Morocco’s Minister of Industry and Trade, Riyad Mezzour, presented the country’s effective model for industrial acceleration zones at the 57th UNECA Conference in Addis Ababa. Key factors for success included infrastructure investment and authority delegation to developers. These strategies aim to combat corruption and attract international investment, with a focus on export-oriented industries. Morocco is set to host the 58th UNECA Conference in March 2026.
Riyad Mezzour, Morocco’s Minister of Industry and Trade, showcased the country’s successful creation of industrial acceleration zones during the 57th session of the UNECA in Addis Ababa. At a round table addressing special economic zones in Africa, he emphasized the importance of high-quality infrastructure and the delegation of zone management to developers.
The Minister underscored that the effectiveness of these special economic zones stems from granting complete state authority to the developers. This crucial delegation allows developers to authorize construction and economic activities while adhering to strict regulations, thereby reducing corruption, which often deters top-tier investors.
Mezzour cited a factory’s scale in Morocco, which utilizes electricity equivalent to what a town of 500,000 would consume and requires water for a population of 100,000. He highlighted that his department allocates 40% of its budget towards enhancing industrial infrastructure, ensuring that essential amenities such as power and water are available to investors without their financial burdens.
He asserted that effective special economic zones must focus heavily on export-oriented industries, suggesting that a minimum of 80% of the activities should be export-based. The Minister also pointed to the necessity of a reliable Internet connection for businesses operating within these zones.
Other participants at the round table lauded Morocco’s successful approach to establishing these industrial zones and mentioned that it could serve as an exemplary model for other African nations interested in creating similar economic zones. Morocco was unanimously elected to chair the UNECA Conference, with the next session scheduled to take place in March 2026.
In conclusion, Morocco’s experience in developing industrial acceleration zones, underpinned by strategic delegation of authority and substantial infrastructure investment, presents a successful framework for economic development. The emphasis on export orientation and essential resources positions these zones as attractive prospects for international investors. Additionally, the recognition of Morocco’s leadership role in the UNECA marks a commitment to further collaboration among African nations in economic advancement.
Original Source: www.maroc.ma
