The Dominance of Foreign Companies in Morocco's Industrial Exports
In a revealing analysis presented by economic expert Youssef Krawi El Filali, it was highlighted that approximately 85% of Morocco's exports are industrial in nature. However, a significant concern arises as the majority of these exports are generated by international companies operating within the frameworks of industrial acceleration systems. This situation raises critical questions regarding the extent to which the national entrepreneurial fabric is benefitting from this dynamic.
During a seminar titled “Industrial Acceleration Systems: What Economic Impact on the National Level,” held on March 6, 2026, in Rabat, El Filali elaborated that the value of Morocco's industrial exports is estimated at around 430 billion dirhams. The industrial sector employs more than 1.2 million workers. Despite the importance of these statistics, the economic analysis reveals a fundamental paradox: a large portion of this export value is realized within industrial systems led by foreign enterprises.
El Filali pointed out that industrial acceleration systems rely on the presence of a leading company within a specific sector, which spearheads a comprehensive economic system that includes several companies linked to its production chains. Presently, Morocco boasts around forty industrial systems across approximately ten key sectors, including automotive, aerospace, textiles, clothing, leather, pharmaceuticals, chemicals, mechanical engineering, and sectors associated with digital transformation and renewable energies, such as green hydrogen projects.
However, the expert noted that the national entrepreneurial fabric remains inadequately integrated within these systems, perpetuating a form of industrial dependency on foreign entities. He also argued that despite attracting significant investments, industrial acceleration systems do not create sufficient job opportunities. The relationship between investment and economic growth in Morocco is characterized by a paradox as well. Historically, one percentage point of economic growth was capable of generating about 50,000 jobs, whereas it currently yields only around 25,000 jobs.
Furthermore, El Filali highlighted that industrial acceleration areas only cover five out of twelve regions in Morocco, indicating that seven regions do not directly benefit from this industrial dynamism. Morocco has successfully attracted substantial foreign investments within these zones, with the volume of foreign investments reaching impressive figures, yet the distribution and benefits to the local economy remain uneven.
As reported by thevoice.ma.
