The UK and Morocco have strengthened their bilateral ties, with a focus on trade and investment cooperation, ahead of Morocco's co-hosting of the 2030 FIFA World Cup. A statement from the UK Department for Business, Innovation and Science outlined the third ministerial meeting of the UK-Morocco Association Council, held in London on November 12, 2025. The meeting emphasized the countries' commitment to deepening trade and investment ties.
The UK has pledged up to £5 billion in export finance to support strategic projects across Morocco. This pledge was recalled during the ministerial meeting, which highlighted the countries' cooperation on infrastructure projects ahead of the 2030 World Cup. The UK and Morocco have also discussed ways to expand market access for agricultural exports.
The UK-Morocco Association Agreement, signed in 2019, has facilitated bilateral trade worth £4.6 billion. The agreement has enabled the countries to strengthen their economic ties, with the UK recognizing Morocco as a key gateway to Africa's socioeconomic development. The countries have also established a joint World Cup Taskforce to advance collaboration on major projects.
The UK's commitment to supporting Morocco's 2030 World Cup projects is part of a broader effort to boost bilateral cooperation. In May 2026, a UK official highlighted the strong bilateral trade ties between the two countries and cited opportunities for further UK-Morocco business partnerships arising from Morocco's co-hosting of the 2030 FIFA World Cup.
The UK and Morocco have a long-standing diplomatic relationship dating back over 800 years. The countries have expressed their shared ambition to consolidate their enhanced strategic partnership and deepen cooperation across all sectors. This cooperation extends to areas such as education, sustainability, and technology.
The joint World Cup Taskforce aims to advance collaboration on major projects related to the 2030 FIFA World Cup. The UK has welcomed the establishment of this taskforce, which seeks to unlock business opportunities and promote socioeconomic development in Morocco and Africa.
The UK's support for Morocco's 2030 World Cup projects reflects its confidence in Rabat's economic trajectory and its determination to be a long-term partner in Morocco's development. The countries' cooperation on infrastructure projects and trade ties is expected to have a positive impact on Morocco's economy and its preparations for the 2030 World Cup.
Key points
- The UK has pledged up to £5 billion in export finance to support Morocco's projects.
- The UK and Morocco have established a joint World Cup Taskforce to advance collaboration on major projects.
- Bilateral trade between the UK and Morocco is worth £4.6 billion.
