Ryad Mezzour highlights Morocco's exponential development thanks to the Africa Cup of Nations

The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (CAN) was a major sporting setback for Morocco, with a home defeat in the final against Senegal in an epic match that ended tragically with Brahim Díaz's missed penalty and Senegal's subsequent victory in extra time at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat.

However, the sporting disappointment does not detract from Morocco's organisational success, which has also meant a leap forward in development for the North African country thanks to the economic boost and strong infrastructure development that hosting this sporting event, the most important in African football at continental level, has brought.

This is the idea conveyed by Morocco's Minister of Trade and Industry, Ryad Mezzour, who highlighted that national economic, industrial and infrastructure progress has been enormous thanks to the Africa Cup of Nations, which served as a driving force for the exponential development of the Moroccan kingdom from north to south.

It is estimated that, in 24 months of preparations for the CAN, Morocco has advanced the equivalent of ten years in terms of development at various levels.

After the end of CAN 2025, Ryad Mezzour offered an in-depth analysis of the event that moved away from the sporting disappointment of host Morocco's defeat to focus on the economic, industrial and infrastructure benefits that the event has brought to the North African country. The minister acknowledged a mixture of frustration and disappointment, fuelled by the incidents that marred the end of the match, following the controversy sparked by the Senegalese team's threat to withdraw over the penalty awarded to Morocco, which Brahim Dáiz ultimately missed. ‘We would have liked to win this Africa Cup of Nations,’ Ryad Mezzour said in an interview with France 24, while expressing ‘immense pride in having organised a competition of this calibre and in having welcomed the world to show a developing Africa and a Morocco capable of managing an event of this magnitude, under the leadership of His Majesty the King’.

Regarding the disturbances observed during the final, the minister adopted a measured tone. ‘It is always regrettable to witness excesses, but it is also the price of passion,’ he said, noting that football arouses passions in itself. However, he believes that these incidents should not overshadow the overall success of a tournament that has put Morocco in the spotlight.

As for the economic impact, Ryad Mezzour was clear: ‘The initial results are extremely encouraging. This is one of the most profitable tournaments in history, both for the Confederation of African Football (CAF) and for the host country,’ in this case Morocco. According to figures published by the Moroccan Ministry of Trade and Industry, the competition generated a multiplier effect of 1.82 in revenue and investment, contributing to a growth boost. ‘Our annual growth should exceed 4.5%,’ emphasised the minister, also mentioning the creation of approximately 100,000 direct and indirect jobs.

The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations has been presented as an important driver of development. ‘In twenty-four months, Morocco has gained the equivalent of ten years in terms of infrastructure,’ said Ryad Mezzour. Noteworthy in this case is the contribution to the national economy, industry and infrastructure with new and modern stadiums, improvements to roads, airports, rail networks and urban transport, as well as public facilities and benefits for the health sector. 

The business and commercial fabric benefited from the hosting of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco. More than 3,000 Moroccan industrial companies participated in various projects related to the sporting event, far beyond the construction of stadiums, and there was a significant positive impact on trade, with an estimated 25-30% increase in consumption during the competition, as explained by Minister Ryad Mezzour.

Morocco's efforts have led to a lasting qualitative leap that has greatly benefited the Moroccan population in all the locations where CAN 2025 was held.

Further progress and development are expected in the coming years as Morocco will host, together with Spain and Portugal, the next FIFA World Cup in 2030, an event of the utmost global importance that will serve to further strengthen Morocco's international position and image and to further promote the economic, industrial and infrastructure development of the North African nation.