A new business link between Morocco and Ireland is taking shape as officials and companies push to deepen cooperation between Casablanca and Dublin’s financial centres. The partnership between Casablanca Finance City and the Sandyford Business District was discussed this week in Dublin during a conference on trade and investment opportunities.
Ger Corbett, head of Sandyford Business District, said the relationship is set to expand, with Casablanca playing a growing role as a financial gateway into Africa.
Ger Corbett, president and chief executive of Sandyford Business District: “This partnership is set to develop, with Casablanca Finance City acting as a financial hub in Africa and a platform to connect to African markets.”
He said the agreement is expected to build a business corridor between Ireland and Africa, with Casablanca as a key entry point.
Ger Corbett, president and chief executive of Sandyford Business District: “The agreement should create a corridor of opportunities linking Ireland to Africa, with Casablanca as a key entry point.”
He said both financial centres follow similar strategies focused on attracting investment, innovation and international business. He described Casablanca Finance City as a growing ecosystem that brings together multinational companies, banks and service providers.
The partnership includes cooperation in fintech, with both sides planning to share expertise in financial technology. The sector is expected to play a bigger role in how financial services develop in the coming years. Corbett also said both hubs are positioned to attract financial institutions and shared service operations.
Ger Corbett, president and chief executive of Sandyford Business District: “The alliance between Casablanca and Sandyford sends a message to multinational companies looking for new locations. It shows two ecosystems working together between Europe and Africa.”
He said an agreement signed in April 2025 laid the foundation for a stronger strategic partnership between the two centres. He also highlighted Morocco’s development approach, pointing to progress in innovation, education, infrastructure and financial services.
Ger Corbett, president and chief executive of Sandyford Business District: “This vision strengthens Morocco’s position as a major economic player.”
Sandyford Business District is home to more than 1,000 companies and 26,000 workers. It is one of Ireland’s main business hubs, with a focus on technology, finance and innovation.
The Dublin conference also featured Irish business leaders. Pierce Dargan, chief executive of Equine MediRecord, encouraged Irish firms to look more closely at Morocco. His company has recently set up operations in the country, which he described as a fast-growing and attractive market.
The event was organised by the Moroccan Agency for Investment and Export Development, in partnership with the Moroccan embassy in Ireland and Sandyford Business District. It attracted interest from Irish companies across sectors including industry, agritech, renewable energy, automotive and aerospace.
The wider aim of the mission is to strengthen business links between Morocco and Ireland and encourage investment flows between the two countries.
A follow-up meeting is planned for Friday in Cork, Ireland’s second-largest city and a major economic centre hosting multinational firms in pharmaceuticals, technology and food, including companies such as Apple.
