“German investors choose to come to Morocco and we are currently exploring new investment opportunities with them,” said the minister, during the panel devoted to the “Africa-Germany trade and investment partnership in a context of geopolitical rebalancing.” , organized as part of this Forum.
In this regard, Mr. Mezzour emphasized the “extremely positive development dynamic” that Morocco is experiencing, supported by structuring projects and reinforced competitiveness under the leadership of His Majesty King Mohammed VI. This development, he said, is arousing growing interest from foreign investors, particularly Germans.
This dynamic testifies to the attractiveness of the Moroccan industrial platform for foreign investors, eager to take advantage of the strategic position of the Kingdom, its competitiveness and its qualified human resources to stimulate their growth and access global markets, underlined the minister.
Mr. Mezzour recalled, in this context, that 300 German companies are already established in Morocco, creating nearly 35,000 jobs in various fields, for engineers and technicians.
To support this progress, he reaffirmed Morocco’s ambition to progress in international rankings, with concrete objectives for 2030. This requires the development of world-class infrastructure and the strengthening of competitiveness, he said. added.
Mr. Mezzour also encouraged German companies and African decision-makers to consider the mutual benefits of a strengthened partnership, highlighting the importance of a partnership between Morocco and Germany, based on shared values. and a common desire to build a prosperous and stable future for both nations.
The Forum “Africa Trade & Invest meets Managing Risk” is being held on November 6 and 7 in Frankfurt at the initiative of the German-African Economic Association (Afrika-Verein). It brings together representatives of the German private sector and several African delegations, made up of political and economic decision-makers, with Somalia as guest of honor, represented by its President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud.
Under the theme “Creating the ideal framework to unlock commercial and investment opportunities in Africa”, this meeting aims to identify the regulations necessary to strengthen the presence of German companies on the African continent, as well as existing financing and development mechanisms. risk reduction.
The Forum also aims to promote African and German start-ups, discuss measures to accelerate regional integration, and clarify the role of companies and public partners in this process.
The Afrika-Verein is an organization dedicated to promoting economic exchanges between Germany and African countries. It brings together more than 550 members, mainly German companies and institutions, and represents around 85% of German activity in Africa, covering all sectors, from start-ups to large DAX companies.
Interview: Exploring Morocco’s Investment Landscape with Minister Mezzour
Time.news Editor (TNE): Thank you for joining us today, Minister Mezzour. It’s exciting to hear about the growing interest from German investors in Morocco. Can you share more about what attracts them to your country?
Minister Mezzour (MM): Thank you for having me. The attractiveness of Morocco lies in several factors: our strategic geographic location, competitive industrial platform, and, most importantly, our well-qualified human resources. We’re experiencing a positive development dynamic that aligns well with the interests of German companies looking to expand into new markets.
TNE: You mentioned an “extremely positive development dynamic.” Could you elaborate on the structuring projects that are fostering this growth?
MM: Certainly. Our government, under the leadership of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, has been focusing on several key projects aimed at enhancing infrastructure and competitiveness. This includes investments in transportation, energy, and technology sectors, which are crucial for positioning Morocco as a hub for foreign investments, especially in Africa.
TNE: That sounds promising! You’ve shared that around 300 German companies are already operating in Morocco. What kind of opportunities do you see for further investment, particularly in light of the geopolitical rebalancing?
MM: Yes, the presence of 300 German companies is a testament to Morocco’s burgeoning appeal. We are actively exploring new sectors for investment, such as renewable energy, automotive, aeronautics, and technology. These sectors are ripe for growth and can greatly benefit from the advanced expertise of German investors, who bring with them not only capital but also innovation and technology.
TNE: What role does the Moroccan government play in facilitating this investment?
MM: Our role is multifaceted; we aim to create a conducive environment for investment through regulatory frameworks that support business operations and ensure transparency. Additionally, we are investing in world-class infrastructure, which is fundamental for attracting global companies and ensuring their success in our country.
TNE: You’ve set concrete objectives for international rankings by 2030. Can you share what those objectives entail and how they will impact foreign investors?
MM: Absolutely. Our objectives include improving our ease of doing business rankings, enhancing infrastructure quality, and fostering innovation. By achieving these goals, we aim to position Morocco as one of the leading investment destinations in Africa. This not only reassures current investors but also opens doors for new ones by showcasing our commitment to sustainable development.
TNE: Given the current global economic climate, how has Morocco adapted its strategies to ensure that foreign investors view it as a safe and attractive market?
MM: The geopolitical landscape is certainly changing, and we’ve adapted by reinforcing our stability and fostering partnerships. We prioritize sectors that are vital for resilience, such as renewable energy, which appeals to environmentally conscious investors. We also maintain strong diplomatic relations, particularly with key partners like Germany, ensuring a stable environment for business.
TNE: One last question, Minister. What message would you like to convey to potential German investors who are considering Morocco for their next ventures?
MM: I would say, Morocco is not just a destination; it’s a gateway to Africa. By investing here, German companies can leverage our strategic position, tap into a young, skilled workforce, and gain access to emerging markets. We welcome you to join us in this journey of growth and innovation!
TNE: Thank you, Minister Mezzour. It’s been a pleasure discussing Morocco’s investment potential with you. We look forward to seeing how these initiatives unfold.
MM: Thank you! It was my pleasure.