German investments in Morocco are experiencing remarkable growth, with FDI flows reaching €2.1 billion in 2024 and nearly 300 companies operating in the country. The automotive sector, led by the Leoni Group, along with ambitious logistics projects, exemplifies this momentum, strengthening the economic partnership between the two nations. Robert Dölger, German ambassador to Morocco / Ph. Yabiladi ‹ › German investments in Morocco are on the rise, bolstered by solid fundamentals, as explained by the German ambassador to Rabat, Robert Dölker, during a conference held this Wednesday in Casablanca. In 2024, net flows of German foreign direct investments (FDI) reached 2.1 billion euros, with nearly 300 German companies currently operating in the Kingdom, creating approximately 35,000 skilled jobs. On the trade front, the exchange of goods between the two nations hit 7.4 billion euros in 2025, with Moroccan exports to Germany amounting to 3.5 billion euros and imports totaling 3.9 billion. Germany stands as Morocco's 5th largest client and 6th largest supplier, underscoring the robust bilateral economic ties. Automotive: Leoni Leading the Way The automotive sector is a significant driver of this momentum. The German group Leoni is fast-tracking its growth with several key projects. In Agadir, the company plans to invest 230 million euros in an industrial site poised to create 3,000 direct jobs by 2027, marking the first major automotive investment in the South. Leoni aims to attract other international suppliers to the Souss capital, particularly in the heavy-duty industry. Simultaneously, Leoni is expanding its presence in central Morocco with a new site in Bouskoura, which includes an R&D center, and an expansion of its industrial hub in Berrechid, targeting 10,000 employees by the end of 2026. A new wiring plant is also underway in Kenitra, within the Atlantic Free Zone. Ultimately, the group plans to increase its workforce to 23,000 employees across Morocco through six major projects by 2027. Leoni also operates in Aïn Sebaâ and Bouznika. Despite this enthusiasm, the interest of other German manufacturers remains tentative, according to the German ambassador. «The political and geopolitical situation we are experiencing will have a significant influence on investment choices,» he emphasized. The kingdom's stability and proximity (nearshoring) are undeniable advantages. Logistics: Dachser Eyes Dakhla In logistics, the Dachser group is planning a large-scale site in Tanger Automotive City, spanning 75,000 m², including a 20,000 m² warehouse, by the end of 2027. The German company is also considering investments in the southern provinces by 2028 or 2029. It is closely monitoring the construction of the port of Dakhla, which will open new trade opportunities with West African countries. The development of Moroccan port infrastructures is a strategic lever for these two German companies. The future port of Nador is viewed by Leoni as a strategic alternative to Tanger Med during adverse weather conditions in the Strait of Gibraltar, which sometimes necessitate more costly air freight. Investment announcements are expected from June in this area. Chemistry and Agrochemistry: Potential Still Constrained In response to a question from Yabiladi, the German ambassador explained that the chemical industry also attracts interest from German players, whether large groups or specialized companies. However, investments are still hampered by high costs and an uncertain international context, which slows decision-making. In agrochemistry, the Bayer group is already firmly established, notably through partnerships with local players. In the pharmaceutical field, the industrialist recently invested 200 million dirhams to launch three new production lines at its Nouaceur site, exporting to 45 countries in the EMEA region. Beyond industry, German companies are strengthening their presence in high value-added services. The company Informatique Energie Noire, specializing in software and ERP solutions, currently employs about fifty employees between Casablanca and Khouribga. It aims to have a workforce of 300 to 400 employees within two to three years. In this perspective, an IT training academy is set to be launched in Fez to nurture a pool of local talent. A Structuring Economic Partnership According to the German ambassador, Robert Dölker, this dynamic illustrates a consolidating economic relationship: «I am pleased with these major investments covering a wide range of sectors, from automotive and logistics to pharmaceuticals and AI. These investments demonstrate the key role of companies in the strategic partnership between Morocco and Germany, benefiting both countries: jobs created in Morocco, accelerated integration of Morocco's economy into European value chains, and expansion potentials for German companies.» This sentiment is echoed by Katharina Felgenhauer, general manager of the German Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Morocco (AHK Morocco): «We are proud to support and highlight these investments that concretely illustrate the strength and dynamism of Moroccan-German economic relations. The diversity of sectors represented today reflects Morocco's growing attractiveness as an investment destination and confirms the essential role of the private sector in strengthening a sustainable partnership.»
