The volume of trade between Morocco and other African countries increased from 36 billion dirhams (billion dirhams) in 2013 to 52.7 billion dirhams in 2023, recording an increase of 45%, indicated Tuesday in the House of Advisors, the Secretary of State to the Minister of Industry and Commerce, responsible for foreign trade, Omar Hjira.
In response to an oral question on “strengthening trade with African countries”, Mr. Hjira indicated that Moroccan exports to African markets reached approximately 32.7 billion dirhams in 2023, recording growth of 100% per year. compared to 2013.
This rate far exceeds that of Moroccan exports to other world markets, he continued, noting that these exports mainly consist of fertilizers, fish, cars, automobile cables and food products. Concerning imports from African countries, they reached around 20 billion dirhams in 2023, and are mainly made up of coal, dates and plastic materials, he added.
Mr. Hjira also indicated that a study carried out by the ministry revealed that the Kingdom has additional export capacities of up to 120 billion dirhams, of which 10% (i.e. 12 billion dirhams) would be intended for the African continent, specifying that this export capacity concerns priority sectors such as the automotive industry, agri-food, textiles and clothing, as well as mechanical industries, covering around 200 products and 1,200 markets.
Regarding the obstacles to expansion in African markets, Mr. Hjira highlighted a lack of transport between Morocco and several countries on the continent, noting that a first maritime route linking Agadir to Dakar will soon be launched, before be extended to other African countries by land.
He also highlighted the possibility of offering Moroccan exporters access to an online platform bringing together all the information on African markets and the products that can be exported there.
In this context, Mr. Hjira noted the importance of taking advantage of the opportunities offered by the African Continental Free Trade Area, which brings together 53 countries, including Morocco, and nearly 1.3 billion consumers, thus strengthening prospects for increasing and diversifying the Kingdom’s exports to this vast market.
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