Karim Zidane: Moroccans around the world, a major strategic lever for development

“Through their success, commitment and expertise, Moroccans around the world actively contribute to the Kingdom's international influence,” said the minister at the opening of the first edition of the Economic Forum of Moroccans Around the World (FEMM), initiated by the Moroccans Around the World Trophy Foundation under the theme “Investment by Moroccans Around the World in Morocco.”

The deep attachment of the Moroccan diaspora to their country of origin, rooted in family, cultural and spiritual ties, is an “inestimable asset,” he noted, adding that Moroccans around the world represent a “potential” that must be recognized and mobilized in the service of the national development project.

King Mohammed VI has always paid particular attention to Moroccans around the world, Mr. Zidane noted, adding that “our ambition for a stronger and more open Morocco cannot be achieved without the decisive contribution of its talents, including those who shine internationally.”

He therefore highlighted the “significant” economic contribution of Moroccans living abroad to the development of their country of origin, with transfers reaching 117.7 billion dirhams (MMDH) in 2024, or more than 7% of GDP.

However, Mr. Zidane pointed out that the share of private investment from the diaspora remains limited to 10%, calling for “rethinking the approach, simplifying procedures, strengthening support, and creating a more attractive environment” to give new impetus to MDM investment.

“It is not just a question of figures, but of transforming this human wealth into a structuring economic force for a more inclusive, resilient and sovereign Morocco,” he argued.

In the same vein, Moulay Ismail Lamghari, Secretary General of the Department of Moroccans Living Abroad at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation and Moroccans Living Abroad, highlighted the central role of the diaspora in Morocco's economic development and their involvement in the reform process undertaken by the Kingdom.

Morocco has put in place ambitious reforms and an ecosystem to strengthen the ties of MDMs with their motherland and improve the business climate, said Mr. Lamghari, noting that all stakeholders are committed to increasing the share of diaspora investment in the Kingdom, particularly in the run-up to the major events of the 2025 African Cup of Nations (CAN) and the 2030 World Cup.

This forum is part of a new dynamic at the crossroads of the expectations of an engaged Moroccan diaspora and the development opportunities offered by Morocco, emphasized Amine Saad, president of the Fondation Trophées Marocains du Monde (FTMM), organizer of the event.

“The theme of this edition reflects our conviction that Moroccans around the world are a strategic lever for national economic development through their know-how, creativity, network, and unwavering attachment to their country of origin,” he insisted.

He noted that this first forum is a “concrete, inclusive, and ambitious platform for transforming the diaspora's commitment into real investment, value-creating projects, and shared opportunities.”

The Forum brings together prominent figures, entrepreneurs, investors, and economic and financial experts to discuss the crucial role of Moroccans around the world in the Kingdom's economic development and to shed light on the Moroccan economic environment and the investment opportunities available to MDMs in particular.

Several topics will be addressed, including “investment opportunities for Moroccans around the world in Morocco,” “financing mechanisms for investment projects by Moroccans around the world,” and “ways to successfully integrate these investments into local and regional development dynamics."