Determining factors in the location strategies of Moroccan companies in Africa

Abstract

Africa's emergence on the international stage raises major location issues for companies, particularly Moroccan ones. In a spirit of South-South cooperation, Morocco aims, through its ‘national champions’, to make an active contribution to the economic development of a continent that will be the world's leading demographic power by 2050. This ambition is set against a backdrop marked by a marked improvement in Morocco's attractiveness, reflected in a significant rise in foreign direct investment (FDI), driven by its political stability and the economic and institutional reforms undertaken since the 2000s. The aim of this article is to take stock of the macroeconomic and microeconomic factors that determine Moroccan companies' strategies for setting up operations on the African continent. Through a narrative review based essentially on grey literature, the study highlights a paradox: despite Moroccan companies' strong interest in the African market, numerous obstacles, particularly financial, informational and institutional, are holding back their deployment. From an exploratory perspective, this study proposes concrete avenues for strengthening regional economic integration. In particular, it suggests better strategic support for businesses, greater coordination between public and private players, and the introduction of financing mechanisms tailored to the realities of the continent. In this sense, this article aims to contribute to the debate on the conditions for successful, inclusive and sustainable internationalisation of Moroccan companies in Africa.

JEL Classification : F21

Paper Type :  Theoretical research