Morocco has entered a critical phase in preparing for a packed football agenda stretching from 2025 to 2030, with officials promising accelerated infrastructure development and multi-sector mobilization ahead of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) and FIFA World Cup.
Speaking at a high-level forum co-hosted by the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) and the General Confederation of Moroccan Enterprises (CGEM) on Wednesday, FRMF President Fouzi Lekjaa emphasized that the success of these events is a “national collective mission.”
Lekjaa, who also chairs the 2030 World Cup Organizing Committee, confirmed that stadium renovations in Rabat and Tangier are on track for completion by June. “We can adjust timelines, improve execution speed, and build expertise,” he said, citing updates from the National Agency for Public Facilities.
The 2025–2030 football agenda includes hosting the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in July, the U-17 Women’s World Cup in November—scheduled to be held five consecutive times in Morocco—as well as AFCON 2025 and the joint Morocco-Spain-Portugal FIFA World Cup in 2030.
“These events are not isolated,” said Lekjaa. “They are part of a broader development strategy led by King Mohammed VI for over 25 years.” He noted that major infrastructure like high-speed rail lines and airport expansions were already underway, independent of the football calendar.
Lekjaa praised the role of Moroccan companies in stadium development, highlighting that all current works are being carried out by domestic firms, many led by Moroccan women. He also emphasized the importance of public-private partnerships and the inclusion of Moroccans living abroad in the preparatory efforts.
Private Sector Mobilization
CGEM President Chakib Alj described the forum as a key step in mobilizing the private sector around Morocco’s hosting responsibilities. “These tournaments reflect global confidence in Morocco and our development progress under King Mohammed VI’s leadership,” he said.
Alj called the tournaments a “historic opportunity” for national economic acceleration, citing analysts who project over MAD 1 trillion (approximately the value of Morocco’s annual GDP) in investment between now and 2030.
“This unprecedented acceleration will add years of development progress,” he said, urging support for small and medium enterprises (SMEs), innovation, and a stronger digital ecosystem. “These investments and reforms are essential, not only for short-term GDP growth, estimated at around 1% annually, but for long-term gains in national attractiveness and soft power.”
Alj concluded, “We have five years to build a lasting economic and human legacy. I have no doubt we can succeed—we have all the tools.”
Tourism Sector Engagement
Tourism Minister Fatim-Zahra Ammor affirmed that her ministry is working to enhance hospitality and leisure offerings ahead of the tournaments, building on the sector’s roadmap which exceeded expectations before 2026.
Ammor cited several support mechanisms: the national investment charter, a tourism-focused fund under the Mohammed VI Investment Fund, a hotel renovation program (CAP Hospitality), and the newly adopted TPME decree targeting small businesses.
She reported that 350 new hotels opened in Morocco over the past two years and that 850 tourism companies have already received support, with a target of 1,500 by 2026.
The event saw the participation of five government ministers and senior figures from key infrastructure institutions, including Morocco’s Airports Authority, National Railways Office, Highways Authority, Telecommunications Regulatory Agency (ANRT), and the Moroccan Agency for Tourism Development.
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