Analysis

A renewed focus on sustainable construction practices in Morocco
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On October 22, 2016, Morocco will welcome the 22nd Conference of the Parties (COP22), the supreme decision-making body of the 1992 UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). The ultimate objective of the UNFCCC is to “achieve stabilisation of greenhouse gas concentrations in the atmosphere at a level that would prevent dangerous anthropogenic interference with the climate system”. The…

Analysis

A look at tax regulations regarding competition in Morocco
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The Moroccan economy has been opening up for several years now, illustrated by the development of new sectors such as aerospace and automotive construction. Distribution methods and consumption have also evolved, with the emergence of supermarkets with their own business and marketing practices. In addition, multinational companies’ subsidiaries are showing heightened awareness on anti-trust issues. As…

Analysis

The launch of 4G in Morocco should transform telecoms services
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In 2015 Morocco provided a new impetus for the development of telecoms by launching the rollout of its 4G network, a technology which is expected to generate new revenue streams for operators and drive growth in the knowledge economy. 4G Bid In mid-March 2015 Morocco’s National Telecommunications Regulatory Agency (Agence Nationale de Réglementation des Télé communications, ANRT) awarded…

Overview

Morocco's unique geography and demographics drive its economic story
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At the north-west corner of Africa, just 15 km from Europe across the Strait of Gibraltar, Morocco has a strategically important location and for centuries has been a blend of cultures. Arab, Berber, European and African influences are all part of the country’s unique heritage, which has become famous worldwide thanks to millennia of trade, and in more recent centuries, both the Moroccan diaspora…

Overview

Morocco appears poised for future growth despite short-term challenges
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Although Morocco is set to see weaker GDP growth in 2016, due in large part to a poor agricultural harvest following low rainfall, a series of financial reforms and initiatives, and strong foreign investment, have positioned the country well for future gains. The kingdom has had success in its recent efforts to build up export-oriented manufacturing projects, which should take over from more traditional…

Overview

Economic slowdown in Morocco pushes banks to diversify their offerings
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The banks of Morocco rank among the largest on the continent, with a regional footprint matched only by South Africa’s biggest lenders. Recent years have seen these institutions deepen programmes for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and expand cashless transactions. However, that is not to say that the industry is not facing some significant challenges. Having dealt with the issue of depressed…

Overview

Reforms are under way in Morocco to return liquidity and listing activity to pre-financial crisis levels
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The Casablanca Stock Exchange (CSE) was off to a good start in 2016, which has also seen the largest initial public offering (IPO) to take place in Morocco in eight years. However, the CSE’s all-share index remains below pre-financial crisis levels, as do IPO and trading activity more generally. To revitalise the exchange, the market authorities have been working on a range of reforms including…

Overview

New acquisitions and a strong base push growth in Morocco
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Already the largest and best developed in North Africa, the Moroccan insurance market is currently undergoing a range of reforms aimed at cementing its stability and further boosting premiums growth. These should soon see the launch several new products, as well as allowing firms to more easily build up their distribution networks, among other changes. Moroccan firms are also continuing to expand abroad…

Overview

Mining sector in Morocco diversifies away from phosphates
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Although Morocco is home to a range of metals and minerals, the mining sector has long been dominated by phosphates. The kingdom possesses an estimated 77% of the world’s total phosphate reserves and remains the leading global exporter. Currently the sector contributes 10% of Morocco’s GDP, with 90% of this coming from phosphates. However, the authorities in Morocco have sought to increase activity…

Overview

Investment in industrial activity begins to pay off in Morocco
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With a vision that it can create jobs and spur growth in other areas of the economy, the Moroccan government has focused considerable attention on developing the kingdom’s industrial sector in recent years. Under the framework of several strategic government plans, key manufacturing segments, including automotive and aeronautic components and agro-industry, have seen injections of capital and the…