Rabat, October 9, 2026 – The Europe Today: Morocco’s Ministry of Industry and Trade has signed a series of agreements with international companies to strengthen the country’s aerospace industry, attract investment, create jobs and enhance domestic manufacturing capabilities.
The agreements were signed on Thursday on the sidelines of the Marrakech Airshow 2026, marking another step in Morocco’s efforts to expand its aviation industrial ecosystem and reinforce its position as an emerging aerospace manufacturing hub.
Under the first agreement, the ministry signed a memorandum of understanding with APS Coating for an €18 million investment to establish a facility dedicated to treating aircraft spare parts. The project is expected to generate 120 direct jobs.
A second memorandum of understanding was signed with MATIS to expand its industrial facility specializing in the manufacture of electrical wiring systems for aircraft. The project involves an investment of $16.457 million and is expected to create 740 direct jobs.
In another development, the ministry, in partnership with Mecapole Aviation and Defense, signed an agreement to develop Morocco’s capabilities in machining spare parts for aircraft and helicopters. The project carries an investment of €10 million and is expected to generate 80 direct jobs.
Minister of Industry and Trade Ryad Mezzour said the agreements align with the vision of King Mohammed VI to strengthen Morocco’s aerospace industrial ecosystem, particularly in aircraft assembly and aerostructures.
He emphasized that the projects would contribute to advancing the sector, developing national expertise and promoting innovation through partnerships with leading international companies. These collaborations are also expected to facilitate the adoption of new technologies and enable Morocco to benefit from advanced global expertise.
Mezzour described the expansion of manufacturing and aerostructures capabilities as an important indicator of Morocco’s efforts to strengthen industrial sovereignty and demonstrate the progress of its domestic innovation ecosystem.
Morocco has set its sights on moving beyond its role as a buyer of aerospace products towards becoming a more autonomous manufacturer with advanced industrial capabilities.
The country’s aerospace sector currently employs approximately 25,000 skilled workers and has recorded annual growth exceeding 10 percent, reflecting its expanding role in the national industrial economy.
The opening of the Marrakech Airshow 2026 also witnessed the signing of several additional agreements involving major international aerospace and defence companies, including Lockheed Martin, Safran, Airbus and Boeing.
These industry leaders joined Morocco’s OCP Group, Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P), the Technical Center for Mechanical Industries and the ACME platform in a partnership to establish the African Manufacturing Excellence Center.
The centre is intended to advance research and development in Morocco’s aviation and industrial sectors, strengthen technological capabilities and support the development of advanced manufacturing solutions across Africa.
The latest agreements underscore Morocco’s strategy to attract international investment, expand high-value industrial activities, create skilled employment opportunities and establish a stronger presence in global aerospace supply chains.
