The three major pillars of the development model adopted by King Mohammed VI to transform Morocco into a regional power and a global economic player are industry, energy sovereignty, and port infrastructure. His visionary economic transition models have laid robust foundations, aiming to enhance the living conditions of Moroccan citizens, position the Kingdom favorably on both continental and international stages, and foster wealth creation and socio-economic resilience. In an exclusive interview, Moroccan Diplomat Dr. Najib Somoue, an esteemed Economist and Financial Analyst, provides in-depth insights into the Industrial Revolution in Morocco under King Mohammed VI’s reign.
Thank you for joining us, Dr. Somoue. Could you start by telling the readers why you strongly believe that Moroccans are proud of King Mohammed VI and his economic achievements?
My answer was straightforward: we were once a poor country, and thanks to His Majesty’s vision, we now live in a nation with numerous opportunities and a conducive environment for wealth creation. We are no longer impoverished, and that is more than enough to be proud of our country’s accomplishments under King Mohammed VI’s reign. The vision for Morocco’s economic’s giant leap forward is hinged on three major pillars of five-year economic plans adopted by the King of Morocco to transform the country into a regional power and a global economic player.
How has Morocco positioned itself as a competitive industrial hub under the King’s leadership?
Several industrial strategies have so far been implemented, starting with the Emergence Plan (2005-2009). This plan aimed to attract new industrial investments and develop sectors like offshoring, automotive, aerospace, electronics, and agro-industry. Following this, the National Pact for Industrial Emergence (2009-2015) further targeted these sectors, enhancing Morocco’s Global Industries (MGI). The Industrial Acceleration Plan (2014-2020) focused on creating efficient ecosystems to integrate value chains and foster relationships between large companies and SMEs. These efforts have made Morocco one of the most competitive industrial spaces globally, particularly in the automotive and aerospace industries. The impact of the Industrial Acceleration Plan is that more than 700,000 jobs have been created in the industrial sector. The automotive industry, in particular, has seen remarkable growth, with Morocco now being the third most competitive country globally with a 60% integration rate. In addition, the aerospace sector has established Morocco as the first African hub, with significant investments and partnerships leading to advanced manufacturing capabilities.
You mentioned energy sovereignty as a pillar. What strides has Morocco made in this area?
Under the reign of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, Morocco, once heavily dependent on fossil fuels, has made significant strides toward achieving energy sovereignty. Through numerous large-scale projects in solar, wind, and hydroelectric power, the Kingdom has emerged as a leader in renewable energy production in Africa. This year, Morocco is set to reduce its energy dependence rate to 89%, compared to nearly 98% in 2008, illustrating the significant progress made over the past fifteen years.
Can you tell us about the Noor solar complex and its impact on Morocco’s energy landscape?
The Noor solar complex is a pivotal project in Morocco’s renewable energy journey. It began on November 2, 2009, when King Mohammed VI inaugurated the construction in Ouarzazate. Covering over 3,000 hectares, this complex has a production capacity of 582 megawatts (MW) and required an investment of over 2 billion USD through a public-private partnership. Noor I was inaugurated in 2016 with a capacity of 160 MW, followed by Noor II (200 MW), Noor III (150 MW), and Noor IV (72 MW) in 2018. Today, the Noor Ouarzazate solar complex supplies nearly two million Moroccans with electricity and helps avoid the emission of nearly one million tons of greenhouse gases per year.
What other renewable energy projects has Morocco developed, and what are the future plans in this sector?
Alongside solar power, Morocco is focusing on wind energy and hydroelectric projects. Notable wind projects include the Amogdoul park (60 MW) in Essaouira, Tanger I (140 MW), Boujdour (300 MW), Taza (87 MW) parks, and the Midelt plant (180 MW), commissioned in 2020. Morocco also has hydroelectric complexes like the Afourer pumped storage station (464 MW), operational since 2005. Looking to the future, Morocco’s potential in renewable energies is attracting multinational companies for green hydrogen production, a crucial lever for carbon neutrality. In 2023, several ambitious projects were unveiled by national and international investors, with implementation expected in the coming years. The government, supported by the private sector, aims to increase annual investments in clean energy by 2027. Additionally, Morocco has invested in wind energy projects like the Amogdoul park (60 MW), Tanger I (140 MW), Boujdour (300 MW), and the Midelt plant (180 MW). These projects collectively enhance Morocco’s renewable energy capacity.
Tanger Med Ranked 2nd. Image from X:@TM_Officiel
How has King Mohammed VI prioritized port infrastructure development during his reign?
From the beginning of his reign, King Mohammed VI placed the development of port infrastructure at the heart of his strategic priorities. The relevance of this orientation, formalized in the national port strategy for the 2030 horizon, as well as the rigor invested in its implementation, has earned Morocco regional and international recognition, elevating its experience to the level of an exemplary model. These accomplishments have allowed the Kingdom to compete with major nations in the field of port infrastructure, and ongoing projects are expected to further reinforce its status as a maritime hub and regional economic power.
What are the key projects under Morocco’s national port strategy, and what impact do they have?
The Tangier Med port complex is the first major achievement in this area, consisting of three ports spread over 1,000 hectares: the Tangier Med 1 port, the passenger and ro-ro port, and the Tangier Med 2 port. Since its inauguration in 2007, this vast port complex has continuously achieved exceptional performance.Key projects under Morocco’s national port strategy include the Nador West Med (NWM) port and the Dakhla Atlantique port. The NWM port, started in 2017 and scheduled to be operational in 2025, represents a significant turning point in the development of the country’s port and logistics infrastructure. With a $1 billion investment, it will include industrial and logistics zones, a container terminal, a petroleum terminal, and other facilities aimed at boosting the regional economy. The Dakhla Atlantique port, currently under construction along the Atlantic coast, is designed to add new capacities and strengthen the country’s port offering. This mega-project is part of a broader integrated program, including the creation of a fisheries industrial park and a new industrial and logistics zone near the port. These initiatives aim to maximize the economic impact of the port, strengthen Dakhla’s position as a gateway to Africa, and stimulate regional development.
In conclusion, the transformative economic strategies under the reign of King Mohammed VI have not only elevated Morocco’s status as a regional and global economic player but have also significantly improved the quality of life for its citizens. Through robust industrial policies, strides in renewable energy, and strategic development of port infrastructure, Morocco has established itself as a competitive industrial hub, a leader in renewable energy production, and a vital maritime gateway. These achievements, driven by a visionary leadership and strategic public-private partnerships, underscore a commitment to sustainable development, economic resilience, and socio-economic prosperity, positioning Morocco for a bright and prosperous future.
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