During the 3rd National Industry Day, held on November 3 and 4 in Rabat, Médias24 met with Hanane Belyagou, Director of Statistics, Studies, Monitoring, and Evaluation at the Ministry of Industry and Trade. She presented the findings of the 2024 Industry Barometer, which offers a comprehensive overview of Morocco’s industrial sector.
The 2024 Industry Barometer
« The Industry Barometer, in its second edition, is designed as an economic intelligence tool offering a clear analysis of the performance of the industrial sector for both public and private stakeholders, » explains Hanane Belyagou.
According to the barometer, industrial turnover nearly reached 900 billion MAD in 2024, up 9% from 2023, with 240 billion MAD of value added and 90 billion MAD of investments, representing a 30% increase.
« These results are notable given the global context marked by geopolitical tensions and shifts in value chains, » she points out.
Automotive: a strategic niche, not a dependency
The automotive sector remains Morocco’s industrial driving force, with 196 billion MAD in turnover and 250,000 jobs. However, according to Hanane Belyagou, this does not represent a risky dependency. « It’s a strategic choice. The automotive sector fuels related industries such as technical textiles, electronics, and plastics. This reflects strong local integration, both vertical and horizontal. »
She notes that Morocco is now the leading exporter of automotive cables to Europe, highlighting higher value added. « In all industrialized economies, strong niches are essential. Morocco has chosen its niche, and it’s paying off. »
Investments: a historical peak in 2024
The barometer reports record industrial investments of 90 billion MAD, up 30%. « Investment is by nature sporadic, depending on individual decisions by economic actors, » Hanane Belyagou explains.
This increase is notably driven by large-scale projects in the chemical industry, linked to decarbonization and the development of natural resources, as well as investments in batteries for electric vehicles. « While some sectors attract larger sums, all are advancing in investment and capacity expansion. »
Industrial deconcentration: still weak signals
According to the barometer, 83% of industrial activity is concentrated in three regions: Casablanca, Rabat, and Tangier. « The desire for deconcentration is real, especially through the Investment Charter, which offers incentives for projects outside these hubs, » she explains.
Casablanca’s share of national turnover has decreased from 70% to 54%, « but it still reflects significant concentration. Deconcentration is happening gradually. For example, the automotive sector is starting to establish itself in Souss-Massa and Oriental, each at 0.2% — weak but telling signals. »
Energy transition: an inevitable transformation
The barometer reveals that 74% of industrial energy consumption still relies on « other » energies, a category that includes fossil fuels but also a notable share of renewables. « We know that over 7 TWh already come from renewable sources, but out of caution, we haven’t yet separated them in the data, » Hanane Belyagou clarifies.
She emphasizes that energy-intensive industries (cement, sugar, chemicals…) are now compelled to adopt decarbonization solutions to maintain access to European markets. « This barometer serves as a baseline. In future editions, we’ll be able to measure the shift towards industries that are more electricity-based and less carbon-dependent. »
« What we’re witnessing today, » concludes Hanane Belyagou, « is the realization of a long-term vision. The Moroccan industry is gaining maturity, integration, and economic sovereignty. »
