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Morocco and France strengthen economic ties in southern provinces
Business leaders from Morocco and France convened in Dakhla today for a high-level economic forum aimed at advancing development in Morocco’s southern provinces. The gathering highlights a deepening bilateral partnership, expanding cooperation beyond the Mediterranean toward the Atlantic coast.
Morocco’s Investment Minister Karim Zidane opened the forum by emphasizing the strength of Franco-Moroccan relations. He noted that France remains Morocco’s second-largest trading partner, while Morocco is France’s leading partner in Africa. French companies accounted for nearly one-third of all foreign direct investment in Morocco in 2024. Zidane also highlighted that Morocco has become a significant investor in France, with almost two-thirds of Moroccan foreign investments directed there.
Mehdi Tazi, vice president of Morocco’s employers’ federation CGEM, highlighted Dakhla’s untapped potential. He identified three key sectors driving southern growth: renewable energy, agriculture, and sustainable tourism. Tazi pointed to Morocco’s €7 billion investment in southern infrastructure, particularly the Port of Dakhla Atlantique, which he described as a transformational gateway connecting Europe and Africa.
Fabrice Le Saché, vice president of France’s business confederation MEDEF, emphasized that successful economic cooperation relies on human connections as well as financial calculations. He noted France’s expertise in agriculture and energy and the commitment of French companies to industrial production in Morocco, creating jobs and adding value.
Ross McInnes and Mohamed El Kettani, co-presidents of the Franco-Moroccan Business Leaders Club, stressed the evolution of the partnership. French companies now engage in research, development, design, and manufacturing in Morocco, moving beyond mere trade to full collaboration.
Morocco’s Ambassador to France, Samira Sitaïl, described Dakhla as a “laboratory of the future,” showcasing European-African industrial, technological, and human cooperation. She highlighted French engagement through AFD, Proparco, and the French Chamber of Commerce in Morocco.
The forum also reaffirmed France’s recognition of Morocco’s sovereignty over Western Sahara. Ambassador Christophe Lecourtier stated that Paris has translated this stance into practical diplomatic, educational, and cultural initiatives, marking the event as a milestone in Morocco-France economic relations.
Minister Zidane outlined Morocco’s strategic priorities for the south, including achieving 52% renewable energy by 2030, promoting green hydrogen projects, and expanding infrastructure. Key projects include the Agadir-Dakhla expressway, the Port of Dakhla Atlantique as a West African maritime hub, an electric highway linking Dakhla to the national grid, and the Nigeria-Morocco gas pipeline. Zidane concluded by urging the private sectors of both countries to seize opportunities in energy, logistics, sustainable fishing, tourism, and infrastructure.