Morocco’s position as a gateway to Africa and Spain’s role as a bridge to Latin America were at the heart of discussions on Wednesday in Madrid, where the President of the General Confederation of Moroccan Enterprises (CGEM), Chakib Alj, underscored the growing strategic synergy between the two countries.
Speaking at the Spain–Morocco Business Meeting, Alj emphasized that the bilateral economic partnership “can become a true catalyst for integration between Europe and Africa,” especially at a time when global value chains are being re-regionalized amid rising trade tensions and persistent logistical disruptions. These challenges, he said, also create “great opportunities for business leaders” on both sides of the Mediterranean.
Alj outlined the wide range of sectors in which Moroccan and Spanish companies are already deeply engaged — including energy, automotive manufacturing, food security, and pharmaceuticals — noting that Rabat and Madrid remain firmly committed to strengthening cooperation and jointly entering new markets.
He highlighted the “deep and remarkable transformation” Morocco has undergone under the leadership of King Mohammed VI, a transformation that now offers “particularly attractive prospects” for international partners, especially Spanish investors.
With robust logistical, financial, economic, and energy connectivity across the African continent, Morocco has emerged as a continental leader in key sectors such as automotive production, renewable energy development, sustainable resource management, and textiles, Alj added.
Economic data presented during the meeting further illustrates the depth of the partnership: Morocco is Spain’s seventh-largest global customer and the third outside the European Union, after the United Kingdom and the United States. It is also Spain’s top African market, absorbing 61% of Spanish exports to the entire continent and 79% of those destined for North Africa. In addition, Morocco ranks as Spain’s 10th largest global supplier and fourth outside the EU, after China, the United States, and the United Kingdom.
The business meeting in Madrid aims to build on this momentum by identifying new areas of collaboration. According to Alj, the sectors currently under review offer “clear and concrete opportunities for growth, innovation and job creation,” reinforcing the belief that Morocco and Spain are well positioned to deepen their shared economic future.
