Speaking at a meeting co-organized by the General Confederation of Moroccan Enterprises (CGEM) and the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) at the Mohammed VI Football Complex in Maâmoura (near Salé), the officials stated that the momentum generated by the organization of these two major events is part of the broader economic and social progress Morocco is experiencing under the leadership of King Mohammed VI. They stressed that the launched projects are part of a forward-looking vision that goes beyond the events themselves.
They also took the opportunity to present the strategies of their respective ministries in preparing for these football tournaments and encouraged the Moroccan private sector to seize the opportunities arising from this dynamic.
“For us, the organization of the World Cup is part of a development process we began over 25 years ago and which we will continue with the same approach — one that balances both social and economic development,” said Fouzi Lekjaa, Minister Delegate in charge of the Budget and President of the FRMF.
“Morocco did not wait for the World Cup to start major infrastructure projects like the high-speed rail or airport upgrades,” Lekjaa added.
“With or without the World Cup, the Kingdom of Morocco is firmly on a development path guided by the enlightened vision of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, looking confidently to the future,” he stressed.
For his part, Ryad Mezzour, Minister of Industry and Trade, called for more flexibility to enable the integration of Moroccan industry into the dynamic driven by the hosting of AFCON 2025 and the 2030 World Cup.
He urged that “tender documents include greater understanding and integration of the national industrial fabric.” Addressing officials of public institutions overseeing projects, he said, “I know some are already doing this. So let’s enhance this understanding and integration.”
He also encouraged business leaders to be bold in their investments, assuring them of government support.
“Invest. Offer competitive products… now is the time. This is a transformative phase, and we are counting on you,” the minister urged.
“We will support you… We’ll adapt tender specifications where necessary. We’re with you, but we ask you to fight alongside us. Improve quality and invest,” he emphasized.
Also speaking at the event, Fatim Zahra Ammor, Minister of Tourism, Handicrafts, and Social and Solidarity Economy, noted that under the leadership of King Mohammed VI, Morocco’s tourism sector has seen spectacular growth over the past four years, with 17.4 million tourists in 2024 — a record that made Morocco the top tourist destination in Africa.
“In this already highly favorable tourism context, the World Cup represents a golden opportunity to reach a new level,” said the minister, noting that the event is expected to attract between 1 and 2 million additional visitors, with massive economic benefits, about 40% of which will be linked to tourism.
She also highlighted the cumulative TV audience estimated at over 5 billion viewers, offering unprecedented global exposure for Morocco as a destination.
“The tourism ministry is fully mobilized — not only to prepare accommodation capacity, but also to enhance tourism experiences. We want visitors to have a memorable time here,” she affirmed.
Mohammed Mehdi Bensaid, Minister of Youth, Culture, and Communication, said his department will implement specific policies that build on its long-term efforts.
“Culture and human capital are the foundations of Moroccan emergence. We must ensure culture is always present during these events — integrating sports within citizens’ lives as a whole,” he explained.
He added that many public policies launched by his ministry will be strengthened during these global sports events, giving the example of the “Pass Jeunes” (Youth Pass), which unifies services offered to young people, and “Nostalgia,” a program that animates prestigious cultural sites with historical and cultural performances.
“The World Cup will be an opportunity to multiply and institutionalize such activities so that Moroccan cities and sites develop a habit — according to their means — of showcasing heritage and history to foreign visitors,” he said.
Mohamed Saad Berrada, Minister of National Education, Preschool, and Sports, emphasized that significant budgets have been mobilized in record time and affirmed that everything will be ready for AFCON 2025.
As the ministry overseeing SONARGES (the national sports infrastructure authority), it will be responsible for managing stadiums, ensuring their maintenance up to 2030, and preparing all that is necessary — from securing the right partners and companies to meeting the highest standards for hosting both the AFCON and the World Cup.
This meeting brought together business leaders, public institution heads, and government officials involved in organizing AFCON 2025 and the 2030 World Cup. The aim was to present an overview of current projects and discuss the investment, expertise, and human and technical resources needed for ongoing and future initiatives.