Country Profile
From The Report: Morocco 2016
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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. It is North Africa’s only monarchy and has one of the region’s most stable and most inclusive political systems. The country’s long tradition as an international trading centre continues, with a relatively open economy that has drawn in foreign investment and become one of Europe’s major trading partners in Africa. Diplomatically, Morocco’s pragmatic approach has won it a range of allies and partnerships, from its strong commercial and security ties with the EU to a burgeoning relationship with China and the Gulf countries.
Articles from this Chapter
A unique position: Geography and demographics drive the economic story
Facing forward: His Majesty King Mohammed VI, on opening up economic and educational opportunitiesOBGplus
All political and social reforms and all development initiatives are basically designed to preserve the dignity of citizens. Setting up institutions, no matter how important they may be, is not an end in itself. By the same token, economic growth can only be significant if it contributes to improving people’s quality of life. Indeed, despite the development our country has achieved, it makes me sad to see hardships endured by some of our fellow citizens in remote and isolated areas, in the Atlas and Rif Mountains, in the desert and dry Saharan regions, in oases and in some coastal and inland villages. I am aware of the gaps and deficits that…
Tradition and progress: Striking a balance between cultural continuity and economic gainsOBGplus
Morocco has been perhaps the most stable and peaceful country in North Africa in recent years, while other countries in the region have been afflicted by political turbulence and war. The reforms implemented by King Mohammed VI since coming to the throne in 1999 have played a major role in ensuring Morocco has remained a stable and tolerant country, as well as an increasingly open society politically. The kingdom has also enjoyed consistent economic growth in recent years, despite international…
Efforts of will: OBG talks to Abdel-Ilah Benkiran, Head of GovernmentOBGplus
Interview:Abdel-Ilah Benkiran At the end of your term, what is your overall assessment of your government’s record? ABDEL-ILAH BENKIRAN: Our government has fulfilled its commitment to undertaking strategic and courageous reforms, which are prerequisites to sustained and inclusive growth. At the end of this five-year mandate, I can confirm that the government’s record is positive, honourable and comforting. This is the case because of the bold actions taken by the government on political,…
French connection: OBG talks to Macky Sall, President of SenegalOBGplus
Interview:Macky Sall In what ways can Senegal act as a gateway to West Africa for international investors? PRESIDENT MACKY SALL: Senegal is a stable country that offers many opportunities thanks to its geographical location. Economically, in 2015 Senegal was among the most dynamic countries, with real GDP growth of 6.5%. This performance is the result of the implementation of the Emerging Senegal Plan. This is part of the government’s efforts to bring Senegal to the rank of emerging economies…
Home and away: The country has a sizeable diaspora living worldwideOBGplus
Morocco’s large diaspora, estimated to comprise up to 15% of the population, has changed considerably since the Second World War when blue-collar workers moved to Europe to help rebuild. Indeed, today the population of Moroccans living abroad increasingly comprises highly-educated young professionals. Demographics Recent estimates have put Morocco’s diaspora population at between 4m and 5m, or between 12% and 15% of the population. The Ministry of Moroccans Living Abroad and Migration Affairs…
Looking outward: The kingdom is backed by influential partnersOBGplus
One of Africa’s longest-established sovereign states, Morocco has had diplomatic relations with other countries for centuries. It has particularly close ties to the US, as well as to the EU and especially France and Spain. Like many of its neighbours, Morocco is now building stronger trade and investment relations with other emerging markets, including sub-Saharan African nations and giants in Asia. The kingdom’s relationships with its neighbours in North Africa can be complicated, but recent…
Ties that bind: Conflict has given way to improved internal and external relationsOBGplus
Morocco’s relations with its Middle Eastern and North African neighbours have been coloured by territorial and security disputes, but are gradually improving as mutual interests strengthen. Meanwhile, its partnership with the wealthy Gulf states goes from strength to strength, with several Gulf countries major investors in Morocco and the kingdom an important security partner for its allies on the Arabian Peninsula. Agadir Agreement Historically, Morocco’s trade with North Africa has been low…
Developing capacities: OBG talks to Salaheddine Mezouar, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation; and President, 22nd Conference of the Parties (COP22)OBGplus
Interview:Salaheddine Mezouar What are the main objectives of COP22? SALAHEDDINE MEZOUAR: With the Paris Agreement on Climate Change adopted in December 2015 and signed in April 2016 in New York, the world is now witnessing a new revolution that is impacting our way of thinking, producing and consuming. COP22 aims to be the starting point of the implementation of the Paris Agreement. One of the first priorities of the Moroccan presidency of COP22 was to work closely with the French presidency…
Working together: OBG talks to Tobias Ellwood, MP and Minister for the Middle East and North Africa, UK Foreign and Commonwealth OfficeOBGplus
Interview:Tobias Ellwood How can awareness of Moroccan investment opportunities be increased among UK investors? TOBIAS ELLWOOD: Morocco is increasingly on the map as one of the leading destinations in Africa for foreign direct investment (FDI), with investment up by 20% in 2015. The country is fast becoming a regional manufacturing hub, with more British firms looking at Morocco as a stable and attractive investment prospect in its own right, as well as a potential export gateway to the…
