Akhannouch outlines industrial achievements in public policy session at the House of Councillors

Head of government Aziz Akhannouch praised the achievements of the national industry in recent years, emphasizing that “the Kingdom continues to bet on the industrial sector through a renewed and sustainable policy that takes into account global transformations and seeks to achieve industrial sovereignty.”

In a comprehensive presentation to the House of Councillors during the monthly session on public policy Akhannouch said that “the government has given special importance to the development of Moroccan industry and enhancing its international standing, as the sector is one of the key drivers of the national economy in terms of value creation and job opportunities.”

He further emphasized that the sector “has been able to create 125,000 jobs since the beginning of the current government term until last July.”

The government official also mentioned that “the industrial sector experienced growth, with revenues reaching 800 billion dirhams in 2022, marking a 22.7% increase compared to 2021. Moreover, the composition of exports underwent a fundamental shift, reaching 377 billion dirhams in 2023, with industrial exports by September 2024 reaching 291 billion dirhams.”

New Industrial Specializations

Akhannouch elaborated on the key features of the national industry, stating that it “has managed to position itself in high-level professions and specializations, and is keeping up with future professions.” He pointed out that Morocco has become an important center for car manufacturing in Africa, ranking first on the continent with an annual production capacity of 700,000 vehicles, exporting cars to more than 70 global destinations, with a local integration rate of 69%.”

He highlighted that “in 2023, car exports reached 148 billion dirhams, an increase of 28% compared to 2022, and 82% compared to 2019, demonstrating tangible progress in this regard.”

He also noted that “the government has worked to support these developments, with the country now manufacturing three types of electric vehicles and signing agreements with leading companies in electric mobility.”

Akhannouch also addressed Morocco’s aviation industry, stating that the sector “has managed to attract over 150 companies, such as Boeing, Airbus, and Safran,” adding that “the sector achieved significant revenues, reaching 20 billion dirhams in September, with a 20% increase compared to 2023.”

In the same vein, the government official clarified that the government “has worked on developing a real estate offer, signing 30 agreements related to industrial infrastructure, with a total investment value exceeding 7.8 billion dirhams. Since October, 32 projects have been launched to establish and expand industrial acceleration zones, which will provide an additional industrial real estate offer of 3,705 hectares, representing 30% of the current total area over the next three years of the current term.”

After highlighting the role of King Mohammed VI in leading a series of industrial strategies over the past 25 years, Akhannouch pointed out that “these ambitious strategies have been supported by infrastructure projects, such as the Tangier Med Port, which is now the largest container port in the Mediterranean and Africa, and the fourth-largest globally in terms of efficiency, along with an extensive network of highways, which has expanded from 80 kilometers in 1999 to 1,800 kilometers today.”

He also noted that “the country has mobilized over 13,000 hectares of industrial land and established 150 industrial zones.”

Government Support for Industry

Akhannouch dedicated part of his presentation to outlining the government’s achievements in this area, including the establishment of a “project bank” after the COVID-19 pandemic, aimed at diversifying the national economy and strengthening local industrial production. Since its launch, 1,864 investment projects have been identified across the Kingdom, representing real investment opportunities and replacing imports with local products, with a total expected investment of 119 billion dirhams, which will create more than 181,000 jobs.”

The Head of government also mentioned that “2,012 industrial projects in various sectors have been processed by unified regional investment committees during the government term, with investments exceeding 800 billion dirhams, and these will create up to 275,000 jobs.” He noted that “with the approval of the King, two defense industrial zones have been established to attract investment projects related to arms, ammunition, and security industries, representing a key step toward building a strong national military industrial base that will gradually contribute to enhancing Morocco’s strategic defense autonomy.”

In discussing the government’s support for industrial enterprises, Akhannouch revealed that they have been supported through “maintaining stable electricity prices despite the rising cost of production, unlike other countries. This measure has been financially supported by the state, enabling industrial enterprises to maintain their competitiveness.” He also mentioned that the government has activated an agreement allowing industries to access renewable energy at high voltages at competitive prices.

In his presentation, Akhannouch emphasized that “since it took office, the government has been aware of the need to make the industrial sector a priority for the entire government.”

“We worked on launching the new investment charter after years of hesitation, which aims to develop the legal and regulatory framework to encourage foreign investors, offering financial and regional incentives.”

He also stated that “the government is seeking to create territorial and social equity in the distribution of investments, so that various regions can benefit.”

In response to King Mohammed VI’s speech on the anniversary of the Green March, the Head of government concluded that “the government will continue its efforts by working to strengthen the role of Moroccans living abroad, whom we hope will, through their investments and expertise, serve as a driving force for the development of the industrial sector in our country.”

He also called on “banking institutions to continue supporting industrial initiatives and assisting both Moroccan and foreign investors.”