Morocco targets significant export growth to Egypt, aiming for $500 million by 2027

Morocco is poised to dramatically elevate its exports to Egypt, with officials anticipating an increase from MAD 755 million ($75 million) to MAD 5 billion ($500 million) over the next three years. This ambitious goal emerges following a recent high-profile trade mission and symbolizes a new chapter in the economic relationship between the two North African nations.

Omar Hejira, Secretary of State for Foreign Trade, disclosed this forecast during a parliamentary session where he addressed inquiries from the National Rally of Independents (RNI) party regarding Morocco’s efforts to enhance its export footprint in Egypt.

The initiative is bolstered by a recent visit from a 40-member Moroccan trade delegation to Cairo, where executives and exporters engaged in over 200 meetings with their Egyptian counterparts. This engagement underscores Morocco's strategic intent to reinforce its economic ties within the region.

Hejira spearheaded this mission, collaborating closely with Hassan Sentissi El Idrissi, President of the Moroccan Confederation of Exporters (ASMEX). The delegation’s primary objective was to promote the “Made in Morocco” label, leading to preliminary agreements that are now being finalized in key sectors.

This trade mission builds upon earlier discussions with Egyptian officials, including a visit from the Egyptian ambassador to ASMEX headquarters. Additionally, a successful “Egypt Country Zoom” event provided insights into market opportunities, enabling Moroccan businesses to explore entry into the Egyptian market.

During the parliamentary discussions, Hejira highlighted the automotive sector as a particular success story, noting that Moroccan car exports to Egypt have surged from 400 units to 3,000. Projections suggest this figure could rise to 5,000 by year's end and potentially reach 8,000 by 2026.

Describing Morocco-Egypt trade as “a model of Arab cooperation,” Hejira emphasized the historical ties and shared economic interests between the two countries. Achieving the fivefold export increase would represent a significant milestone in Morocco’s strategy to expand its trade networks across Africa and the Arab world, further establishing its role as a crucial economic conduit between continents.