Morocco has received nearly $10.54 billion in diaspora transfers by September 2026, according to the country's Foreign Exchange Office. The transfers, which are a significant source of foreign currency for the country, reached MAD 103.06 billion ($10.5 billion) during the first nine months of 2026. This represents an annual increase of 11.3%, equivalent to an additional MAD 10.43 billion ($1 billion).

The diaspora transfers are a crucial component of Morocco's economy, providing direct financial support to thousands of households. Many Moroccans living abroad regularly send money to family members in Morocco to help cover everyday expenses, including housing, education, healthcare, and other household needs. These financial flows also contribute to domestic consumption, as recipient families use part of the money to purchase goods and services.

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) highlighted the strategic importance of diaspora transfers in its 2026 assessment of the Moroccan economy. According to the IMF, remittances represented approximately 7.2% of Morocco's gross domestic product (GDP) in 2025. Europe accounted for approximately two-thirds of these transfers, while Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries contributed less than 20%.

The distribution of diaspora transfers reflects the importance of the large Moroccan communities established in European countries, particularly France, Spain, Italy, Belgium, and the Netherlands. The transfers also help strengthen Morocco's external financial position by bringing foreign currency into the country, supporting its ability to finance imports and meet international payment obligations.

In addition to diaspora transfers, Morocco's tourism revenues have also experienced significant growth. According to the Foreign Exchange Office, travel receipts reached approximately MAD 115.26 billion ($11.7 billion) by the end of September 2026, representing a 12.1% increase compared with the same period last year.

The increase in tourism revenues reflects the continued expansion of the country's tourism sector and its ability to attract international visitors. Morocco welcomed approximately 15.7 million tourists between January and September 2026, a 5% increase compared with the same period in 2025.

Together, tourism receipts and diaspora transfers represent substantial sources of foreign currency for Morocco. Their continued growth helps support the country's external accounts and reinforces the economic importance of both international tourism and the Moroccan community abroad.

Key points

  • Morocco's diaspora transfers reached $10.54 billion by September 2026, marking an 11.3% increase year-on-year.
  • The country's tourism revenues also experienced significant growth, reaching $11.7 billion by the end of September 2026.
  • Diaspora transfers and tourism receipts represent substantial sources of foreign currency for Morocco, supporting the country's external accounts.

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SaharaWire Newsroom
SaharaWire

Reporting for SaharaWire from the Nairobi bureau.