Rabat – Morocco has earned international recognition for its efforts to attract high-value digital investment, with Tanger Med Zones named among five winners of the 2026 Investment Promotion Awards of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD).
The award recognizes Tanger Med Zones’ role in attracting specialized engineering and digital services, notably through the establishment of ALTEN Delivery Center Maroc at Tétouan Shore. The initiative illustrates Morocco’s efforts to diversify its economic activity and attract businesses that rely on skilled talent and technical expertise.
UNCTAD announced the winners during its ninth World Investment Forum in Doha, Qatar, which runs from October 25 to 27. Tanger Med Zones was selected alongside the Ethiopian Investment Commission, the Caribbean Export Development Agency, Invest KOREA, and Invest Qatar from 48 applications submitted by organizations in 40 countries.
The recognition comes amid a widening global digital economy, although investment remains unevenly distributed. UNCTAD’s World Investment Report 2025 found that greenfield investment in the digital economy reached $360 billion in 2024, almost three times its 2020 level. Developing economies received only 30% of global investment over the five years through 2024.
For Morocco, the award highlights the role of specialized industrial platforms in attracting international businesses and expanding the country’s presence in higher-value economic activities.
Tanger Med Zones attracts specialized engineering services
UNCTAD cited the establishment of ALTEN Delivery Center Maroc at Tétouan Shore as a key example of Tanger Med Zones’ investment promotion efforts.
The organization attributed the investment to a customized offer and dedicated support that brought the services required by investors under one roof. This approach helped attract highly skilled engineering activities to the region.
The model goes beyond the provision of industrial space. By coordinating investor services and tailoring offers to specific business needs, Tanger Med Zones seeks to make Morocco a more attractive destination for companies that require specialized infrastructure and administrative support.
Tétouan Shore forms part of the wider Tanger Med industrial and business ecosystem, which provides a platform for companies that seek to establish or expand operations in Morocco.
The award also points to the potential role of specialized zones in diversifying the national economy. Digital services and engineering activities can help expand the range of expertise available in the country and create opportunities for skilled employment.
Morocco seeks a larger role in the digital economy
The award comes as countries compete to attract a greater share of investment in digital infrastructure, technology, and specialized services.
According to UNCTAD, global greenfield investment in the digital economy reached $360 billion in 2024, nearly three times its 2020 level. Yet developing economies captured just 30% of global investment over the five years through 2024.
This gap points to the importance of investment policies that help developing countries attract businesses and move into higher-value segments of the global economy.
Morocco’s approach through Tanger Med Zones centers on tailored investment offers and coordinated support for companies. Rather than rely solely on cost advantages, the model seeks to provide businesses with the conditions they need to establish specialized operations.
The strategy also fits into Morocco’s broader efforts to attract foreign investment and strengthen its industrial base. Specialized business zones can help connect domestic locations with international companies and create opportunities for the development of technical skills.
Ethiopia also among five UNCTAD award winners
Morocco was not the only African recipient of the 2026 awards. The Ethiopian Investment Commission received recognition for its role in facilitating investment in telecommunications infrastructure, digital connectivity, and financial inclusion.
Its work includes support for Safaricom Ethiopia and the expansion of M-PESA Ethiopia, a mobile financial services platform.
As of March 31, Safaricom Ethiopia had 13.6 million active subscribers and 3,504 network sites, while its 4G network covered 59% of the population. M-PESA Ethiopia had attracted 5.2 million customers.
UNCTAD said the initiative has helped strengthen competition and expand access to broadband and digital payments, with wider opportunities for e-commerce, financial technology, and digital public services.
The two African winners represent different approaches to investment promotion. Ethiopia’s initiative focuses on telecommunications and mobile financial services, while Morocco’s centers on the attraction of specialized engineering and digital services.
UNCTAD evaluates applications based on project quality and contributions to the Sustainable Development Goals, the organization’s role in investment promotion and innovation, and communication and outreach. These criteria account for 40%, 50%, and 10% of the assessment, respectively.
Tanger Med Zones’ inclusion among the five winners recognizes its efforts to attract specialized digital investment to Morocco. The longer-term measure of success, however, will be whether such initiatives generate sustained investment, skilled employment, and broader economic benefits.
