Morocco strengthens its role in Africa’s industrial value chains

08:15

By: Azzat Manal

Morocco strengthens its role in Africa’s industrial value chains

Morocco is consolidating its position as one of Africa’s more integrated economies in regional industrial value chains, particularly in automotive components and aerospace, according to a recent World Bank report on economic integration across the continent.

The report, titled “Africa Integration: From Chains to Economic Hubs,” highlights Morocco’s growing participation in regional production networks and its ability to connect African manufacturing activities with major international markets.

Between 2015 and 2019, Morocco recorded average exports worth around $496 million through regional value chains, reflecting the country’s increasing role in cross-border industrial production.

The chemical products sector is another important area of regional integration. With trade flows estimated at approximately $2.7 billion, covering products such as plastics, fertilizers and other chemicals, the sector represents one of Africa’s most active regional value chains, with Morocco identified as one of its key contributors.

The World Bank also highlights Morocco’s involvement in the early stages of global value chains. This participation includes importing intermediate goods that are subsequently processed or assembled domestically before being exported.

In several sectors, these activities account for more than 10% of Morocco’s total exports, placing the country among the relatively small number of African economies exceeding this level of participation.

Morocco has also expanded its industrial base beyond traditional sectors. According to the report, the country has developed positions in electronics, pharmaceuticals and automotive wiring systems, with many of these products destined for European and regional markets.

The country’s geographic proximity to Europe, combined with established supplier networks and industrial infrastructure, has helped attract investment and strengthen its manufacturing capabilities. These advantages have particularly supported the development of automotive and aerospace supply chains.

The World Bank describes Morocco as having established regional value chains in industries of medium complexity, including chemicals, electronics and automotive components. Its growing presence in aerospace components and automotive wiring further demonstrates the diversification of its industrial economy.

The report’s findings underline Morocco’s strategy of positioning itself as an industrial and logistics hub linking African production networks with European and global markets. Continued investment in infrastructure, skills and higher-value manufacturing could further strengthen this role in the years ahead.