Kingdom
Marrakech: Focus on the Strategic Role of Moroccans Living Abroad in Morocco’s Economic Development
The strategic role of the Moroccan diaspora in investment, innovation, and Morocco’s economic development was at the heart of several panel discussions held on Friday in Marrakech, as part of the 2nd Economic Forum of Moroccans Living Abroad.
Placed under the theme “Investment by Moroccans Living Abroad and Innovation,” this platform—dedicated to showcasing the economic, human, and strategic potential of the Moroccan diaspora—focuses this year on the contribution of Moroccans Living Abroad (MDM) to the national economy.
The Forum promotes direct dialogue between Moroccan talents residing abroad and national economic stakeholders, thereby creating concrete synergies capable of generating lasting partnerships.
Participants thus highlighted the growing role of MDM in Morocco’s investment dynamics, through their willingness to contribute to the Kingdom’s economic development both via direct investment and through the sharing of expertise and experience.
They noted that MDM are no longer limited to traditional investments, but are increasingly becoming strategic investors involved in high value‑added sectors.
In this regard, speakers emphasised the contribution of MDM to the development of the entrepreneurial and startup ecosystem, particularly in the fields of new technologies, artificial intelligence, fintech, healthcare, and innovation.
The contribution of MDM is not limited to funding, but also includes skills transfer, access to international networks, and support for startups in their acceleration and international expansion, they pointed out.
Panellists also stressed the added value brought by MDM through their skills, technological expertise, international networks, and knowledge of foreign markets, noting that their engagement fosters know‑how transfer, the sharing of expertise, and the creation of bridges between Moroccan and international ecosystems.
Moreover, discussions highlighted the importance of better mobilising MDM savings through complementary mechanisms combining crowdfunding, investment funds, and bank financing, while strengthening support, governance, and financing frameworks to remove the institutional, informational, and financial barriers that still limit the full potential of this dynamic.
The panels organised as part of this second edition addressed several key themes, including “Productive investment and innovation: the strategic impact of MDM,” “Mobilising MDM savings: what synergies between crowdfunding, investment funds, and bank financing?” and “How MDM stimulate innovation and regional investment.”
The Forum will conclude with a ceremony awarding the Moroccans Living Abroad Entrepreneurs Trophies, recognising companies created in Morocco by MDM or the expansion of their international businesses within the national territory.
