Morocco Approaches Industrial Leadership in Africa
In the recent economic discussions, renowned economist Yassine Aalia emphasized that Morocco is nearing a competitive stance against South Africa in terms of industrial leadership within the African continent. This assertion stems from the observable convergence in industrial export volumes between these two nations over the past few years. During a seminar titled "Industrial Acceleration Systems: What Economic Impact at the National Level," held on March 6, 2026, in Rabat, Aalia highlighted that South Africa's industrial exports currently approximate $45 billion annually, a figure that closely mirrors Morocco's achievements, thereby intensifying the race for industrial supremacy in Africa.
Aalia articulated that a comprehensive understanding of Morocco's industrial positioning requires comparative analysis with other emerging economies. He conducted a comparative study involving around twenty-five industrial powerhouses globally, revealing that historical industrial policy frameworks tend to follow similar trajectories. He noted that Morocco's industrial evolution parallels that of nations such as China, Turkey, and Brazil.
The economist pointed out that many countries, following their independence in the latter half of the twentieth century, initially adopted import substitution policies aimed at developing local industries to replace imported goods. This phase is typically succeeded by economic liberalization and integration into the global economy, driven by changes in the international geopolitical landscape and the growing influence of international economic institutions.
Aalia further explained that industrial policies have since evolved into what are now referred to as new generations of industrial policies, which transcend the fourth generation and move towards more complex and advanced models. In his examination of comparative experiences, he highlighted South Africa's journey, which endured years of international isolation due to its apartheid regime, significantly affecting its global economic integration. Following the end of apartheid and the onset of a new political era, South Africa adopted industrial policies that particularly emphasized the automotive sector and heavy industries.
Moreover, these policies were accompanied by measures aimed at enhancing the competitiveness of the national industry, along with the launch of new industrial initiatives over the past two decades. Aalia's insights provide a compelling narrative on Morocco's potential to emerge as a notable industrial player on the African stage, reflecting the ongoing evolution of its economic strategies.
As reported by thevoice.ma.
