Recognized as active partners in the economic, social, and cultural development of the country, Moroccan expatriates are now more sought after than ever by their homeland. Beyond the Marhaba operation, which draws attention every summer, other initiatives have been launched to strengthen ties between the diaspora and Morocco, encouraging them to settle and invest in the kingdom.
Among these initiatives is the International Forum for Moroccan Competencies Abroad (Fincome), launched back in 2007, aiming to involve highly qualified Moroccans in Morocco’s scientific, technical, and socio-economic development projects.
To date, Fincome has supported more than 800 researchers from the Moroccan diaspora, a number expected to grow, according to Driss El Yazami, president of the Council of the Moroccan Community Abroad (CCME). The status of teacher-researchers has also been revised to facilitate the recognition of degrees and experience acquired abroad, further easing their integration into the national system.
Investment: the neglected priority
To further stimulate investment by Moroccan expatriates in their home country, the MDM Invest fund was established in 2009. This fund, jointly financed with Tamwilcom (formerly the Central Guarantee Fund), supports the creation or expansion of businesses promoted by Moroccan expatriates with investments exceeding 1 million dirhams.
The program offers a 10% subsidy on the financial contribution of Moroccan expatriates, with a cap of 5 million dirhams. Eligible sectors include industry, industry-related services, education, hospitality, and healthcare. However, projects related to real estate development, deep-sea fishing, the acquisition of land unrelated to investment projects, and the purchase of housing are excluded.
Despite its initial ambitions, the program has never achieved the expected success. As of June 2022, only 48 applications had been approved, according to the latest data provided by the Economic, Social, and Environmental Council (CESE).
Another indicator of low investment engagement is that only 1.3% of the diaspora’s transfers—exceeding 110 billion dirhams in 2022—were directed toward investments. This rate is significantly lower than in other African countries, such as Nigeria (45%), Kenya (35%), and Senegal (5%).
The reasons for this underperformance include a lack of transparent and effective communication channels and the absence of sufficiently attractive support policies, regrets Mohamed Saoud, a member of the Executive Committee of the Istiqlal Party, responsible for Moroccan expatriates and migration affairs.
« A year ago, the king called for the implementation of effective public policies that consider the specific needs of the Moroccan community abroad, with the launch of a dedicated framework. Unfortunately, nothing has been done since, and we are still waiting for these directives to be implemented, » insists the political science expert.
A new framework still pending
Indeed, during his speech marking the 69th anniversary of the Revolution of the King and the People, the sovereign praised the dedication and involvement of Moroccan expatriates toward their home country while highlighting the obstacles and challenges they face in handling administrative matters and launching investment projects.
This is not the first time the sovereign has expressed critical views on public administration, particularly regarding the investment process and the handling of Moroccan expatriates’ cases. During the opening speech of the 2016 legislative session in parliament, he notably called for a « change in mindset. »
Later, in the 2018 Throne Speech, he called for the reform of the Regional Investment Centers (CRI), which has since been formalized through Law 47.18. « Certainly, the state is making considerable efforts to ensure a warm welcome for Moroccans abroad, but this framework remains insufficient, » emphasized Mohammed VI, urging Moroccan professionals to « settle and work in Morocco, or contribute through various partnerships from their host countries. »
On October 24, the first steering committee meeting for the « Project for the Mobilization of Skills and Support for Moroccan Expatriate Project Holders, » initiated by the king, was held at the headquarters of the Ministry for Moroccans residing abroad.
