Global Leaders Spotlight Africa Investment Opportunities at Inaugural Eli Morocco Forum

TANGIER, Morocco — Global business leaders, government officials, diplomats and students gathered in Tangier on Saturday for the inaugural Eli Morocco Forum, where participants explored investment opportunities across Africa and discussed strategies to drive economic growth, industrialisation and regional integration.

The forum was held as part of the 14th edition of the International Equestrian Festival MATA and focused on key issues including infrastructure development, job creation, value addition to critical mineral resources, energy transition and strengthening intra-African trade.

Forum Emphasises Infrastructure, Trade and Industrial Growth

Discussions at the event also examined the role of port infrastructure, youth development, leadership and values in shaping Africa’s economic future.

Speaking during the forum, Nabil Baraka, President of the International MATA Festival and the Eli Morocco Forum, said the initiative was founded on the belief that economic development must be connected to ethical values and dialogue among civilizations.

According to Baraka, sustained engagement among business leaders and policymakers is essential to unlocking growth opportunities across the continent.

“The economy has to be linked to ethics and dialogue of civilisation,” he said, stressing the need for collaboration to promote inclusive and sustainable development.

Morocco Highlights Long-Term Economic Vision

Morocco’s Minister of Industry and Trade, Ryad Mezzour, outlined the country’s economic transformation strategy, highlighting investments in infrastructure, free trade agreements and policy decisions aimed at attracting foreign investment.

Mezzour said Morocco had made difficult economic choices over the years, including the closure of outdated industries, to position itself for larger investment opportunities and stronger export growth.

He cited the closure of the former Goodyear tyre plant in Casablanca as an example of strategic reforms that helped pave the way for larger industrial projects.

“In Tangier today, we sacrificed two plants 20 years ago, producing 115,000 tyres a year both. We now have one plant here in Tangier producing 15 million tyres a year, and a second one we’re discussing in Nador that will produce 18 million tyres a year,” he said.

The minister noted that Morocco’s infrastructure expansion has played a central role in its economic development.

“Twenty-five years ago, we had only 80 kilometres of highways; we are about to reach 2,000,” he said.

He added that the country’s export profile has also undergone a significant transformation.

“Twenty-five years ago, we were exporting €7 billion, half of it agricultural products. Now we are exporting almost €50 billion, and 83 per cent of it are manufactured products,” Mezzour stated.

Vision and Strategic Investment Key to Growth

According to the minister, Morocco’s development strategy centres on transforming infrastructure investments into economic opportunities and employment generation.

He said achieving that goal requires long-term vision, consistency, adaptability and ambition.

The forum concluded with calls for deeper regional cooperation, increased investment in infrastructure and industrialisation, and stronger partnerships between governments and the private sector to unlock Africa’s economic potential.

Also Read: Rubio Congratulates Portugal on National Day, Highlights Strong Bilateral Ties

admin

A Lagos-based journalist with a passion for disseminating factual information and a deep appreciation for good music, good food, movies, and beautiful cars. He hopes to travel the world someday, documenting its beauty and diverse cultures through his storytelling.