Over 300 firms to attend Morocco-France business forum in Dakhla

More than 300 Moroccan and French business leaders are set to gather in Dakhla on October 9 for the Morocco-France Economic Forum,a high-level event aimed at deepening bilateral partnerships and exploring new opportunities in strategic sectors such as energy,infrastructure,and agribusiness.

Organized jointly by the General Confederation of Moroccan Enterprises (CGEM) and the French Business Movement (MEDEF),the forum builds on the momentum of French President Emmanuel Macron’s recent state visit to Morocco. During that visit,President Macron reaffirmed France’s support for Morocco’s sovereignty over the Sahara,stating that “the present and future of the Sahara lie within the framework of Moroccan sovereignty.”

Business ties between Morocco and France have received a major boost following Paris’ recognition of Morocco’s sovereignty over the Sahara,followed by a visit in November by French president Macron to Morocco,during which deals worth over 10 billion euros have been signed.

The selection of Dakhla as the host city underscores its growing role as a hub of economic dynamism and regional development. With major investments in infrastructure,energy,and logistics,Dakhla has emerged as a strategic gateway linking Europe and Africa,reflecting Morocco’s ambitions on the continent.

For French companies,the forum presents a unique opportunity to engage with an emerging market and forge new commercial ties in a region poised for growth.

According to a statement from CGEM,the forum will focus on strengthening existing partnerships,identifying new synergies,and boosting bilateral economic cooperation. Key sectors on the agenda include: renewable energy and energy transition,infrastructure and logistics,sustainable tourism and hospitality,agribusiness and food security,digital innovation and services and skills development and vocational training.

Prominent French business leaders expected to attend include Hervé Barrere (CEO of Centrale Danone),Jean-Pierre Clamadieu (Chairman of Engie),Ross McInnes (Chairman of Safran),and Diego Diaz (President of SNCF International).