Morocco–UK: London Explores a New Agreement on Public Procurement

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The UK is considering a new phase in its economic relations with Morocco through a potential agreement focused on public procurement. London has launched a consultation aimed at gauging the interest and expectations of stakeholders before any decision on opening formal negotiations. The stakes are high: opportunities related to Moroccan public contracts are estimated at nearly £33 billion in the coming years.

This preliminary approach could ultimately broaden British companies' access to Moroccan public contracts in several strategic sectors while providing for a principle of reciprocity for Moroccan operators in the British market.

A Consultation Before Possible Negotiations

Opened on August 24 and scheduled to last until September 11, 2026, the consultation initiated by the British government is aimed particularly at businesses, professional organizations, public institutions, and other stakeholders that may be involved in a future bilateral framework.

London is particularly looking to gather the experiences of British companies already present in the Moroccan public procurement market, as well as to identify the obstacles faced by those who have considered responding to tenders without completing their processes.

At this stage, no agreement has been reached and no formal negotiations have been finalized. British authorities wish to first determine whether establishing a new legal framework presents sufficient economic and commercial interest for both parties.

A New Framework for Public Procurement

The proposed project would integrate a specific chapter dedicated to public procurement in the Association Agreement between Morocco and the UK.

Such a framework could define common rules aimed at enhancing transparency, openness, and equal treatment among suppliers from both countries. However, the categories of contracts covered and the conditions of access would need to be determined in the context of possible negotiations.

For British companies, the goal would be to facilitate participation in projects and contracts launched by Moroccan administrations. In return, Moroccan operators could benefit from equivalent commitments in the British market, depending on the contours of the future agreement.

Major Moroccan Projects at the Heart of British Interest

This initiative comes at a time marked by the rise of investments and major projects in Morocco. The needs related to infrastructure, transportation, water management, health, and public services are attracting increasing interest from international companies.

The Kingdom is simultaneously accelerating several development programs and preparing to host major international events, increasing the demand for equipment and infrastructure.

A potential agreement on public procurement could thus become a new instrument of economic cooperation between Rabat and London. It would also legally frame an area that currently lacks any specific bilateral commercial commitment between the two countries.

The British consultation will therefore constitute a decisive first step. Its conclusions will determine whether London chooses to transform this exploratory phase into real negotiations with Morocco around a more structured and open access to public procurement.