Rabat – Morocco and Senegal are strengthening their economic ties through a growing industrial partnership grounded in a Pan-African co-development vision.
Bilateral trade between the two countries has expanded significantly, rising from $98.5 million in 2010 to $370 million in 2024, reflecting deepening cooperation based on mutual trust, solidarity, and economic complementarity.
According to a recent interview with Senegal’s government newspaper Le Soleil, Morocco’s Minister of Industry and Commerce, Ryad Mezzour, emphasized this dynamic partnership and outlined three key priorities to further enhance collaboration:
- Transferring expertise in key sectors such as agribusiness and renewable energy.
- Sharing and optimizing port and logistics infrastructure.
- Establishing joint investment funds focused on regional small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
Mezzour described Senegal as a “pivotal partner” within Morocco’s broader African industrial strategy, supported by ongoing bilateral technical programs. He also highlighted Morocco’s robust economy, marked by a 55% increase in foreign direct investment (FDI) in 2024, driven by sector diversification, an attractive legal environment, and Morocco’s role as a tri-continental connectivity hub.
The minister further pointed to the rapid growth of Morocco’s franchise sector, which includes 745 networks—84% international—with an average annual growth of 25% over 15 years and revenues of 20 billion dirhams. The government’s 2025-2027 roadmap aims to boost exports, create jobs, and promote Moroccan brands internationally.
“Our ambition is to build shared prosperity with Africa,” Mezzour concluded.
This interview featured in a special edition of Le Soleil commemorating Morocco’s 26th Throne Day, showcasing Morocco’s development model, industrial goals, and strong relations with African countries like Senegal.
The edition also highlighted key growth sectors such as phosphates, manufacturing, franchising, and sports, with major projects in preparation for the Africa Cup of Nations 2025 and the FIFA World Cup 2030.
