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This week is marked by both conflict and economic resilience. Tensions shaking the Middle East raise concerns about their repercussions on energy markets and the broader geopolitical balance. In such a context, uncertainty inevitably increases, and the indirect effects on open economies become more visible. For countries like Morocco, deeply integrated into global value chains, the central question is not whether shocks will occur, but how effectively they can be absorbed and transformed into strategic opportunities.

 

Energy markets remain one of the most immediate channels through which global turbulence reaches Morocco. As an importer of hydrocarbons, the Kingdom is exposed to fluctuations in international prices and supply disruptions. Yet recent crises have strengthened Morocco’s capacity to respond quickly, allowing policymakers to mitigate inflationary pressures and protect economic activity. At the same time, the country’s gradual shift toward a diversified and greener energy mix reflects a long-term strategy aimed at enhancing energy security while reducing external dependence.

 

Beyond energy, Morocco’s economic trajectory increasingly relies on industrial development and integration into global production networks. Strategic sectors such as automotive and aeronautics have become key pillars of the manufacturing base, combining foreign investment with the gradual strengthening of local value chains. This industrial dynamic has positioned Morocco as a competitive platform linking Europe, Africa, and global markets, reinforcing its attractiveness for international investors.

 

Yet Morocco’s transformation continues to unfold alongside important structural challenges. Water scarcity, pressure on food systems, and the persistence of informality in the labor market remain significant constraints for long-term development. Addressing these issues will be essential not only for sustaining growth but also for ensuring that the benefits of economic transformation are broadly shared across society. In this sense, Morocco’s future resilience will depend on its capacity to combine industrial progress with reforms that strengthen resource management, social inclusion, and economic sustainability.

ECONOMIC TRANSFORMATION IN MOROCCO

Transformation of the Moroccan Economy: Key Drivers, Shifts, and Future Pathways

 

Arkebe Oqubay

 

Morocco has become a model of economic transformation and green transition in Africa over the past 25 years. Key challenges include avoiding the middle-income trap, youth unemployment, and ensuring sustainable, inclusive growth. The country focuses on innovation, industrialization, and productivity improvements to strengthen its economy. Morocco’s experience offers lessons for Africa, showing how structural reforms can drive long-term development... Read more

 

 

Modeling Morocco’s Economy: Regional, Environmental, and Policy Insights

 

Eduardo Amaral Haddad, Mahmoud Arbouch

 

This paper presents a Morocco-focused economic model that maps 72 provinces, 20 sectors, and households, firms, and government to analyze regional and national policy impacts. It captures production, trade, labor, migration, and investment flows, including carbon emissions. Using real 2019 data, it simulates how policies like taxes or reforms affect the economy, incomes, and the environment. This tool helps policymakers understand who gains, who loses, and where across Morocco... Read more

 

Structural Transformation in Morocco: An Early Tertiarization

 

Aomar Ibourk, Zakaria Elouaourti

 

This paper explores Morocco’s economic transformation since 1970, tracking changes in output and employment across 24 sectors. It combines World Bank data and Input-Output analysis to map structural shifts over time. Using the Eora Global Supply Chain Database and Penn World Tables, it links production with employment patterns. The study highlights how sectoral changes have reshaped Morocco’s labor market and economy... Read more

 

Regional Inequality in a Growing Economy: The Case of Morocco

 

Mahmoud Arbouch, Eduardo Amaral Haddad

 

Morocco’s economic success over the past 20 years masks persistent regional inequalities. Coastal hubs like Casablanca and Tangier thrive, while southern and inland provinces lag in jobs, connectivity, and services. Using the Williamson hypothesis, the brief shows Morocco on the rise of regional disparities. Achieving inclusive growth will require policies that empower lagging regions and balance development nationwide... Read more

 

 

SCIENCE, HISTORY, AND SOFT POWER

(FR) The Strategic Role of Moroccan Universities in Science Diplomacy

 

Khalid R. Temsamani

 

This Policy Brief highlights the need to strengthen the links between the academic, diplomatic, and political spheres in order to transform national scientific capital into a tool for international influence and credibility. In a multilateral environment marked by increasing tensions and greater complexity in negotiations, relying on organized scientific expertise is a key factor to support national positions, facilitate dialogue, and promote solutions based on shared evidence... Read more

 

(FR) The Green March in Henry Kissinger’s Declassified Documents

 

Abdallah Saaf

 

The Green March is one of those pivotal moments that has continuously shaped the course of Morocco’s political events. From its inception, it has held a significant place in the long-term historical trajectory, within the context in which it unfolded, and through the logic of interactions stemming from its causes and effects. It remains one of the most striking milestones in the national narrative... Read more

 

 

Food Security in Morocco: From Self-Sufficiency to Systemic and Strategic Resilience

 

Ahmed Ouhnini, Boutaina Lmasrar

 

Morocco’s food strategy, once centered on self-sufficiency, faces climate stress, water scarcity, and global volatility, demanding a resilient and sustainable food system fit for new realities. Since its independence, successive governments have largely equated food security with food self-sufficiency, particularly for so-called strategic commodities such as cereals, sugar, oils, meat and milk. This production-centered approach was historically understandable: in a young state seeking sovereignty, political stability and protection from external shocks, domestic control over staple food supplies appeared essential... Read more

 

Morocco’s AFCON 2025: Football as a Tool for Influence and Diplomacy

 

Samir Bhattacharya, Abhishek Khajuria

 

Morocco is using sports diplomacy to boost its continental and global influence, with AFCON 2025 showcasing world-class organization, hospitality, and commercial success. The tournament highlighted Morocco’s football achievements, infrastructure readiness, and economic impact, including job creation and growth. Beyond sports, it reinforced national identity, African leadership, and regional partnerships. AFCON 2025 demonstrates how Morocco leverages football as a tool for soft power and strategic diplomacy... Read more

 

 

TUESDAY TALKS

(AR) Artificial Intelligence in Organizations – Opportunities for Transformation and Innovation

 

This episode explores how artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming organizations and the labor market in Morocco. It examines regulatory, security, and ethical challenges, as well as the opportunities AI offers for innovation and performance. The discussion emphasizes the need to develop human skills to harness AI effectively. Looking ahead, AI is positioned as a key driver of smart, sustainable development in Morocco by 2030... Watch

 

 

(AR) Decarbonizing Industry in Morocco: Between Commitment and Competitiveness

 

This episode examines how Morocco’s industrial decarbonization aligns with the country’s climate commitments and evaluates the feasibility of announced targets given the current industrial structure. It discusses financing mechanisms and economic incentives to accelerate the transition without compromising corporate competitiveness. The episode also highlights strategic levers such as green hydrogen, electrification of industrial processes, and energy efficiency improvements to support a low-carbon Moroccan industry... Watch

 

 

PODCAST

(FR) Public-Private Partnerships and Digital Transformation: What Levers for Morocco?

 

This podcast explores the central role of public-private partnerships in accelerating Morocco’s digital transformation. It examines the Maroc Digital 2030 strategy, key enablers of a trusted digital ecosystem digital identity, interoperability, and digital payments and lessons from regional experiences. The episode also emphasizes the importance of a citizen-centered approach to improve public services and strengthen trust... Listen

 

 
 

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