Morocco is now ranked second in Africa for its ability to turn people’s skills, education and ideas into real economic results. The ranking, published by The African Exponent, puts South Africa first and Egypt third. Mauritius, Tunisia, Kenya, Algeria, Senegal, Ghana and Nigeria complete the top 10. The ranking uses several measures, including scientific research, innovation, industrial development and technology. It also looks at data from the Global Innovation Index and Nature Index.
Morocco has built a strong position in manufacturing and technology. The African Exponent highlighted its growth in industrial design, patents, high-tech manufacturing and scientific research.
The country also ranked first in the African Development Bank’s industrialisation index, with a score of 0.8415. South Africa followed with 0.8396.
A growing manufacturing sector
Morocco has become an important manufacturing base for international companies.
The automotive sector can produce more than 550,000 vehicles a year in industrial areas such as Tangier and Kenitra. The sector also makes electric vehicles and parts for European carmakers.
The aerospace industry has grown as well. Companies including Boeing, Safran and Hexcel have operations at the Midparc industrial zone near Casablanca.
Research and education are also becoming part of this industrial growth.
The Université Mohammed VI Polytechnique in Benguerir works on artificial intelligence, agriculture and phosphate research. The university also works with OCP Group on green fertiliser projects.
South Africa takes first place
South Africa ranked first in the African Exponent list.
The country has a large network of universities and research centres. It also hosts part of the Square Kilometre Array, a major international radio astronomy project.
South Africa ranked second on the African Development Bank’s industrialisation index, just behind Morocco.
Its research institutions have also produced strong results in science and technology.
Egypt ranks third
Egypt came third. A large population and a huge university system give the country a major pool of educated workers and researchers.
Egypt ranked second in Africa in the Nature Index data used for the ranking. The figures included 379 high-impact scientific papers.
The country also has a growing technology sector. Start-ups attract more than $500m in venture capital each year, while government agencies are working to expand software development and IT exports.
The main challenge is turning research into more jobs, companies and economic growth.
Kenya and Nigeria stand out in technology
Kenya ranked sixth, helped by its technology sector.
Nairobi has become known as “Silicon Savannah” because of its strong fintech, software and start-up industries. The country is also developing Konza Technopolis, a planned technology and research hub.
Nigeria ranked tenth.
The country has one of Africa’s largest pools of young and educated workers. Its technology industry has attracted large amounts of venture capital, particularly in fintech.
Nigeria receives an estimated 20% to 30% of venture capital invested across Africa each year. The money supports fintech, online businesses, entertainment and other digital industries.
The wider picture is clear: African countries are competing not only through natural resources or population size, but also through their ability to turn education and technical skills into businesses, products and exports.
Morocco’s second-place ranking puts it near the top of that race.
