Morocco's large-scale investments linked to preparations for the 2030 FIFA World Cup have emerged as one of the country's strongest drivers of economic growth, according to the World Bank, alongside a stronger agricultural season and sustained momentum in non-agricultural sectors.
In its Morocco Economic Monitor, released on July 22, the World Bank said Morocco's economy expanded by 4.9% in 2025, marking its fastest growth rate in years. The expansion was fueled by a surge in both public and private investment, particularly in major infrastructure projects tied to the country's preparations to co-host the 2030 FIFA World Cup.
The report highlighted domestic demand as the principal engine of growth, with investment rising by 16.3% during the year. The increase was driven by large-scale projects spanning transport networks, highways, railways, airports, and urban development initiatives designed to upgrade host cities ahead of the global tournament.
At the same time, imports grew faster than exports as Morocco increased purchases of equipment and machinery needed for these investment projects. As a result, the country's trade deficit widened, while the current account deficit reached 2.4% of GDP in 2025.
Despite the higher external deficit, the World Bank said Morocco continues to maintain a comfortable external position. Foreign exchange reserves climbed to nearly $49 billion during the first quarter of 2026, while foreign direct investment inflows rose by 29% in 2025, largely supported by continued expansion in the industrial sector.
Looking ahead, the report identified the continued implementation of projects related to the 2030 FIFA World Cup as one of the key factors expected to sustain Morocco's economic growth over the coming years. The World Bank added that ongoing structural reforms and efforts to improve the investment climate will also play a crucial role in supporting the country's long-term economic outlook.
