Morocco’s strategic location on the Mediterranean Sea has allowed it to attract foreign investment due to its relatively abundant labor market. Situated in North Africa, Morocco still faces many issues related to corruption, illiteracy, poverty and unemployment. Recently, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) approved $3.42 billion to be used for structural reforms in order to strengthen the economy. In addition, infrastructure in Morocco is rapidly advancing in hopes of decreasing the unemployment rate, which stands at 11 percent. Recent developments aimed towards modernizing the country include new advancements in technologies as well as more accessible transportation.

Innovation Projects
Recent projects dedicated to solar energy include a loan from the Climate Investment Funds’ Clean Technology Fund. This program, which is set to invest $25 million, demonstrates Morocco’s commitment to the Paris Agreement and its continued support in reducing greenhouse gases. Aside from reaching the goal of 52 percent of installed capacity from renewable energy by 2030, this operation is set to create 30,000 jobs. Anthony Nyong, director of the African Development Bank, added that the project “will increase the development of solar energy and further help diversify the country’s energy mix and enhance its energy security.” This remarkable landmark will bode well for Morocco’s continued persistence in building its industrial development.

Rail Line Infrastructure 
Other avenues of infrastructure in Morocco include its rail line, which is undergoing rigorous renovations. Morocco already has one of the most durable rail infrastructures in all of Africa, per a Swiss nonprofit called Switzerland Global Enterprise. Furthermore, recent news suggests that the government is planning to invest €23 billion in road construction through 2035. Additionally, air travel is also being heavily invested, with the government planning to allocate €2.25 billion to the development of air travel, half of which will go to a local airport. The rapid advancements that are underway regarding infrastructure in Morocco are sure to increase trade and create easier transit opportunities to secure more stable connections between commercial partners.

Mobile Infrastructure
Finally, recent developments relating to mobile infrastructure have also seen remarkable results. According to a recent report, “Morocco’s mobile market is one of the more mature in the region, with a penetration rate of about 121 percent by the end of 2017.” Even though mobile operators are the main providers of internet access, LTE regulators have made it their objective to ensure that services cover 65 percent of the region by 2020.

In the wake of the Arab Spring in 2011, Morocco has seen its economy grow yearly due to its new stringent political reforms. With backing from the IMF and suggestions from the Organisation of Economic Cooperation and Development, Morocco has been lauded for its “solid economic fundamentals and a track record of implementing sound policies.” Despite some severe droughts which have hampered the agricultural sector in recent years, Morocco seems to have rebounded fairly well. It continues to offer new employment opportunities through the skilled positions regarding infrastructure and has seen democratic refinements which will open it to a more free-market economy.

– Alexandre Dumouza

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