Casablanca – Morocco’s approach to sport is increasingly being recognized as a strategic lever for economic development, social cohesion, and continental influence. Over the past several years, the Kingdom has transformed its sports sector into an integrated system that goes far beyond competitive performance, positioning sport as both an economic asset and a tool for human capital development.
According to Prime Minister Aziz Akhannouch, the government has undertaken a major reform process aimed at transitioning from a fragmented management of sports to a comprehensive system encompassing organization, supervision, infrastructure expansion, and broader public participation. Today, Morocco counts 57 national sports federations overseeing multiple disciplines, 261 regional leagues, and more than 7,000 community-based sports associations, up from 4,745 in 2021. These organizations collectively engage around 500,000 members, reflecting the growing social and economic footprint of sports across the country.
“The transformation of the Moroccan sports sector is not just about winning medals; it is about building social cohesion, improving quality of life, and creating economic opportunities,” Akhannouch stated during a parliamentary session on government sports policies. “Sport has become a tool for youth integration, territorial equity, and human capital development, in line with Morocco’s broader societal and economic vision.”
Investments in infrastructure and economic impact
The government has directed substantial public investment toward sports infrastructure, rehabilitating or supporting nearly 2,500 facilities between 2021 and 2025. This network includes over 1,050 neighborhood sports fields, 157 multi-sport halls, and 717 community sports centers, with additional facilities funded directly by local authorities. Moreover, a strategic program created 800 sports fields in rural and peri-urban areas, emphasizing access and equity.
Experts note that such investments not only encourage participation and health benefits but also generate significant economic ripple effects. Construction and maintenance of facilities support local employment, while sporting events stimulate tourism, hospitality, transport, and related services. For instance, Morocco’s hosting of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) demonstrated the economic potential of high-level sporting events. The tournament, held from December 21, 2025, to January 18, 2026, involved 24 national teams and took place in nine stadiums across six cities, attracting massive local and international audiences.
Akhannouch highlighted that the success of AFCON 2025 reflected Morocco’s organizational capacity and long-term investment strategy. Beyond sports, such events contribute to infrastructure development, urban modernization, and regional economic growth. Hotels, restaurants, and transport networks experienced heightened demand during the tournament, generating significant revenue streams. The quality of stadiums, transportation logistics, security, and public services not only enhanced the spectator experience but also demonstrated Morocco’s ability to host global-scale events—a key factor for future economic gains.
Regional and continental economic integration
Morocco’s sports strategy is closely tied to broader economic and geopolitical objectives. Akhannouch emphasized that sport serves as a bridge for cultural exchange and regional cooperation, strengthening relations with African countries. The Kingdom’s engagement in sports diplomacy, such as co-hosting the 2030 FIFA World Cup with Spain and Portugal, is seen as an avenue to increase Africa’s global visibility while fostering economic partnerships, tourism, and cross-border investments.
“The ultimate economic goal of hosting major international events is not just national prestige,” Akhannouch explained. “It is about promoting the African continent’s competitive capacity, generating economic activity, and creating a lasting legacy for infrastructure, youth development, and cross-border cooperation.”
Strategic outcomes and long-term vision
Morocco’s integrated sports system aligns with the Royal vision of using sport as a catalyst for sustainable development. By linking neighborhood sports facilities with schools, associations, and local communities, the government aims to enhance human capital, promote discipline and citizenship, and create inclusive growth opportunities. Local infrastructure projects also stimulate construction, urban services, and regional economies, while fostering social cohesion and citizen engagement.
Akhannouch concluded that the Moroccan sports sector now stands as a model for combining social, economic, and diplomatic objectives. “Sport is no longer marginal,” he said. “It is a central pillar of our sustainable development project, contributing directly to economic diversification, youth empowerment, and regional integration, while reinforcing Morocco’s image as a capable, modern, and forward-looking nation.”
Morocco’s investments in sports infrastructure, strategic hosting of major events, and integrated development policies underscore the sector’s economic significance. With an ambitious roadmap extending to the 2030 World Cup and beyond, sport is emerging as a multi-dimensional engine of growth, job creation, international visibility, and continental leadership, fully aligned with Morocco’s long-term economic and social objectives.
