Rabat,January 26,2024 – Morocco’s triumphant hosting of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (CAN) has already delivered a windfall of over €1.5 billion in direct revenue, and crucially, has put the nation 80% of the way toward being ready to co-host the 2030 FIFA World Cup with Spain and Portugal. It’s a win-win, and a surprisingly clear economic picture for a major sporting event.
Infrastructure Boost & Tourism Surge
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Morocco is leveraging the CAN to accelerate progress and attract investment.
- The CAN tournament generated over €1.5 billion in direct revenue for Morocco.
- Approximately 600,000 visitors attended the CAN, contributing to a record year for Moroccan tourism.
- Over €2.3 billion was invested in infrastructure upgrades, including nine stadiums and transportation networks.
- The CAN created more than 100,000 jobs, many with long-term career prospects.
Moroccan Minister of Industry and Commerce Ryad Mezzour highlighted a “double effect” of increased revenue and investment, fueled by nearly 600,000 tournament-specific visitors. This influx helped propel Moroccan tourism to a record year, with 20 million arrivals – a 14% increase. The economic benefits rippled through sectors like transportation, hospitality, restaurants, and conventional crafts, providing an immediate injection of liquidity into local economies.
A “Sovereign Investment” in the Future
Mezzour characterized the €2.3 billion invested in the CAN, which concluded last Sunday, as a “sovereign investment” in durable infrastructure.This includes the construction or renovation of nine stadiums, and also improvements to road networks, airports, and essential services. “We have gained a decade of development in 24 months (…) and equipped the Kingdom with infrastructure that will serve citizens for the next 50 years,” he stated.
What’s the long-term impact of hosting major sporting events on a nation’s infrastructure? The CAN’s legacy extends beyond the games themselves, providing a foundation for sustained economic growth and improved quality of life.
Jobs, Technology, and Global Visibility
The impact on employment is a source of pride, according to officials. The CAN, won by the Senegal national team, facilitated the creation of over 100,000 jobs. “These aren’t just temporary positions; thousands of young people have been trained to international standards, acquiring lasting employability beyond 2025,” Mezzour explained.
More than 3,000 industrial companies participated in the construction projects.Moreover,the CAN accelerated Morocco’s technological change with the rollout of 5G networks,digital identification systems,digital ticketing,and cybersecurity solutions. These initiatives reduced logistical costs and attracted new investment.
With an audience of 2 billion television viewers and 10 billion social media views, Morocco showcased its ability to host large-scale international events, bolstering confidence ahead of the 2030 World Cup. Thanks to the CAN, 80% of the main infrastructure needed for the World Cup is already in place.
The Final 20% & Future Growth
The remaining 20% of infrastructure needed for the World Cup includes extending the high-speed rail line (LGV,currently connecting Casablanca and Tangier) to Marrakech and Agadir,increasing hotel capacity,and constructing the Grand Casablanca Stadium.These final touches will solidify Morocco’s position as a premier destination for international sporting events and tourism.
