Morocco

Morocco occupies geography's most strategic junction—14 kilometers from Europe across the Strait of Gibraltar, sitting atop 70% of the world's phosphate reserves, ruled by the same dynasty for nearly 400 years.

Berbers inhabited this corner of North Africa for millennia before Arab armies arrived in 681, bringing Islam and Arabic. A succession of powerful dynasties—Almoravids, Almohads, Marinids—built empires that at their peak stretched from Senegal to Spain. The Alaouite dynasty took power in 1631 and still rules today, making Morocco one of the world's oldest continuous monarchies. Geography made it unique: Morocco never fell to the Ottomans (unlike the rest of North Africa), and when European colonization came, it was divided between France and Spain rather than absorbed wholesale. The French protectorate (1912-1956) built Casablanca into a modern port city and established the economic infrastructure that still operates. Sultan Mohammed V unified nationalist sentiment, and independence came in 1956 with the monarchy intact—a rarity in post-colonial Africa.

Post-independence Morocco followed a distinctive path: monarchical stability backed by phosphate wealth. The state-owned OCP Group, controlling 70% of global phosphate reserves, became the country's economic anchor. But phosphates alone couldn't employ millions. Under Hassan II (1961-1999) and Mohammed VI (since 1999), Morocco pursued diversification: textiles, then automotive manufacturing, then aerospace. Renault and Stellantis now operate factories producing over 500,000 cars annually—Morocco ranks among the EU's top auto suppliers. Tanger Med port, opened in 2007, handled 10.24 million containers in 2024, outperforming Hamburg and becoming Africa's largest container terminal. The renewable energy pivot accelerated: 37% of installed capacity from renewables by 2023, with $32.5 billion in green hydrogen investments approved in March 2025. Morocco positioned itself for Europe's Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism, knowing that dirty exports will face tariffs.

Morocco's GDP reached approximately $130 billion in 2024, seven times its 1971 level, with 3.2% growth despite drought. The trade profile is diversifying: phosphates and fertilizers remain dominant, but automotive (6.3% export growth) and aerospace (14.9% growth) are catching up. The economy pivots on geography—closest Africa to Europe, with Tanger Med as the gateway. The 2030 FIFA World Cup, shared with Spain and Portugal, is driving €9 billion in infrastructure investment: roads, stadiums, and renewed interest in the €8.5 billion Gibraltar tunnel that would connect Madrid to Casablanca in 5.5 hours by rail. Western Sahara remains contested; Morocco's control there has been tacitly accepted by Spain and the U.S. in exchange for closer cooperation.

Morocco's 2026 outlook is strong: GDP growth projected at 4.1%, World Cup preparations accelerating, green hydrogen production scaling. The country is betting that geography plus stability plus renewable energy can make it Europe's manufacturing partner and Africa's gateway. The Alaouite dynasty's 400th anniversary approaches in 2031.