Ease of doing business
Morocco is increasingly recognised for ease of doing business. It is the top African investment destination according to the Africa Investment Index 2018. Casablanca Finance City offers support to companies wishing to invest.
Economic growth and reform
Morocco’s economy has benefited from consistent growth and a stable macroeconomic framework. The country came through the turbulent period of the 2011 Arab Spring in relatively good shape. Reforms have stimulated competition, encouraging innovation and creating new jobs.
UK-Morocco association agreement
The UK has signed an association agreement with Morocco. Read our latest updates for more information on the status of this agreement and how it may benefit your business.
Upcoming public procurement opportunities
Investments of an estimated £50B+ will be rolled out in Morocco in the next 5-6 years, within sub-sectors with large potential for UK firms. This includes transportation, water, hospitals and clean energy. Many investments will be accelerated in preparation of the 2030 World Cup in Morocco.
Top five UK goods exported to Morocco , in the four quarters to the end of Q2 2024
| Goods | Value (£ million ) |
|---|---|
| Refined oil | |
| Cars | |
| Metal ores & scrap | |
| Crude oil | |
| Textile fabrics |
Source:
ONS Trade in goods: country-by-commodity exports
Last updated: October 2024
Download the latest trade and investment factsheet for Morocco.
Top five UK services exported to Morocco , in the four quarters to the end of Q2 2024
| Service | Value (£ million ) |
|---|---|
| Transportation | |
| Travel | |
| Other Business Services | |
| Telecommunications, computer and information services | |
| Government |
Source:
ONS UK trade in services: service type by partner country, non-seasonally adjusted
Last updated: October 2024
Download the latest trade and investment factsheet for Morocco.
Total import value (into the UK from Morocco) and export value (from the UK into Morocco) over time
| Year | Imports (£ billion ) | Exports (£ billion ) | Total trade (£ billion ) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | 1.5 | 1.1 | 2.6 |
| 2017 | 1.2 | 1.1 | 2.3 |
| 2018 | 1.2 | 1.0 | 2.2 |
| 2019 | 1.4 | 1.0 | 2.4 |
| 2020 | 0.9 | 0.8 | 1.6 |
| 2021 | 1.2 | 0.9 | 2.1 |
| 2022 | 1.8 | 1.5 | 3.3 |
| 2023 | 2.3 | 1.5 | 3.7 |
Source:
ONS UK total trade: all countries, seasonally adjusted
Last updated: October 2024
Total trade is the sum of all exports and imports over the same time period.
Download the latest trade and investment factsheet for Morocco.
Morocco: at a glance
Economic growth
3.4%
Actual figure (IMF, 2023)
The UK is 0.1% (IMF, 2023, projected figure)
GDP per capita
$3,901
Actual figure (IMF, 2023)
The UK is $49,099 (IMF, 2023, projected figure)
Currency
Dirham
Business languages
French
Time zone
GMT +1
Want to see more on Morocco? Sign up for additional market data, content specific to your product or sector and to compare Morocco side by side with other markets.
Opportunities for exporters
Key opportunities for UK businesses are in infrastructure across hospitals, transport, and stadia. Morocco needs to build or upgrade six stadiums ahead of the World Cup and 2026 African Cup of Nations. There is a strong commitment to sustainability, and recognition of UK expertise and capability in this area.
-
Morocco is expected to accelerate around £50bn of infrastructure development in the next few years, driving urban regeneration projects across the country. With a focus on integrated transport systems linking roads, railways and airports, there are many opportunities for UK businesses to build on recent successes.
Ambitious rail plans
Morocco’s Railway Investment Plan sets out the expansion of the national rail network from 23 cities to 43, increasing rail access to 87% of the population. The National Railways Office (ONCF) will invest £30bn over the next decade – in light and high-speed rail, rail lines, rolling stock, signalling and stations.
Airport expansion
There are currently 10 international airports, with over £500 million in airport upgrades planned for 2030. The Office Nationale Des Aeroports (ONDA) will develop airport capacity to meet demand for the World Cup with extension and redevelopment works for seven airports. This includes a renewable energy policy and digital transformation plan.
