The Casablanca Stock Exchange is establishing itself as a new destination for foreign investment

The Casablanca Stock Exchange is positioning itself as a new destination for foreign companies looking to list, attracting investors thanks to a series of policies implemented by the Moroccan authorities to develop the capital market. This strategic move seeks not only to strengthen the local economy, but also to offer international companies an attractive and growing platform. 

In this vein, two British companies, Sound Energy and Predator Oil & Gas, specialising in the exploration and production of natural gas, are considering listing on the Casablanca Stock Exchange. Both companies, which already operate in Morocco and are listed on the London Stock Exchange, are evaluating this option due to factors such as the weak protection of small and medium-sized enterprises in the United Kingdom, the fall in the value of assets and liquidity problems. 

According to sources close to the process quoted by Bloomberg, the final decision could be made at the end of this year or the beginning of 2026, coinciding with the start of liquefied natural gas production at the Tendrara field in eastern Morocco. Predator Oil & Gas, meanwhile, plans to drill new wells in the Guercif area with the aim of reaching a daily production of 400 million cubic feet of gas. 

The interest of these companies is no coincidence. The Casablanca Stock Exchange has experienced significant growth, with the main market index (MASI) reaching record levels and exceeding the 16,000-point mark, registering gains of more than 15% since the beginning of the year. 

Currently, the Moroccan Stock Exchange has 77 listed companies, operating in diverse sectors such as banking, real estate and health. The government aims to increase this number to 300 by 2035, and has begun to promote the listing of state-owned companies in order to encourage private participation. 

In addition, the Moroccan government has adopted a series of measures to make its stock market more attractive. These include the creation of a financial derivatives market and a clearing house, which are key tools for increasing liquidity and diversifying investment options.

On the other hand, Morocco is seeking to position natural gas as a transitional energy source, with projects that include the expansion of infrastructure for the import of natural gas and investment in clean energy. These initiatives form part of an ambitious development plan that includes investments of more than 100 billion dollars in sectors such as transport, real estate and water desalination. 

The successful listing of Sound Energy and Predator Oil & Gas could open the door to more foreign companies, attracting investment and diversifying the Moroccan market. With a growing economy, political stability and a business-friendly environment, the Casablanca Stock Exchange is emerging as an attractive destination for companies looking to expand and raise capital in an emerging market. 

The path towards greater openness and modernisation of the Moroccan stock market is clear, and the coming years could consolidate Casablanca as a key financial centre in Africa.