Finances News Hebdo: How can Morocco encourage Moroccans living abroad (MRE) to direct a greater share of their transfers towards productive investments rather than real estate?
Sofiane Gadrim: MREs, whether they left yesterday or come from a fourth generation born abroad, each have a special relationship with Morocco. It is a mosaic of journeys, family histories, socio-economic contexts. What connects them is a passport, but beyond that, they experience very different realities and expectations. We cannot approach them with a single strategy, because each MRE carries within itself a unique link, woven from memories, experiences and hopes with Morocco. Take the example of Brahim Diaz and Lamine Yamal, two young football prodigies born in Spain. Both share Moroccan origins, yet their choices differ: Diaz chose to play for Morocco, Yamal for Spain. These choices are personal, influenced by family histories and feelings of belonging. This ability to strike the right chords, to understand everyone’s aspirations, has allowed Morocco to build a solid national team, made up of diverse players but all united under the same flag. It is this personalized approach, this fine listening, that we could transpose to MREs. Let’s look at what’s already working: real estate. This sector attracts because it is tangible, well organized, and above all because it is visible. The numerous dedicated trade fairs and campaigns directly target MREs by offering them concrete opportunities. Could we not draw inspiration from this dynamic for other promising sectors such as technology, industry, or sustainable agriculture?
Morocco is full of opportunities, and it would be enough to highlight them in an attractive way to capture the attention of MREs. In the same way, the Casablanca Stock Exchange is a dynamic player. She was able to capture the attention of young people by organizing competitions for students, thus creating a new generation of Moroccans interested in financial markets. This model could be extended to include MREs. Let’s imagine virtual events where the diaspora could discover listed Moroccan companies, understand investment mechanisms and interact with experts. It is not a question of simply proposing actions, but of creating a real connection between MREs and the Moroccan economy. When we think of MREs who plan to retire in Morocco, it is an incredible opportunity. They are not just retirees, but economic contributors who bring their resources, experience and commitment. Developing complementary retirement systems for these MRE would be a way of solidifying their link with Morocco while bringing foreign currency and capital to the country. Perhaps measures of this type already exist, or are being considered, but their highlighting and development could offer a great opportunity to further strengthen these economic and social ties. Finally, to truly understand and engage MREs, we could fully harness the power of new technologies. Collecting data via polls and surveys would allow us to know their expectations, their investment desires, and even their specific needs. This would be a way to adjust our policies and our economic offers in a more targeted and effective manner. Ultimately, Morocco has the resources and opportunities to make its MRE real development actors. All you need to do is understand their expectations and offer them tailor-made solutions, adapted to their unique journeys. With a personalized approach and proactive, Morocco can fully benefit from the wealth of its diaspora, while offering them clear and attractive pathways to engage in the future of their country of origin.
FNH: What are the main barriers that slow down investment by MREs in productive sectors such as industry or new technologies, and what solutions are you considering?
S. G. : Transfers from MREs exceeded 68 billion dirhams in just seven months in 2024, testifying to the economic strength of this diaspora. But beyond these impressive figures, the challenge is to channel part of these funds towards productive sectors which would participate even more actively in the transformation of Morocco. Morocco is positioning itself today as a country in full swing, capable of attracting global attention thanks to major events such as Gitex Africa, the CAN 2025 and the co-organization of the 2030 World Cup. These meetings -you internationals are much more than sporting or technological showcases: they draw a new image of Morocco, dynamic, innovative and resolutely turned towards the future. Each competition, each forum, each trade fair is an open door to investments and collaborations, and it is in this wake that the Kingdom can draw to capture the interest of MRE and encourage them to participate in this dynamic. It is essential to continue to promote what is already working and to highlight promising sectors in a more visible and accessible way. Crowdfunding, for example, could become a powerful lever to allow MREs to engage directly in concrete projects in Morocco. Whether they are technological startups, innovative agricultural projects or cultural initiatives, these platforms could offer MREs simple, secure investment opportunities, and connected to productive sectors. It is a way of making them actors in development, while diversifying sources of financing for the Moroccan economy. But beyond the desire to invest, there are also practical questions that arise.
