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Rabat – Morocco’s Minister of Industry, Ryad Mezzour, has expressed satisfaction with the country’s efforts and industrial mechanism deployed ahead of and during AFCON, contributing to the success of the best tournament in the competition’s history.
Mezzour made his remarks in an interview with France 24, where he also expressed his mixed feelings about the Morocco vs. Senegal final.
“It’s both frustration and disappointment. Of course, we would have loved to win this AFCON, but also an enormous pride to have been able to organize a competition of this level and welcome the whole world to witness th Africa that is developing, and this Morocco that has reached such a level,” Mezzour told France24.
He also paid tribute to the Atlas Lions, the technical staff, the coach, and the Moroccan football federation that made Moroccans proud.
Mezzour also outlined the industrial effort that had been deployed before and during the tournament, stating that this edition was the “most profitable AFCON” in history— both for the Confederation of African Football (CAF) and Morocco, as a host.
“We have a multiplier effect of 1.82 revenues and investments made for AFCON, an acceleration of our growth, and an increase in job creations, which we estimate at 100,000 new jobs,” Mezzour said.
He added that the country’s growth ends this year at over 4.5%, describing the indicator as “very good news for our country.”
He said all investments made to be ready for AFCON have served as a “development accelerator in 24 months, we gained nearly ten years of development in infrastructure.”
He said the infrastructure is benefiting the Moroccan population in all sectors, including transport, health, systems, and employment.
When asked about the youth-led Gen Z protests that started in Morocco last year, Mezzour said that their demands are being answered.
“Work is being done intensively. They also asked for a better education system- and that is exactly what is being implemented,” he said.
He recalled that despite the criticism, the same youth showed passion and disappointment over Morocco’s defeat in AFCON.
“We are a country united behind its King, a country that works, a country that delivers, and a country showing the world that Morocco’s development is serious and widely recognized,” Mezzour said.
The minister emphasized that 3,000 industrial companies contributed to all AFCON projects, not only stadiums. The projects also included roads, airport upgrades, improvements in the railway system, and buses.
“I also oversee the trade sector, which saw a consumption increase estimated between 25% and 30%,” he said.