Investment in stadia
There are opportunities for UK businesses in stadium construction and retrofit in preparation for 2030. Morocco is investing €2 billion in stadia across six FIFA host cities with refurbishment plans for 5 stadiums, 3 of which present opportunities for the UK supply chain – in Fes, Marrakech, and Agadir.
-
Demand for UK education is growing rapidly, amongst a wider ‘shift to English’. There is demand for international partners to enhance educational infrastructure, particularly around English language, edtech and the UK curriculum. UK firms have partnered with local institutions creating training programmes, upgrading vocational schools, and launching university campuses.
Demand for UK curriculum
There is an increasing appetite in Morocco for British-style education. UK companies are increasingly visible, with 7 British Schools operating across the country. There is also wide demand across the 5,000 private schools in Morocco to incorporate English language and UK curriculum within their offer.
Higher education: UK university partnerships (public and private)
The first UK university branch campus opened in Morocco in 2023. Interest is growing for additional UK university partnerships, including branch campuses and transnational education structures.
Research partnerships
There is high demand amongst Moroccan universities and businesses for UK research partners, with collaborations ranging from agriculture to energy.
-
Strengthening the nation's healthcare system is a top priority for Morocco, with reforms to increase healthcare coverage from 30% to 90% underway. Morocco has recently allocated £2.1 billion to improve healthcare infrastructure, driving UK opportunities across infrastructure development, training programs, and digital health.
Hospital development
Morocco plans to build 40 new hospitals and medical centres by 2030. UK companies specialising in healthcare infrastructure and medical equipment can find significant opportunities in both the public and private sectors – including in hospital construction, equipping new facilities, and upgrading existing ones.
Training and education
Demand for qualified medical professionals is rising. UK medical schools and research institutions are well-positioned to offer training programs and research collaborations. These partnerships can help build local capacities, ensuring that Morocco has a well-trained healthcare workforce to meet future demands.
Digital health solutions
There is a growing need for digital health solutions in Moroccan hospitals, particularly for integrated systems to track patient medical records. The Moroccan Ministry of Health and the National Social Security Fund (CNSS) are exploring these systems, with UK expertise in healthtech well-suited to Morocco’s needs.
Check for trade barriers
Trade barriers, such as tariffs or taxes, can raise costs, cause delays, or even stop you from exporting. Check for any issues that may impact your business when exporting.
Check duties and customs
Find information on how to export goods from the UK. View the duties, rules, restrictions, and the documents you need for your products.
Doing business in Morocco
Preparing to export
VAT
VAT on imports is 20%. Rates of 7% and 10% apply to some products and services.
Morocco’s local investment development agency provides more information about tax rates in Morocco.
Import regulations
The Moroccan customs authority regulates all goods imported into Morocco.
All imported goods must be cleared with customs whether they are imported by road, air, sea or post. Most products can be imported without an import licence.
Standards and regulations
Moroccan standards are managed by the Moroccan Standards Institute (website in French).
The AMDI (local investment development agency) and Centre Regional d’Investissement can provide detailed information on export regulations.
Intellectual property (IP)
Intellectual property (IP) rights are territorial. Rights granted in the UK do not provide protection elsewhere. You should consider getting IP protection abroad if you want to trade overseas or sell to overseas customers via the internet.
The Intellectual Property Office’s International IP Service provides practical information to help you protect, manage and enforce your IP abroad. Further support can be accessed through the service’s network of IP attachés. Based in key UK export markets, they provide guidance to British businesses on local IP matters.
Trade barriers
Check for any reported barriers to trading with Morocco.
Report any trade barriers that are affecting your business so we can help fix them.
Operating in Morocco
Business culture
Morocco is seeking a wider range of international partners. Close working relationships are useful for securing business in Morocco. More businesses are liaising in English, although French remains the primary formal language.
Morocco is quieter in July, August and the month of Ramadan. Business continues, but with shorter office hours.
Risks
Morocco has some challenges, include low-level corruption, French-language bureaucracy, a poorly educated workforce and a large informal or 'grey' economy.
Routes to market
Ways to get started in the Moroccan market include:
It’s a good idea to appoint a local representative, even if you export directly.
Next steps
Get ready to do business abroad
Step-by-step lessons to accelerate your exporting ability.
Read more
Find the answers to your exporting questions
Get instant help from our online services and how-to articles or contact our Export Support Service to access our wider network of support.
Find answers