Morocco's Minister of Industry, Ryad Mezzour, highlighted the country's industrial prowess at the Marrakech Airshow, which commenced recently. The eighth edition of the airshow brings together international companies and representatives to discuss the latest industry developments. Mezzour emphasized that Morocco has built up significant industrial and technological capabilities over the past two decades. This development has enabled the country to produce some of the most complex systems in the aerospace and defense sector.
According to Mezzour, Morocco's industrial ecosystem can now produce complex systems, meeting quality and competitiveness standards. The country's industrial platform can also ensure timely delivery and expand production. Morocco is not limited to manufacturing systems; it is also working to design these systems. This will strengthen its ability to respond to investors' needs in terms of skills, time, production capacity, and competitiveness.
The Marrakech International Airshow will run until October 10, featuring air displays, exhibitions, networking, high-level meetings, and conferences. Discussions will focus on industrial sovereignty, securing value chains, digitalization, and more. The event provides a platform for companies to showcase their latest technologies. Morocco's aerospace sector has attracted many global companies, with 150 companies operating in the country.
The aerospace sector generated export revenues of over $2.54 billion in 2024. Morocco offers attractive incentives, including 0% corporate tax for the first five years and around 8% for the following 20 years. The country also provides exemption from VAT, duty-free equipment imports, subsidized land, and utilities. These incentives have made Morocco an attractive investment platform, not only due to its tourism capabilities but also because of its competitiveness.
Morocco aims to strengthen its industrial sovereignty, with plans to produce its first aircraft engine by 2027 or 2028. The country targets full production capacity by 2030, according to Mezzour. He stated that Morocco could become one of only five countries worldwide capable of producing engines of this level. The country is working to boost the skills of its young workforce in the industrial sector through vocational training and engineering education.
Mezzour described Morocco's progress in aerospace manufacturing as akin to “reaching the semifinals of the World Cup in manufacturing.” The country's industrial platform has become attractive to investors due to its competitiveness and capabilities. Morocco's aerospace push has led to significant growth in the sector, with many global leaders operating in the country.
The Marrakech Airshow also saw the participation of US F-35s, with 45 military personnel and three aircraft types. Morocco and its international partners signed deals on AI, drone technology, and aviation research. The country's progress in the aerospace sector is a testament to its growing industrial capabilities.
Key points
- Morocco's industrial platform has developed capabilities to produce complex systems in the aerospace and defense sector.
- The country's aerospace sector generated export revenues of over $2.54 billion in 2024.
- Morocco aims to produce its first aircraft engine by 2027 or 2028 and reach full production capacity by 2030.
