Morocco, towards an industry with a national capital

Morocco, Africa’s largest industrial powerhouse, is set to further expand the share of the secondary sector in its GDP by focusing on highly technological footprints with a Moroccan capital with encouragement from the country’s monarchy.

King Mohammed VI has lifted the curtain on two prototypes made by Moroccans in the field of the automotive sector. The first was a conventional car targeting the wider public named Neo Motors and the second was a forward-looking hydrogen-powered car.

The event should serve as a spur for Moroccan capital to engage in productive investments that build on already existing eco-systems.

Industry represents some 25% of Morocco’s GDP with the automotive sector in particular topping manufactured exports in 2022 with 111 billion dirhams or 11 billion dollars, up 33%.

Neo Motors has set up a production plant near Rabat with an initial output capacity estimated at 27,000 and a local sourcing rate of 65%.

The prototype, developed by Neo Motors, already received a go-ahead to drive the cars by the country’s road safety authority.

The unveiling of the two prototypes takes place in a context Morocco seeks a new industrial strategy to build on the results of the industrial acceleration plan which helped Morocco become an African and Mediterranean powerhouse in the aerospace sector as well.

Industry minister Ryad Mezzour said his department would seek the help of international consultancies to devise a new industrial strategy that bolsters the country’s economic sovereignty in line with Royal directives.

“We also have to be fully prepared to enter a new industrial era in which the concept of sovereignty is both a goal and a means. To rise to this challenge, our country needs an industry that incorporates new activities and skills, and creates more jobs,” King Mohammed VI had said in an address to participants in 1st National Industry Day.