Rabat – The Grouping of Moroccan Aeronautical and Space Industries (GIMAS) forecasts that Morocco’s annual aerospace exports could rise to about $5 billion (MAD 45.75 billion) within three years, up from $3 billion (MAD 27.45 billion) in 2025.
GIMAS head Mohammed Bellatig announced the forecast in an interview with Reuters on the sidelines of the Marrakech Airshow, where he stated that Morocco would be assembling engines and landing gear.
This could provide “much bigger added value than we have today,” Bellatig said.
He said Morocco is also seeking to enter the drone production market, saying it could contribute to developing expertise in materials, assembly, and engineering.
The Marrakech Airshow, which began on October 7, has drawn the attention of many manufacturers and major companies, several of which have signed agreements with the Moroccan government.
Major companies have also commended Morocco’s aerospace industry, stressing their commitment to expanding their operations and cooperation with Morocco.
Airbus emphasized its goal of continuing to develop cooperation with the Moroccan government and universities to boost research.
Gabriel Semelas, Airbus President for Africa and the Middle East, highlighted the company’s partnership with Morocco on the sidelines of the Marrakech Airshow, stating that Airbus has been present in the Moroccan market for 75 years.
Airbus produces aerostructures and composite materials in Morocco through three companies that have been operating in the country since 1951.
Semelas also commented on the recently finalized acquisition of Spirit AeroSystems, stating that the group had integrated Spirit’s former activities into its operations, particularly in composites, complex structures, and electronic installations for aircraft.
“As of today, approximately 1,200 employees work directly for Airbus, alongside an ecosystem of more than 100 local Moroccan suppliers,” Semelas said.
At the opening of the airshow, Morocco’s fertilizer group OCP signed an agreement with the Ministry of Industry, the National Defense Administration, and the Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P), alongside global companies including Lockheed Martin, Safran, Airbus, and Boeing, to advance research and development in Morocco’s aviation and industrial sectors.
The agreement, which the Technical Center for Mechanical Industries also signed alongside the ACME platform, seeks to establish the African Manufacturing Excellence Center with the participation of institutional and industrial stakeholders.
