. Against this backdrop, Morocco has chosen to maintain its development strategy by expanding the social state, investing in human capital, strengthening domestic production and safeguarding macroeconomic stability.

Among the major reforms highlighted by Akhannouch were the nationwide expansion of social protection, monthly financial support for vulnerable households, the upgrading of primary healthcare facilities and ongoing education reforms. These measures, he said, are part of broader efforts to strengthen social resilience while supporting economic growth.

According to national accounts cited by the prime minister, Morocco’s gross domestic product grew by 4.9% in 2025, compared with 4.4% in 2024. Inflation also eased significantly following the global inflationary surge, reaching 0.9% in 2024 and 0.8% in 2025, while the budget deficit stood at 3.5% of GDP last year.

Investment has also become a central pillar of Morocco’s economic strategy. Since the implementation of the country’s new Investment Charter, 381 projects worth a combined 581 billion Moroccan dirhams have been approved. These investments are expected to generate around 245,000 direct and indirect jobs, according to figures presented by the government.

Akhannouch also emphasized the progress made by Moroccan industry, particularly the automotive sector, which has emerged as the country’s leading export industry and a major source of employment. Automotive exports increased from 87.1 billion dirhams in 2021 to 154.5 billion dirhams in 2025, while national production capacity has approached one million vehicles a year.

The government is also relying on major infrastructure projects to improve connectivity and reshape Morocco’s economic geography. These efforts are expected to gain further momentum as the country prepares, alongside Spain and Portugal, to co-host the 2030 FIFA World Cup.

Akhannouch described the tournament as an opportunity that extends beyond sport, arguing that preparations for the global event could accelerate Morocco’s broader economic and infrastructure transformation. He stressed that the infrastructure being developed should primarily benefit Moroccan citizens, local communities and the national economy, with its impact extending well beyond 2030.

The prime minister was accompanied in Paris by Economy and Finance Minister Nadia Fettah. During his visit to the OECD, Akhannouch also signed the organisation’s golden book, marking Morocco’s continued engagement with international economic institutions.