The Casablanca Finance Hub strengthens Morocco’s position as a regional center for investment and African integration.
Said El Ibrahim, the General Director of the Casablanca Finance Hub, confirmed that Morocco has become the second-largest African investor on the continent, directing over 40% of its foreign direct investments toward sub-Saharan Africa. This statement was made on the sidelines of the fourth Europe-Africa Forum, held in Marseille, where Morocco was a guest of honor.
El Ibrahim explained that the dynamism witnessed by the finance hub is derived from a clear vision embodied by royal directives towards African integration, referencing King Mohammed VI’s speech in Abidjan in 2014, which outlined a new path reflecting Africa’s self-confidence and Morocco’s role in achieving this ambition. He emphasized that this vision has been translated into reality through an increase in Moroccan investments across the continent, along with an active and cohesive economic diplomacy.
El Ibrahim highlighted that advanced infrastructure, such as the Tangier-Med Port and the air transport network, along with trade agreements with international partners, form part of Morocco’s integrated financial offering. He noted that the Casablanca Finance Hub represents the practical extension of this vision, providing a platform that aligns with international standards and enables European groups to access African markets effectively.
He elaborated that the hub does not only facilitate capital flows but also plays a strategic observatory role by producing in-depth economic analyses on key issues such as the Continental Free Trade Area, contributing to policy direction and decision-making in both Europe and Africa.
El Ibrahim pointed out that the finance hub contributes to building sustainable economic systems through knowledge sharing and supporting the development of competencies. He emphasized the unique intersection of strategic vision, geographical positioning, and global ambition, making it an economic lever at the continental level. He added that Morocco, thanks to its institutional stability, geographical proximity, and legislative alignment with the European Union, has strengthened its position as a regional hub rather than merely a transit point for investments.
The General Director revealed that 2024 saw a significant recovery in foreign direct investment inflows to Morocco, exceeding 55%, indicating the country’s shift into a real pivot within the African and international economic systems. He believes that the finance hub now represents a reliable alternative in the context of moving toward “economic friendship” by providing an attractive business environment and a legal framework aligned with international standards.
El Ibrahim emphasized that the partnerships linking the hub with 24 international and national investment development agencies facilitate access to African markets, particularly in vital sectors such as renewable energy, infrastructure, and financial services. He noted that the hub includes approximately 240 members, among them 50 French companies, which reinforces Morocco’s role as a bridge between Europe and Africa.
He highlighted that Casablanca combines an integrated financial system with advanced infrastructure, endowing it with strong attractiveness as a regional financial center. He noted that the city hosts major banks and insurance companies, as well as Africa’s third largest stock exchange, along with an airport connecting it to over 100 destinations across three continents, complemented by a multilingual human capital and competitive stability costs.
The General Director reaffirmed the Casablanca Finance Hub’s commitment to supporting sustainable finance, highlighting that the institution participated in preparing a roadmap for green financing and works on launching a voluntary carbon market in partnership with the Deposit and Management Fund. He mentioned that the hub has been leading the Global Alliance of International Financial Centers since 2025 and has joined United Nations initiatives for sustainable finance, reflecting its engagement in the environmental and economic transformation of the continent.
El Ibrahim concluded by affirming that Casablanca is recognized by international players as a pivot combining practical integration and commitment to sustainability challenges, thus enhancing its role as a strategic hub within global value chains.
