Morocco’s Minister of Industry and Trade, Riyad Mezzour, presented the country’s industrial acceleration zones’ successes at the UNECA conference. He noted the importance of dedicated infrastructure, decentralized management, and a focus on export-oriented industries. Morocco aims to serve as a model for other African nations in the establishment of special economic zones.
At the 57th session of the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA), Morocco’s Minister of Industry and Trade, Riyad Mezzour, shared insights on the nation’s successful establishment of industrial acceleration zones. His presentation occurred during a round table dedicated to special economic zones in Africa, highlighting key success factors such as robust infrastructure and the delegation of management responsibilities to developers.
Mezzour emphasized that the effectiveness of these special economic zones stems from granting complete authority to developers, who oversee the authorization of construction and economic activities while adhering to strict regulations. This structure not only mitigates the risks of corruption, which often deter global investors, but also instills confidence in internationally-based businesses.
He referenced a newly established factory in Morocco, which is notable for its substantial electrical consumption equivalent to that of a town with 500,000 residents, and its water usage akin to that of a town with 100,000 residents. Furthermore, he highlighted that his ministry allocates 40% of its budget to enhancing industrial infrastructure, ensuring developers have access to essential resources without needing to individually finance these facilities.
According to Mezzour, for a special economic zone to thrive, it is critical that at least 80% of its activities are export-oriented. He also stressed the necessity of high-quality internet connectivity for businesses within these zones. The round table attendees acknowledged the effectiveness of Morocco’s industrial acceleration zones and indicated that this model could inspire similar initiatives across Africa.
Moreover, Morocco was elected unanimously to chair the 57th ECA Conference of African Ministers of Finance, Planning, and Economic Development, with the Kingdom set to host the following conference in March 2026.
The presentation by Morocco’s Minister of Industry and Trade at the UNECA conference underscores the effectiveness of the country’s industrial acceleration zones, marked by strategic infrastructure investments and management decentralization. By focusing on export-oriented industries and maintaining robust standards, Morocco not only enhances investor confidence but also sets a potential blueprint for other African nations to follow suit in developing their own special economic zones.
Original Source: www.maroc.ma
