Morocco's aerospace sector ends 2024 on an exceptionally positive note, marked by unprecedented growth.
Aerospace exports surged by 17.3%, reaching MAD 21.86 billion in the first ten months, surpassing the previous record of MAD 21.85 billion set in 2023. According to Afaf Saïdi, Director of Aviation, Railways, Naval Industries, and Renewable Energies at the Ministry of Industry and Trade, Morocco is now Africa's leading supplier of aerospace equipment and spare parts. "In just twenty years, Morocco has become the top African manufacturer of aerospace equipment and components," he stated. Saïdi emphasized that this performance reflects not only the resilience of the national aerospace industry but also its ability to adapt to the fast-evolving global market.
The Moroccan aerospace industry currently employs over 21,000 skilled workers across 142 companies, with a local integration rate exceeding 40%. This dynamism is accompanied by ambitious projections, as the Minister of Industry, Riyad Mezzour, announced plans to double employment in the sector by 2030. This ambition underscores Morocco's determination to establish itself as a key player on the global stage.
The year 2024 was marked by several significant events, including the Morocco Air Show 2024 held in Marrakech. This event facilitated new strategic partnerships with industry giants such as Boeing and Airbus, further solidifying Morocco's position among the elite group of countries producing advanced aerospace equipment. Among the year's standout projects is the inauguration of Safran's aircraft engine manufacturing plant in Casablanca, a $300 million investment. This project is expected to create hundreds of jobs and promote the transfer of advanced technologies to Morocco.
A Favorable Investment Environment
The Moroccan government's policies have been instrumental in supporting the development of the aerospace industry. The country has established specialized industrial zones, such as Midparc, which offer modern infrastructure and attractive tax incentives. These zones have facilitated the establishment of major aerospace manufacturers like Bombardier, Stelia, and Aerospace, which have significantly expanded their investments by building new facilities or enlarging existing ones. These initiatives aim to meet the growing demand from major airlines for high-quality components while driving local economic growth.
The Tangier Med port also plays a crucial role in this dynamic, streamlining export operations and integrating Morocco into global supply chains. Saïdi highlighted, "We are adopting a proactive approach to ensure our aerospace industry keeps pace with the sector's rapid developments." Innovation, particularly in environmentally friendly technologies and carbon footprint reduction, is at the heart of this strategy.
In 2024, the Moroccan aerospace industry achieved significant expansion compared to the modest 2.4% increase in exports in 2023. This performance is attributed to strong global demand as well as product diversification, covering not only spare parts but also complete equipment for leading global aerospace manufacturers.
Promising Prospects
The future outlook for the Moroccan aerospace sector is particularly bright. The industry is preparing for further expansion through the development of new industrial ecosystems, the implementation of more complex projects, and addressing challenges related to digital transformation, decarbonization, and technological innovation. Morocco can also rely on the talents of its young professionals to continue asserting itself as a global leader in the aerospace field.
