Rabat – As the world witnesses technological advancements, demographic changes, and shifting economic conditions, the global value chain will continue to evolve in unpredictable ways, paving the way for new professional opportunities for Morocco.
In response to this global climate of uncertainties and potential promises, Morocco’s Royal Institute for Strategic Studies (IRES) published this week a report detailing potential trends and developments in several Moroccan industries, characterized by the emergence of new opportunities in international markets.
Shipbuilding industry
“Morocco is preparing to develop a state-of-the-art shipbuilding industry by 2030,” indicated the report, noting that the National Ports Agency-led program will include the building of new shipyards in the Moroccan cities of Safi, Jorf-Lasfar, Kenitra, Nador, and Dakhla.
In addition, it will restore and renovate several old shipyards, including that of Agadir and Tan-Tan. The shipyards will be used to repair military, fishing, and recreational vessels, creating more business opportunities.
In this regard, the report highlighted Morocco’s potential to position itself as a “regional leader” in maritime transport amid growing global demand for ship dismantling services.
Rail industry
Similar to the shipbuilding industry, the rail industry is witnessing “major” technological changes across the world, “with the emergence of digitalization and ‘smart cities,’” said the report.
Thanks to the globalization of the rail industry’s production chains, Morocco will be able to benefit from technology and knowledge transfer and “develop its national expertise,” stressed the report, noting that the country is home to some of the leading manufacturers in the sector, including Eolane and Colas.
Green electricity
Another sector that has the potential of boosting Morocco’s appeal in the global market is green electricity, the report detailed, highlighting the country’s renewable resources. “Morocco has a green energy potential that places it among the major energy-producing countries,” it underlined.
According to the report, the ongoing global energy transition serves as an “opportunity for Morocco to make green electricity a global business by investing in production, distribution, and sales activities.”
Green chemistry
The report also highlighted green chemistry as a promising sector for Morocco in the future, arguing that the country has the potential to make green chemistry a “global business.”
It particularly underlined Morocco’s “leading position” in the field of renewable energy, noting that the country possesses organic plant resources that “allows it to comply with regulations on the use of synthetic additives.”
Pharmaceutical industry
In addition, the report stressed Morocco’s potential to “integrate” itself into the global pharmaceutical value chain. “Morocco can become a leader in the field on a continental scale, move upmarket, and acquire a share of the world market for generic drugs,” said the report.
In 2006, Morocco adopted Law 17-07, allowing foreign investors to set up their pharmaceutical subsidiaries in the county, noted the report, stressing that the country is “well-equipped at the legislative and institutional level” to consolidate its competitiveness in the global market.
Per the report’s assessment, the field of generic drugs serves as an opportunity for Morocco to “supply the national market at a low cost and to export to countries in Africa and the Middle East.”
Logistics and transport
Also offering Morocco — and other developing countries — is the logistics and transportation industry, indicated the report, noting that countries must have the necessary aeronautical, maritime, and road infrastructure, as well as political stability, to seize these opportunities.
Highlighting Morocco’s proximity to the European market and position as a gateway to Africa, the report argued that the country can make logistics and transport a global business and offer various services, including transportation, warehousing, and order picking.
Handicraft and culinary arts
Another promising industry for Morocco is the handicraft and culinary arts sector, with the report highlighting the country’s “huge potential in terms of know-how, innovation, labor costs, and availability of raw materials.”
The report mentioned in this regard Morocco’s 2021-2030 strategy aimed at developing the handicrafts sector, which includes strengthening competitiveness and resilience, as well as modernizing the industry and developing know-how of local expertise.
