UK eyes business opportunities through World Cup co-host Morocco

The United Kingdom is actively pursuing expanded business and trade relationships with Morocco, leveraging the North African nation’s position as a 2030 FIFA World Cup co-host alongside Spain and Portugal.

UK Minister of State for Investment Baroness Gustafsson recently affirmed that the Department for Business and Trade is “committed to helping UK businesses export to Morocco,” responding to a parliamentary question on strengthening bilateral trade ties.

This commitment builds upon the UK-Morocco Association Agreement signed in 2019 following Brexit. “Bilateral trade was worth £4.2 billion in 2024, up £0.6 billion in current prices from 2023,” Gustafsson noted, highlighting Morocco’s World Cup co-hosting as a catalyst for further partnerships.

Tim Reid, Chief Executive Officer of UK Export Finance (UKEF), expressed similar enthusiasm in a recent interview with Morocco World News. “In Morocco, we are focusing on World Cup-related projects as we are keen to be part of this exciting adventure,” he stated, referencing UKEF’s £5 billion commitment to Moroccan projects.

The agency views Morocco as a strategic gateway for British commercial interests throughout Africa and has pledged to support various World Cup-related initiatives. “Whether you are a government official considering a new infrastructure project or a private company with ambition in energy efficiency, we can help. In return, we ask for a commitment to sourcing at least 20% of the contract value from the UK,” Reid explained.

In October 2024, a UK delegation including representatives from 12 British companies visited Morocco to explore World Cup preparations and discuss expanded bilateral cooperation across multiple sectors. The visit underscores Britain’s strategic interest in participating in Morocco’s infrastructure development and energy enhancement plans associated with the global sporting event.