Guelmim-Oued Noun
1.2% growth (2023); 702 new firms (2024); 74.1% services (highest nationally); commerce-led economy; southern territories; limited industrial base.
Guelmim-Oued Noun registered 702 new enterprises in the first 11 months of 2024, with commerce leading at 51.63%, followed by construction/real estate (13.78%), various services (12.58%), transport (6.29%), hospitality (5.93%), and industry (5.68%). The region achieved only 1.2% growth in 2023—well below national average. Services dominate the economy at 74.1% (highest services share nationally). Industrial activity concentrates elsewhere (Tanger-Tétouan 34.3%, Laâyoune 32.9%). The region is undergoing rapid structural transformations linked to spatial planning policies, urbanization patterns, limited natural resources, and distinctive state interventions. Part of Morocco's southern territories bordering Western Sahara. Together with Draa-Tafilalet and other southern regions, contributes 7.6% of national GDP. Tourism and cross-border commerce offer development potential.