The Moroccan government has signed significant agreements with aerospace giants Boeing and Embraer during the first day of the Marrakech Air Show on October 30, 2024. These deals aim to strengthen Morocco's position in the global aerospace industry and foster innovation and economic growth in the sector. According to the press releases from the Moroccan Ministry of Industry and Trade, the first agreement involves the creation of the African Center for Manufacturing Excellence (ACME) in partnership with Boeing. ACME will be the first Boeing-labeled R&D center (Research and development center) in Africa, focusing on advanced manufacturing, Industry 4.0, automation, and new materials. Additionally, the 100% Moroccan company NTS Technics has been selected as an engineering partner, receiving support from Boeing to achieve level 3 design capabilities and become an approved engineering supplier for the American manufacturer. The second agreement, a memorandum of understanding between the Moroccan government and Embraer, covers joint projects in commercial aviation, defense, and urban air mobility. The potential economic impact of these projects is estimated to reach $300 million and create 300 jobs by 2030, with the potential to grow to $1 billion and 1,000 jobs by 2035. The collaboration will also explore areas such as training, maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO), research and technology, decarbonization, clean mobility, and sustainable aviation fuels.
