Moroccans living abroad are being encouraged to invest more in businesses and development projects in Morocco as the country prepares for major projects linked to the 2030 World Cup. The issue was discussed at a meeting in Fes on Monday to mark National Day of Moroccans Residing Abroad.
The meeting was organised by the Fes-Meknes regional authorities under the theme “Moroccans Residing Abroad Serving Morocco’s 2030 Projects”.
The event focused on investment opportunities, financial support and simpler administrative procedures for Moroccans living abroad.
Khalid Ait Taleb, wali of the Fes-Meknes region and governor of Fes Prefecture, said Moroccans abroad can contribute more than money sent to their families.
Many have skills and experience from working with international companies, universities and research centres. These skills can be used in areas such as technology, finance, research and business.
Ait Taleb called for greater involvement of Moroccans abroad in projects linked to economic independence, industrial development, the digital economy and the move towards cleaner energy.
Billions sent home
More than 5 million Moroccans live abroad, mainly in Europe, North America and the Gulf.
Money sent back home is an important source of foreign currency for the economy.
Diaspora transfers account for about 8.5% of GDP and reached around 122 billion dirhams (€11 billion) in annual transfers.
The latest figures show the flow is still growing.
Exchange Office data showed that Moroccans abroad sent 39.98 billion dirhams (€3.7 billion) during the early part of 2026. That was 10% more than during the same period in 2025.
The figure was also higher than tourism revenues, which stood at 34.55 billion dirhams, and phosphate derivative exports, which reached 27.15 billion dirhams during the same period.
Spain is now the second-largest source of money sent to Morocco by the diaspora, with more than €1.58 billion transferred each year.
The government wants more diaspora money to go into businesses rather than mainly into property and household spending.
TAMWILCOM runs two financial schemes aimed at supporting this.
MDM Invest offers a grant equal to 10% of a project’s total cost, up to 5 million dirhams. Investors must provide at least 20% to 25% of the project’s funding themselves through foreign-currency transfers.
MDM Tamwil can cover up to 40% of project costs alongside bank loans. The scheme applies to projects worth at least 2.5 million dirhams and offers financing at an interest rate of 2.5%.
The schemes cover sectors including manufacturing, agritech, renewable energy, digital services, healthcare, logistics and tourism.
Regional Investment Centres have also moved some services online. Moroccans abroad can use digital platforms to set up companies, apply for licences and submit applications for financial support without returning to Morocco.
Fes-Meknes investment opportunities
Amjad Kiti, director of Economic Impulse and Territorial Offer at the Fes-Meknes Regional Investment Center, presented investment opportunities in the region.
Tourism is one of the main sectors.
The region has around 420 classified tourist accommodation establishments, with 27,789 beds. The sector provides more than 45,000 jobs.
Handicrafts are another major employer. The sector includes 57,393 artisans, 1,147 cooperatives and 607 quality-labelled production units. Together, they generate 146,151 jobs.
Fes-Meknes also has industrial zones in Fes and Meknes and large agricultural areas in the Saïss plains. These areas supply raw materials to processing industries across the country.
The meeting included information stands from several public institutions. Moroccans living abroad could speak directly to officials about investment support, administrative procedures and how to set up projects.
The push comes as the country works on major projects ahead of the 2030 FIFA World Cup, which will be co-hosted with Spain and Portugal.
These projects include high-speed rail expansion, port upgrades, stadium construction, digital infrastructure and renewable energy projects.
