Morocco forum shifts diaspora remittances toward investment strategy

Tangier hosted the opening of a national forum focused on investment and Moroccans living abroad, held under the high patronage of His Majesty King Mohammed VI. The meeting placed diaspora engagement at the center of a new economic strategy aimed at converting remittance flows into productive investment that supports growth and job creation. Government officials framed the initiative as part of a broader effort to strengthen national development through financial and human capital from citizens abroad.

Authorities presented the policy as a structural shift in how remittances are used. Rather than focusing mainly on consumption support, the approach seeks to channel funds into structured investment projects that contribute directly to productivity, territorial development, and employment. Officials also highlighted the diaspora as a strategic economic actor, combining savings capacity, professional expertise, and international networks that can support Morocco’s economic transformation.

The forum outlined recent macroeconomic indicators as evidence of resilience. Economic growth rose to 4.8 percent in 2025 compared with 1.8 percent in 2022. Inflation declined to 0.8 percent from 6.6 percent over the same period. The budget deficit narrowed from 5.5 percent to 3.5 percent, while public debt fell to 67.2 percent of GDP from above 72 percent. The current account balance improved, supported by exports, tourism performance, remittances, and record foreign direct investment inflows in 2025.

Officials also detailed investment reforms implemented under the current policy cycle. Since the start of the mandate, 381 investment projects worth around 581 billion dirhams were approved, with an estimated creation of more than 245,000 direct and indirect jobs. Regional investment centers gained expanded powers to approve smaller investment agreements, reducing administrative delays and improving regional decision-making efficiency.

The government reported that remittances from Moroccans abroad exceeded 122 billion dirhams in 2025. New programs, including housing-related incentives, aim to encourage diaspora participation in productive investment. Authorities stated that the objective is to increase the share of private investment driven by Moroccans abroad and reinforce their role in national economic development.