Japanese power tool giant Makita is setting its sights on Casablanca as its new strategic base for operations across Africa. According to a report from the Nikkei, the company is preparing to invest around 100 million yen in the Moroccan city, where it plans to establish a warehouse, a repair center, and a commercial hub.
The move is aimed at streamlining logistics and cutting delivery times across the continent, while also enhancing after-sales support. It’s part of a broader push into emerging markets at a time when demand in more mature economies—especially in Europe-is losing momentum.
Makita sees strong potential in Africa, where construction, infrastructure development, mining, and agriculture are driving economic growth in many countries. These sectors align closely with the company’s core product offerings. For the fiscal year ending in March 2025, revenue from the Middle East and Africa rose by 18%, a stark contrast to declining sales in North America for the second year in a row.
With its growing regional influence and strategic location, Morocco is becoming a key launchpad for Makita’s ambitions on the continent. At the same time, the company is expanding its footprint in other emerging markets, notably Brazil. By 2027, it plans to double storage capacity at its São Paulo facility, underscoring a global strategy that prioritizes long-term growth outside traditional markets.
