Significant Growth in Remittances from Moroccans Abroad
According to the latest monthly bulletin released on June 1 by the Moroccan Foreign Exchange Office, remittances sent by Moroccans living abroad have reached an impressive 39.979 billion dirhams (approximately 3.7 billion euros) from January to April 2026. This marks a substantial increase of nearly 10% compared to the 36.426 billion dirhams (3.4 billion euros) recorded during the same period in 2025. In the entirety of 2025, the Moroccan diaspora contributed remittances totaling 122.00 billion dirhams (11 billion euros), reflecting a modest growth of 2.6% from the previous year. This uptick underscores the critical role that financial support from expatriates plays in bolstering Morocco's economy.
Economic Impact and Human Dimension of Remittances
The funds sent home by Moroccans abroad are not merely financial transactions; they represent an essential lifeline for many families, facilitating their ability to cover basic living expenses such as food, housing, education, and healthcare. Furthermore, these remittances often serve as capital for small business ventures or property acquisitions, thereby contributing positively to the national economy. In 2025, remittances accounted for a noteworthy 8.5% of Morocco's GDP, illustrating their significance as a stable source of foreign currency inflows. Notably, during the first four months of 2026, remittances surpassed earnings from tourism, which totaled 34.552 billion dirhams (3.2 billion euros)—a 27% increase compared to the same period in 2025—and also exceeded revenue from phosphate exports, traditionally a cornerstone of Morocco's economy. Phosphate sales generated 27.149 billion dirhams (2.54 billion euros) during the same timeframe, reflecting a 1.5% decrease from 2025.
Despite the encouraging growth in remittances, challenges remain for the Moroccan economy, particularly regarding foreign direct investment (FDI), which has experienced a decline of 10% to 11.65 billion dirhams (1 billion euros) in the first four months of 2026 compared to the previous year. Prime Minister Aziz Akhannouch has emphasized the necessity for increased investment from Moroccans living abroad, prompting the government to actively engage with its diaspora to encourage reinvestment in the national economy and mitigate the ongoing trend of talent exportation. The significance of this initiative is reflected in the name of the ministry led by Nasser Bourita, which highlights the importance the government places on its expatriate community. Additionally, the rising remittance figures from Moroccans in Spain illustrate the growing impact of the diaspora, with total remittances from Spain reaching 12.207 billion euros in 2025, nearly triple the amount sent in 2013. This trend has propelled Morocco from the fifth to the second-largest recipient of remittances from Spain, showcasing the vital connection between Moroccan expatriates and their home country.
As reported by atalayar.com.
