Hosting the 2030 FIFA World Cup is a “landmark opportunity” for Morocco to demonstrate the kingdom’s potential, modernize its infrastructure, and boost its economy, Fouzi Lekjaa, Morocco’s Minister Delegate for the Budget, told members of CGEM, a trade association, in Casablanca on Wednesday, outlining Morocco’s broad vision of development.
Addressing a meeting of Morocco’s largest corporate CEOs, the Minister highlighted the urgent need for major upgrades to Morocco’s infrastructure as part of preparations for the World Cup. “Stadium renovations, regional transportation enhancements, and large-scale infrastructure developments are central to our strategy,” said Lekjaa.
Morocco secured the hosting rights for the 2030 FIFA World Cup in October 2024 in a historic joint bid with Spain and Portugal, a turning point for the Kingdom to cement its position on the global stage as a sports destination.
“Football is one of the most sought-after industries in terms of Francophone Africa’s development,” said Lekjaa, explaining that the World Cup’s economic benefits will ripple across multiple sectors.
Lekjaa noted that the World Cup aligns with the broader vision of bolstering Morocco’s role as a hub for international events, following the successful hosting of the 2023 Club World Cup and the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations later this year.
In addition to discussing what the World Cup will do for Morocco’s development, Lekjaa took the opportunity to reflect on the Moroccan government’s achievements in recent years.
Health and Social Reforms
“Since 2021, our focus has been on building the prerequisites for a fair social state,” Lekjaa said. He cited notable milestones such as the expansion of universal health coverage, now benefiting 32 million Moroccans, and increased funding for healthcare infrastructure, which more than doubled from MAD 15.8 billion in 2021 to MAD 32.6 billion in 2024.
Direct aid programs have also played a crucial role in supporting families. “Today, 4 million women benefit from direct aid, costing the state over MAD 25.5 billion annually,” Lekjaa stated.
Education has been another priority area, with the budget increasing from MAD 58.9 billion in 2021 to MAD 85.6 billion in 2024. “This investment reflects our dedication to improving access to quality education, particularly in pioneering schools and preschool programs,” Lekjaa remarked.
Economic reforms, including tax modernization and incentives for small and medium enterprises, are central to the government’s strategy to create sustainable growth. Lekjaa told the group that fostering public-private partnerships is key to stimulating investment and addressing operational challenges when implementing key initiatives.
Lekjaa concluded by calling on the business community to actively take part in achieving Morocco’s ambitious goals. “Success can only be collective,” he said. “Our vision is built on cooperation between the public and private sectors to create a prosperous and inclusive future for all.”