Take the example of the Foreign Exchange Office, which regulates financial flows to protect the country’s foreign exchange reserves. When an MRE wishes to transfer a large sum, such as 100,000 euros, the flexibility of being able to repatriate these funds or redirect them if necessary becomes crucial. For businesses, systems exist to ensure the security of these flows, but for individuals, the issue sometimes remains complex and surrounded by rules that can seem opaque. This is entirely understandable given the financial stability issues for Morocco, but it is also where technologyology can play a key role. Let’s imagine a solution based on blockchain, where each important transfer would be traced in a transparent and secure manner, offering MREs a kind of virtual credit or voucher which would guarantee them the possibility of recovering their funds without excessive complications, while maintaining the necessary balances to the Moroccan economy. This would create a climate of confidence and fluidity, making investments more attractive while respecting currency control requirements. Of course, it is possible that solutions of this type are already being considered, but it is by multiplying this type of innovation that Morocco will be able to better support its diaspora in its economic initiatives. Morocco is on the right track. With the current excitement around major events, entrepreneurial dynamism and initiatives to attract ever more investment, it is certain that convincing results will continue to emerge. Every step counts, and by strengthening access, security and visibility of opportunities, Morocco will only consolidate its place as a preferred destination for its MRE, transforming their potential into a real engine of growth for the country.
FNH: As a former MRE, what administrative challenges do MREs encounter when attempting to invest in Morocco, and how could these obstacles be overcome to encourage more MREs to invest?
S. G. : Let’s talk about the interactions of MREs with administrative realities, and what this represents in terms of opportunities to build a relationship of trust. How can we transform these moments of interaction into real levers of engagement and development? Morocco has already put in place positive initiatives, such as the CRIs which support investors. We can go further by enriching these points of contact with even more innovative and digital services. We could set up interactive platforms, where each MRE could follow their investment journey in real time, ask questions and get quick answers. Solutions like intelligent chatbots or artificial intelligence could make this journey even more fluid and intuitive. There is a real opportunity to create a support ecosystem that goes beyond administrative procedures. For example, during the CAN 2025 and the 2030 World Cup, Morocco will be in the global spotlight. Let’s use these events to highlight the attractiveness of the country? Networking sessions and conferences on investment opportunities for MREs could be organized alongside these competitions. In addition, it is essential to highlight the successes that have resulted from Moroccan initiatives, such as the startups that have been able to break through thanks to support programs and appropriate financing. This sends a strong message: Morocco is a land of opportunities, and there is a place for every investor, whether in tech, agriculture, or industry. Finally, technology can play a central role in supporting MREs with dedicated applications where MREs can simulate their investments, access personalized market research, or even connect with other investors to share experiences. It is this community and interactive dimension that could make all the difference, transforming each administrative process into a real experience of support and enhancement. Morocco is booming, and infrastructure is rapidly modernizing. With global events on the horizon, technological advances and a desire to involve its diaspora, there is a tremendous opportunity to rethink interactions between MREs and the administration. Rather than seeing them as simple steps, let’s make them moments of connection and collaboration, where each MRE will feel like a true actor in the development of their country of origin.
FNH: Today, how do you perceive the involvement of new generations of MRE in Morocco, and what could encourage their economic and social commitment?
S. G. : To strengthen the commitment of new generations of MRE to Morocco, we must think differently, taking into account their aspirations and their daily reality. These young MREs are often very connected, open to the world, and they are thirsty for concrete opportunities, not just talk. Their commitment will not only involve calls for patriotism or cultural attachment, but through tangible actions which show them that Morocco is fertile ground for their ideas, their skills and their projects. The challenge is to speak to them differently, to show them that Morocco is moving, innovating, and can offer them roles that go beyond simple visitors or financial contributors. Exchange programs, internships, virtual incubators that connect them to real projects in Morocco can make all the difference. We could organize hackathons dedicated to the diaspora, platforms that allow these young people to collaborate with Moroccan startups remotely. So, it is not necessarily a question of pushing them to return permanently, but of making them want to get involved and bring their know-how wherever they are.
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