Moroccans Worldwide: A New Economic Pact for the Diaspora
Moroccans living abroad (MRE) have long been viewed merely as sources of foreign currency, builders of family homes, or summer tourists. However, during the national forum on “Investment and Moroccans Worldwide,” held in Tangier on May 21 and 22, a call was made for them to aspire to a more dynamic role: that of strategic investors in industry, innovation, and territorial development. The message is clear: Morocco aims to transform its emotional bond with its diaspora into a genuine economic leverage.
A State Responding to Challenges
The numbers speak for themselves. By 2025, transfers from MRE are expected to reach a record high of 122 billion dirhams. Nevertheless, less than 10% of these funds are invested in productive projects. This observation was central to the discussions in Tangier, where public officials, institutions, business leaders, and investors contemplated how to shift from mere economic assistance to a value-creating dynamic. The ambition is to redefine the economic support for MRE by integrating factories, startups, and innovative projects.
A Turning Point for Aziz Akhannouch
The Head of Government, Aziz Akhannouch, proposed a “new form of economic bond” between Morocco and its diaspora. The goal is to transform financial transfers into productive investments that can generate wealth and jobs. These transfers, which have so far stabilized the economy, are deemed insufficient to meet development demands. Akhannouch emphasized the increasingly favorable investment environment, attributed to political stability, modern infrastructure, and enhanced integration into global value chains.
Towards a Productive Diaspora
Karim Zidane, the Minister Delegate for Investment, emphasized the crucial role of MRE in reducing regional disparities. The diaspora, with its connection to its regions of origin, can become a driver of spatial equity. He also announced the creation of a “MDM Desk” within the Moroccan Agency for Investment and Export Development (AMDIE) to support diaspora projects.
Removing Investment Barriers
Driss El Yazami, president of the Council of the Moroccan Community Abroad (CCME), highlighted that the low level of MRE investment is not due to a lack of interest, but rather a deficit of clarity and trust. To overcome this barrier, he proposed the creation of “diaspora bonds” to mobilize savings for major projects, along with better coordination between MRE and regions.
CGEM: An Active Partner
Mehdi Tazi, the new president of CGEM, stated that MRE represent a powerful economic network. CGEM is committed to supporting this dynamic through its “13th region,” dedicated to Moroccan entrepreneurs worldwide, to facilitate networking and project support.
A Win-Win Relationship
Ismaïl Lamghari, secretary general of the MRE department, mentioned the need to renew public policies in favor of the diaspora. The aim is to build a “win-win” relationship where MRE find a competitive environment for their projects in Morocco while contributing to the country’s economic transformation.
A Forum to Connect Diaspora and Territories
The forum also highlighted a rapidly evolving Moroccan economy. Over 300 participants, including 150 Moroccan investors from 27 countries, exchanged ideas in panels focused on new investment levers. The strategic infrastructures in the Tangier-Tétouan-Al Hoceïma region were showcased, illustrating the Kingdom’s industrial repositioning, notably with a visit to the Tanger Med port complex.
The choice of Tangier for this event is significant. The city represents a new economic geography for Morocco, with suitable infrastructures and a willingness to integrate into global value chains. Morocco aspires to become a major player in regional industrial and technological scenes and invites its diaspora to play a key role in this transformation.
If well utilized, this momentum could not only strengthen the ties between Morocco and its MRE, but also transform this relationship into a driving force for sustainable development in the country.
