Casablanca – As Morocco prepares to host the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), the Foreign Exchange Office (Office des Changes) has rolled out a comprehensive framework to manage the anticipated influx of visitors and ensure smooth financial operations. Scheduled to kick off on December 21, the tournament is expected to attract tens of thousands of international fans alongside Moroccans living abroad, creating heightened demand for efficient, secure, and transparent currency exchange services.

In a series of statements, the Office highlighted that the initiative is part of a broader effort to modernize the country’s foreign exchange services, align with international standards, and provide visitors with clear and accessible information from the moment they arrive. “This mobilization reflects our commitment to anticipate the challenges of hosting a major continental event while ensuring that financial services meet the expectations of international travelers,” the Office stated.

Operational measures and payment diversification

On the operational side, the Office has implemented a set of measures aimed at facilitating currency exchange transactions. A key focus is the diversification of payment methods, allowing travelers to use a wider range of electronic and cashless solutions. This adjustment reflects global trends, as international visitors increasingly rely on digital payments to reduce reliance on physical cash.

The new measures are designed to improve both the fluidity and security of transactions. By expanding options for electronic payments and streamlining traditional exchange processes, the Office aims to minimize delays, reduce congestion at exchange points, and enhance the overall visitor experience.

Information and awareness campaigns

Alongside operational reforms, the Office has deployed a strong information and awareness component to guide visitors. A dedicated section on its official website consolidates key details on exchange regulations, available facilities, and recommended practices for travelers during their stay. Additionally, multilingual communication materials in Arabic, French, and English have been distributed at Morocco’s main airports. These guides provide step-by-step instructions on currency exchange procedures, legal obligations for declaring foreign currency, and available services, ensuring that visitors can navigate the financial landscape with confidence.

The communication strategy emphasizes clarity and accessibility, aiming to empower visitors with reliable, understandable, and immediately actionable information. According to the Office, these efforts are central to fostering transparency and trust while supporting the smooth execution of high-profile international events.

Compliance and risk management

The Office’s framework also integrates rigorous compliance measures in line with international standards for anti-money laundering (AML) and counter-terrorism financing (CTF). All operations are monitored to ensure alignment with the recommendations of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), balancing facilitation of transactions with risk management.

“This dual approach—enhancing accessibility while maintaining vigilance—underscores Morocco’s commitment to hosting international events in a secure and professionally managed environment,” the Office emphasized. By enforcing compliance alongside modernization, the country aims to maintain credibility in global financial markets while ensuring visitors experience a seamless and safe exchange process.

Contribution to payment ecosystem modernization

Beyond the immediate context of AFCON 2025, the Office’s measures contribute to the broader modernization of Morocco’s national payments ecosystem. By encouraging the adoption of electronic payment methods and reducing dependency on cash, the initiative aligns with ongoing efforts to create a more efficient, technologically advanced financial infrastructure. This shift is expected to have long-term benefits for both residents and visitors, facilitating quicker, more secure transactions across the country.

Positioning Morocco as a modern host nation

Through these combined measures—operational improvements, information campaigns, compliance frameworks, and payment modernization—the Foreign Exchange Office is reinforcing its central role in supporting large-scale international events. The initiative reflects a strategic effort to position Morocco as a modern, reliable, and welcoming host country capable of meeting international standards in financial services.

As AFCON 2025 approaches, the Office’s preparations aim not only to ensure the smooth handling of foreign currency transactions but also to enhance Morocco’s reputation as a destination that combines efficiency, transparency, and visitor-focused services. This proactive approach illustrates the country’s broader commitment to aligning domestic practices with global expectations and promoting a positive image on the international stage.