How Morocco’s Aviation Sector Achieved Global Prominence in Two Decades

Published on January 6, 2025

In the past two decades, Morocco has significantly advanced its aviation sector, positioning itself as a key player in the global aerospace industry. The country’s achievements include not only a steady rise in aircraft component production but also a strategic push to assemble aircraft within its borders, cementing its place as Africa’s top exporter of aviation equipment.

Morocco’s ability to produce over 40 vital aircraft components, including critical parts made by just five countries worldwide, has played a pivotal role in this transformation. As of 2023, the country ranks fifth globally among the most active aviation manufacturers, a remarkable feat considering its relatively recent entry into this field. Afaf Saïdi, Director of Aviation, Railways, Naval Industries, and Renewable Energies at Morocco’s Ministry of Industry and Trade, emphasized that this success follows the launch of the country’s first aviation initiative just two decades ago. Her remarks, made to the Moroccan News Agency, highlighted Morocco’s ability to rapidly align with global market trends.

The Moroccan aviation sector experienced significant growth in 2023, with a 3.8% increase in production. The value of exports reached 21.864 billion dirhams in October, marking a 17.3% year-on-year rise. This growth has also had a direct impact on employment, with over 23,000 jobs created in the sector. Notably, the sector’s local integration rate stands at 42%, showcasing the country’s increasing ability to produce locally. With this success, Morocco aims to double sector employment by 2030, according to Minister of Industry Ryad Mezzour.

This year marked an especially crucial period for the Moroccan aerospace industry. The Morocco Air Show 2024 in Marrakech not only showcased the country’s capabilities but also led to significant partnerships with industry giants such as Boeing, Airbus, and Bombardier. These companies have established factories and engineering centers in Morocco, further boosting the country’s competitiveness in the sector. Rabat has also prioritized technological advancements, with a focus on research, innovation, and improving international standing.

Morocco’s favorable investment climate has played a key role in attracting international players. In October 2024, the Spanish group Asiture, a specialist in aerostructures and engine components, opened a new plant in Morocco’s Midparc industrial zone. This facility, dedicated to the manufacture of engine blades, represents an investment of over 30 million dirhams. Similarly, the port of Tangier Med has become instrumental in supporting the growth of Morocco’s aerospace exports.

Another notable development was the launch of Safran Group’s aircraft engine manufacturing plant in Casablanca, valued at $300 million. This facility is expected to create hundreds of jobs while accelerating the transfer of advanced aerospace technology to Morocco.

The aerospace sector has become a cornerstone of Morocco’s economic growth. Moroccan economist Idris Al-Fina highlighted the sector’s remarkable rise, noting that it is now the country’s second-largest foreign exchange earner. Over 140 international companies are involved in the sector, contributing about 2.5 billion dirhams annually to Morocco’s GDP.

The country has also seen a notable 18% rise in aerospace exports in 2024, reaching 10.7 billion dirhams during the first five months of the year. The expansion of strategic partnerships with international firms such as SABCA Morocco and Gal Aerospace, which focus on aeronautical structures and aircraft cabin components, has been integral to this success.

Looking forward, Morocco’s goal is to manufacture an integrated aircraft by 2030. This ambitious vision will be realized by expanding the industry’s activities, strengthening international partnerships, and creating environmentally sustainable solutions. These efforts align with global trends in reducing carbon emissions from the aviation sector.

While Morocco’s aerospace sector still represents a smaller portion of its overall economy compared to industries like automotive manufacturing, the country’s steady growth signals a promising future. With continued investment, technological innovation, and a focus on sustainability, Morocco is positioning itself not only as a leader in the aerospace industry but also as a future contender in the global space industry.