The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has released its projections for African economies in 2025, placing Morocco among the continent’s top five economies in terms of nominal Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
According to the IMF's latest economic data, Morocco is expected to reach a GDP of $165.8 billion, ranking fifth in Africa. This notable position reflects Morocco’s sustained economic growth, despite lacking significant oil resources. The country’s model, based on diversification and strategic development of productive sectors, continues to bear fruit.
At the top of the list is South Africa, with a projected GDP of $410.3 billion, maintaining its lead despite ongoing internal structural challenges. Egypt follows in second place, with an expected GDP of $347.3 billion, highlighting the resilience of its economy amid inflation and currency issues.
Algeria comes third with a forecasted GDP of $268.9 billion, boosted by high energy prices and improved trade indicators. Surprisingly, Nigeria, Africa’s most populous nation, drops to fourth place with a projected GDP of only $188.3 billion, raising questions about the country’s economic performance despite its vast population and natural resources.
Amid these shifting dynamics, Morocco emerges as a stable and steadily growing economy, reinforcing its position in the top tier of African economies. This progress comes despite global challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic, the Russia-Ukraine war, and recurring droughts that have impacted the agricultural sector.
The IMF ranking also underscores the strength of Morocco’s economic model, which relies on diversified sectors, investment-driven growth, robust infrastructure, institutional reforms, and open trade policies.
Kenya follows Morocco in sixth place with a projected GDP of $131.7 billion, while Ethiopia ranks seventh with $117.5 billion. Angola takes eighth place with $113.3 billion, followed by Côte d’Ivoire at $94.5 billion and Ghana at $88.3 billion, reflecting a gradual rise of West African economies despite political and monetary uncertainties in some countries.
Moroccan economist Khalid Cherki, a professor of applied economics, said the ranking reflects a significant transformation in Morocco’s economy over the past two decades — moving from an agriculture-based or raw-material-dependent economy to one driven by advanced industrial and service sectors.
Speaking to Assahifa, Cherki noted that Morocco’s strength lies in not relying on oil or gas. Instead, it has built a diversified economic base, integrating sectors such as manufacturing, logistics, tourism, and renewable energy.
He added that Morocco’s political stability and ongoing reforms have made the country an attractive destination for foreign investment, further reinforcing its leadership role in Africa, not only economically, but also politically and diplomatically.
The country’s position in the IMF’s forecast is not just a numerical achievement; it also carries strategic implications. GDP is not only a measure of economic size but also reflects a state’s ability to fund public policies, attract investment, influence regional dynamics, and negotiate international partnerships.
The rise of non-oil economies like Morocco, Egypt, and Kenya in the top rankings signals a structural shift in Africa’s economic landscape, with production-based and tech-driven economies gaining ground over those dependent on traditional natural resources.
