The Limitations of Moroccan Industrial Value Added
In a recent discourse on industrial acceleration systems, researcher Abdellali Lmenour highlighted the stark reality that the genuine added value of Moroccan industry does not exceed 30%, despite a notable increase in local integration rates across certain sectors. Lmenour articulated that while some industries boast a local integration rate of around 70%, this figure does not accurately reflect the actual net added value within the national economy. He pointed out that a significant portion of raw materials employed in the industrial sector, such as iron, plastic, and chemicals, are imported, which confines the actual added value generated within Morocco to this low percentage.
This observation underscores a crucial point: Morocco has made substantial strides in industrial development, yet there remains a long journey ahead to enhance local added value within production chains. During his presentation, which took place on March 6, 2026, in Rabat, he elaborated on the trajectory of industrial policies in Morocco, noting that the sectoral strategies adopted were a response to gradual corrections in the industrial economic pathway since the nation’s independence.
Historical Context and Future Directions
Lmenour further explained that the initial phase of Morocco's industrial policy, spanning from the early 1960s to the early 1980s, was characterized by a protective approach. This involved implementing tariff barriers aimed at safeguarding national products and promoting local industries. This period coincided with a fragile national economy, where Moroccan exports did not exceed one billion dollars in 1960, and industrial activities were largely confined to traditional sectors such as food processing, textiles, cement, and phosphates.
However, Lmenour cautioned that this protective policy led to a weak industrial base by the late 1980s, coupled with infrastructure that was inadequate for supporting the competitiveness of the national economy. As Morocco navigates its industrial landscape, it remains imperative to foster conditions that not only increase local integration but also elevate the overall added value produced domestically, thereby ensuring a more robust economic future.
As reported by thevoice.ma.
