Morocco wants to increase the number of companies selling goods abroad to 10,000 by 2030, and the country’s exporters’ association has unveiled a new plan to help make that happen. The Moroccan Association of Exporters (ASMEX) approved the roadmap during the first board meeting of its 2026 to 2029 term in Casablanca. The plan aims to help more small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) start exporting and make existing exporters more competitive.
ASMEX says global trade is changing quickly because of geopolitical tensions, supply chain changes, stricter regulations and the move towards cleaner industries. It believes Morocco is in a strong position thanks to its political stability, modern infrastructure, industrial base, location and wide network of free trade agreements.
The strategy focuses on bringing more first-time exporters into international markets. It also aims to support promising SMEs across the country instead of concentrating export growth in a few large industrial cities.
The roadmap has three main goals.
The first is to make exporting easier by cutting paperwork and speeding up digital services.
The second is to improve access to finance by expanding funding, guarantees and risk protection for exporters.
The third is to help companies find new customers overseas through better market research, business intelligence and digital tools.
ASMEX also plans to improve the services it offers members by providing information, guidance, networking, business support and representation. New working groups will focus on export finance, logistics, decarbonisation, regulatory compliance, digital technology, strategic partnerships and expanding the country’s exporter base.
During the first year of the plan, the association will launch business intelligence tools, identify SMEs with export potential, work more closely with public authorities and banks, and create networking platforms for exporters.
The strategy is part of a wider effort to spread the benefits of export growth across the economy.
Large companies still account for most export earnings, even though Morocco has developed strong industries such as automotive and aerospace over the past two decades. ASMEX wants more local businesses to take advantage of international markets.
Nearshoring is one reason for the push. Many European manufacturers are moving production closer to home after years of supply chain disruption. Morocco sits only 14 kilometres from Spain across the Strait of Gibraltar, making it an attractive production base for companies serving Europe.
Environmental rules are also changing trade. The European Union, Morocco’s biggest trading partner, is introducing the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism, which will place a carbon price on certain imports. Companies exporting to Europe will need to reduce emissions and meet tougher environmental standards to stay competitive.
Small businesses also continue to face practical problems. Many struggle with paperwork, limited access to trade finance, export guarantees and protection against currency risks. They often lack the resources to research foreign markets. ASMEX says its new support services are designed to address those challenges.
Exports have changed significantly over the past decade. Advanced manufacturing now plays a much bigger role alongside traditional sectors such as phosphates and agriculture.
The automotive industry is the country’s largest export sector, generating more than 130 billion Moroccan dirhams, about $13 billion, in annual export revenues. Morocco is also Africa’s largest producer of passenger cars.
Phosphates remain one of the country’s biggest exports. Morocco holds more than 70% of the world’s known phosphate reserves, while state-owned OCP Group is one of the world’s leading fertiliser producers.
Free trade agreements are another key advantage. Morocco has agreements with more than 50 countries, including the European Union, the United States and members of the African Continental Free Trade Area. Together, these agreements give Moroccan companies preferential access to a market of more than one billion consumers.
Officials hope the new strategy will help thousands more businesses benefit from those agreements, creating jobs and supporting long-term economic growth.
