Spotlight on Morocco's Industrial Strategy by Harvard Kennedy School
On June 11, 2026, the Harvard Kennedy School, recognized as a premier global institution in public policy and home to 12 influential centers dedicated to international policy formulation, brought attention to Morocco's industrial strategy. This strategy focuses on enhancing public infrastructure and creating markets to promote sectors such as automotive manufacturing, battery production, wind turbines, and photovoltaic solar energy.
In an analytical piece published by the interdisciplinary research center "Reimagining the Economy" at the Kennedy School, it was highlighted that Morocco commenced substantial investments in 2007 to develop the infrastructure of the Tangier Med Port, which has since become "the busiest port in the Mediterranean." The report noted that the kingdom has established a dedicated rail network for cargo transport, constructed 119 industrial zones, and initiated seven special economic zones to accelerate its industrial development.
The Harvard Kennedy School research center further elaborated that Morocco has leveraged its geographical proximity to the European Union by negotiating a trade agreement with the EU and aligning its standards with European norms. As a result, the kingdom has successfully signed trade agreements with over 60 countries to date.
Moreover, the U.S. institution emphasized Morocco's commitment to collaborating with the private sector to implement workforce development programs, offering support for production through grants and incentives aimed at significant investments in manufacturing. The report also revealed that Morocco has sought to strengthen the capabilities of local suppliers by negotiating a local integration rate of nearly 60 percent in the automotive sector, which has facilitated the establishment of a robust local manufacturing system supported by multinational companies that have chosen Morocco as their base for exporting manufactured goods.
Additionally, the research center noted that Morocco has prioritized the development of public infrastructure to ease exports and enhance the integration of domestic industry. This Moroccan experience demonstrates that building a supportive manufacturing ecosystem can be achieved through diverse and effective methods.
As reported by maroc.ma.
