Salé Highlights Economic Opportunities of Hosting CAN 2025 and FIFA World Cup 2030
On Wednesday, economic stakeholders from both the public and private sectors, along with several institutional and governmental decision-makers, gathered at the Mohammed VI Football Complex in Maâmoura (near Salé) to discuss the economic opportunities arising from Morocco’s hosting of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (CAN) and the 2030 FIFA World Cup, co-hosted with Spain and Portugal.
Organized by the General Confederation of Moroccan Enterprises (CGEM) in partnership with the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF), the event brought together business leaders, public institution officials, and representatives from ministries involved in the preparation of these major international sporting events. The goal was to provide an overview of ongoing and upcoming projects, identify investment needs, and highlight the technical expertise and human resources required for the success of these initiatives.
The meeting also served as a platform for entrepreneurs to hear from five Moroccan ministers who emphasized the economic momentum generated by preparations for these events. They outlined the new market prospects in sports, tourism, road and airport infrastructure, and cultural and tourism-related activities set to accompany these tournaments.
The attending ministers included:
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Ryad Mezzour, Minister of Industry and Trade
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Fatim-Zahra Ammor, Minister of Tourism, Handicrafts, and Social and Solidarity Economy
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Mohamed Mehdi Bensaïd, Minister of Youth, Culture, and Communication
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Mohamed Saïd Barada, Minister of National Education, Preschool, and Sports
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Fouzi Lekjaa, Minister Delegate for the Budget and President of the FRMF
Each presented the main lines of their action plans, highlighting projects being launched to meet the requirements of these national and international endeavors. They also urged Moroccan businesses to seize this historic opportunity by ramping up investment, training qualified human resources, and adapting to the evolving market landscape.
Chakib Alj, President of the CGEM, welcomed the organization of the event, which he said allowed private sector stakeholders to better understand the economic and social implications of hosting such major global events.
