Strengthening Investments from the Moroccan Diaspora
The Regional Investment Center (CRI) of Marrakech-Safi is intensifying its initiatives aimed at Moroccan expatriates with a clear objective of transforming the diaspora into a vital driver of investment, employment, and regional development. This comprehensive strategy includes welcoming initiatives at airports, personalized support for investors, access to financing, connections with the regional ecosystem, and the 'Marrakech Invest MDM' program, specifically targeting sectors such as tourism, industry, agribusiness, renewable energies, digital services, and major projects scheduled for 2030.
Recognizing the Moroccan diaspora as more than just a source of financial capital, the CRI views this community as a reservoir of skills, expertise, and international networks that can be mobilized to foster regional development. In line with this vision, the CRI Marrakech-Safi is enhancing its support framework for Moroccans living abroad, coinciding with the National Day dedicated to them. This year’s theme, 'Moroccans Abroad Serving the Major Projects of Morocco by 2030,' aims to connect project holders with the regional investment ecosystem and facilitate the transition from intention to action. According to the CRI Marrakech-Safi, the support system encompasses the entire investment journey: from identifying opportunities and structuring projects to providing guidance, simplifying procedures, seeking financing, and connecting with public and private stakeholders who can contribute to project execution.
Proximity and Immediate Engagement with Investors
The strategy emphasizes proximity and immediate engagement with investors upon their arrival. On August 10, CRI teams mobilized alongside local authorities and institutional partners across various provinces, including the Marrakech prefecture. To support this initiative, the CRI has established welcome and information centers at Marrakech-Ménara and Essaouira-Mogador airports. The intent is to meet Moroccans living abroad directly upon arrival, present them with available opportunities, and guide them towards support mechanisms that cater to their projects. This engagement will continue until August 13, featuring informational sessions across different territories in the region. These sessions will focus on investment opportunities, financing solutions, and various support mechanisms available. A dedicated meeting for investment by Moroccans abroad was held on August 10 in Marrakech, where two panels addressed the main obstacles that could hinder project realization: financing and project support, as well as administrative procedures and authorizations.
The CRI aims to direct investments towards sectors that promise significant value creation for the Marrakech-Safi region, including tourism and hospitality, agribusiness, industry, renewable energies, the blue economy, logistics, cultural and creative industries, digital services, and more. Furthermore, the activities that can leverage the momentum generated by the major projects planned for 2030 are also prioritized. The challenge lies in transcending a purely patrimonial investment approach to favor productive projects that can generate activity, jobs, and innovation across the various territories of the region. In this equation, the profile of Moroccans abroad presents a unique asset, as the CRI not only relies on their investment capacity but also on the skills they acquired abroad, their knowledge of international markets, and the professional networks they can mobilize.
The summer mobilization is just one aspect of a broader initiative. It is part of the 'Marrakech Invest MDM' program, which is implemented year-round to structure support for investors from the diaspora. This program encompasses various components: information dissemination, awareness-raising, training, guidance, personalized support, and networking opportunities. Webinars specifically address regulatory frameworks, land issues, taxation, procedures, financing, and sectoral opportunities. The CRI also plans individualized support mechanisms to tailor assistance according to the maturity level and needs of each project. Additionally, financing is addressed through specific 'Speed Finance' sessions designed to connect project holders directly with financial institutions and facilitate the identification of appropriate solutions.
Ultimately, this mobilization aims to establish a sustainable economic relationship between Marrakech-Safi and its diaspora. The CRI seeks to transform the interest of Moroccans living abroad in their homeland into tangible investments, rather than focusing solely on the summer period. Achieving this goal requires reducing administrative friction, increasing the visibility of opportunities, and ensuring ongoing follow-up to guide projects through to completion. As the region approaches 2030, with various sectors poised to benefit from the Kingdom's major initiatives, the ability to convert the skills, capital, and international networks of Moroccans abroad into productive investments becomes a crucial aspect of territorial development.
As reported by leseco.ma.
