Country Guide: Morocco

Africa
Written By Cat

Published: June 2026

Introduction

Morocco has established itself as one of North Africa’s most attractive business destinations, combining political stability, modern infrastructure, and strategic access to European, African, and Middle Eastern markets. Located just 14 kilometres from Spain at the Strait of Gibraltar, Morocco serves as a key gateway between Europe and Africa and has become an increasingly important hub for manufacturing, logistics, renewable energy, financial services, and technology.

The UK and Morocco enjoy strong and growing commercial relations, supported by the UK-Morocco Association Agreement, which ensures continuity of preferential trading arrangements following the UK's departure from the European Union. Bilateral trade between the UK and Morocco exceeded £4 billion in the four quarters to the end of 2025, with significant activity in automotive products, machinery, agricultural goods, textiles, aerospace, and professional services. Morocco is also one of Africa’s leading destinations for foreign direct investment, particularly in automotive manufacturing, renewable energy, and logistics.

For UK businesses, key opportunities exist in renewable energy, water management, infrastructure development, advanced manufacturing, agritech, healthcare, education, fintech, and transport. The government's continued investment in industrial zones, port infrastructure, and sustainable development projects has strengthened Morocco's position as a regional business hub serving both Africa and Europe.

Business Travel

Morocco is well connected to the UK through direct flights to Casablanca, Marrakech, Rabat, Agadir, Tangier, and Fes from several UK airports. Mohammed V International Airport in Casablanca is the country's primary international gateway and serves as the main hub for business travel.

British citizens can visit Morocco for business or tourism purposes for up to 90 days without a visa. Passports must be valid for the duration of the stay, and travellers should always verify current entry requirements before departure through official government sources. Current health and entry requirements should also be checked before travel. (https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/morocco)

Casablanca is Morocco's principal commercial centre, while Rabat serves as the political capital. Tangier has emerged as a major industrial and logistics hub, and Marrakech is increasingly important for conferences, hospitality, and international business events.

The country's modern motorway network, high-speed rail service (Al Boraq) linking Tangier and Casablanca, and domestic air services make internal travel relatively straightforward. Taxis are widely available, while international hotel chains operate extensively in major cities.

Business culture places considerable emphasis on personal relationships and trust. Meetings may begin with informal discussion before moving to business matters. Professional attire is expected, and while French remains widely used in business, English is becoming increasingly common, particularly among international companies and younger professionals.

Events and Exhibitions

Morocco hosts several major international trade events that attract businesses from across Europe, Africa, and the Middle East:

GITEX Africa Morocco (April, Marrakech) – Africa's largest technology and startup exhibition, covering digital transformation, AI, fintech, cybersecurity, and investment. Official site: https://www.gitexafrica.com

SIAM – International Agricultural Show of Morocco (April–May, Meknes) – One of Africa's largest agricultural exhibitions, focusing on farming technology, food production, irrigation, and agribusiness. Official site: https://www.salon-agriculture.ma

Logismed (May, Casablanca) – Leading logistics, supply chain, transport, and warehousing exhibition for North Africa. Official site: https://www.logismed.ma

Morocco Medical Expo (May, Casablanca) – Major healthcare exhibition covering medical technology, pharmaceuticals, hospital equipment, and healthcare services. Official site: https://www.moroccomedicalexpo.com

Africa Aerospace and Defence Exhibition (biennial, Marrakech) – Important event for aerospace, aviation, defence, and advanced manufacturing sectors. Official site: https://www.marrakechairshow.com

These events provide valuable opportunities for UK exporters, investors, distributors, and service providers seeking entry into Moroccan and wider African markets.

Shipping and Logistics

Morocco possesses one of Africa's most advanced logistics networks. The Port of Tanger Med is the largest container port in the Mediterranean and Africa, serving as a major transhipment and logistics hub connecting Europe, Africa, Asia, and the Americas. Other important ports include Casablanca, Agadir, Nador, and Jorf Lasfar.

The country's principal cargo airports are Casablanca Mohammed V International Airport and Tangier Ibn Battouta Airport. Frequent maritime services connect Morocco with the UK and major European ports, making it an efficient distribution base for regional trade.

The UK-Morocco Association Agreement provides preferential tariff arrangements for many goods traded between the two countries. Morocco also maintains an extensive network of free trade agreements with international partners, enhancing its attractiveness as a manufacturing and export platform.

Businesses importing or exporting goods should comply with requirements administered by Morocco's Customs and Indirect Tax Administration. Special economic and industrial zones, particularly around Tanger Med, offer attractive incentives for manufacturers and logistics operators.

Working with experienced freight forwarders and customs brokers can help UK businesses navigate import procedures and maximise supply chain efficiency.

Useful Links and Contacts for UK Businesses

Organisations Representing UK Firms

Other Useful Links

Cat
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