Morocco ranked first regionally in lobbying-related spending in the United States in 2025, with total expenditures exceeding $3.48 million, according to data published by OpenSecrets, a platform that compiles disclosures filed with the US Department of Justice.
The figures are based on activities registered under the Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA), which requires entities acting on behalf of foreign principals to disclose efforts aimed at influencing US policy, public opinion, and decision-making circles.
According to the same source, a significant share of Morocco’s spending is attributed to government-linked entities, including the Moroccan government itself, which accounted for approximately $1.06 million, in addition to other official bodies and the Moroccan National Tourist Office.
OpenSecrets data indicates that expenditures reported under FARA are not limited to political lobbying, but also include economic promotion, tourism marketing, public relations, and institutional communication within the United States.
Algeria ranked second regionally, with total spending of around $660,000 in 2025, less than one-fifth of Morocco’s expenditure during the same period, highlighting a notable gap in presence within Washington’s influence networks.
Libya followed with spending estimated at approximately $280,000, though this was not attributed to government entities but rather to a body linked to economic development efforts.
Mauritania recorded more limited spending, not exceeding $81,000, reflecting a relatively modest level of engagement compared to other countries in the region.
Tunisia did not appear in the platform’s data, suggesting it may not have recorded any FARA-related lobbying expenditures in 2025 or in previous years, while Egypt was absent for 2025 despite spending more than $200,000 in 2024.
Regarding Spain, only the Catalan government reported lobbying-related spending, amounting to approximately $588,000, indicating efforts by some autonomous regions to establish an independent presence in Washington.
However, FARA data, while providing an official snapshot of declared expenditures, does not necessarily capture the full extent of foreign influence spending in the United States.
Other legal channels, such as activities conducted under the Lobbying Disclosure Act (LDA), as well as indirect tools like funding think tanks and public relations campaigns, may significantly increase the overall scale of influence efforts.
For instance, Algeria signed a contract in 2024 with a US-based lobbying firm worth $720,000 annually to improve its image and advance its interests in Washington, excluding additional related costs.
This contrasts with its declared FARA-related spending of around $240,000 for the same year, suggesting that official disclosures may only reflect part of the broader lobbying landscape.
The 2024 deal also drew attention in US media reports, particularly as the firm involved, BGR Group, contracted under the supervision of Algeria’s ambassador to Washington, Sabri Boukadoum, has been described as maintaining close ties with Israel.
