As Morocco prepares to co-host the 2030 FIFA World Cup alongside Spain and Portugal, the United Kingdom is actively positioning itself to capitalize on the extensive business opportunities emerging from this global sporting event. With Morocco investing billions in infrastructure and social development to meet the demands of the tournament, British companies and government officials are intensifying cooperation efforts to tap into sectors ranging from stadium construction to healthcare and renewable energy.
UK-Morocco Partnership: A Strategic Move Ahead of 2030
The UK government has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening bilateral ties with Morocco, leveraging the 2019 UK-Morocco Association Agreement to boost trade and investment. Trade between the two countries reached £4.2 billion in 2024, up £0.6 billion from the previous year, reflecting Morocco’s growing importance as a strategic partner in Africa and a World Cup co-host.
A delegation of 12 British companies recently visited Morocco to explore partnership opportunities in key sectors related to the World Cup preparations, including sports infrastructure, transport, and healthcare. UK officials emphasize Morocco’s strong pool of contractors and the mutual benefits of collaboration on large-scale projects tied to the tournament and other continental sports events.
Infrastructure Overhaul: The Backbone of Morocco’s World Cup Ambitions
Stadium Construction and Renovation
Morocco is investing approximately €2 billion in stadium development across six FIFA host cities, with refurbishment plans for five stadiums. British firms see significant opportunities in stadium construction and retrofitting, particularly in Fes, Marrakech, and Agadir, where supply chains and expertise can be leveraged.
Transport Infrastructure Expansion
Morocco’s ambitious transport projects include a $9.5 billion rail investment plan to expand rail access from 23 to 43 cities, aiming to cover 87% of the population by 2030. This includes a $5.2 billion high-speed rail project connecting Kenitra to Marrakesh, cutting travel times and improving logistics.
Road infrastructure is also being upgraded with over MAD 12.5 billion invested in new highways and multi-level interchanges to ensure seamless connectivity between host cities. Airport expansions are underway to double passenger capacity from 38 million to 80 million annually, with major upgrades at Casablanca, Marrakesh, and Agadir airports.
Financing and Capital Markets
Behind the visible construction boom, Morocco is innovating in financial infrastructure to support these projects. The Casablanca Stock Exchange is deepening capital markets by introducing derivatives trading, aligning financial development with infrastructure needs. Morocco has raised €2 billion ($2.2 billion) in new loans to fund World Cup projects, signaling strong investor confidence despite its non-investment grade credit rating.
Healthcare Modernization: A Priority Sector for UK Expertise
Morocco is reforming its healthcare system to increase coverage from 30% to 90%, allocating £2.1 billion for infrastructure improvements. Plans include building 40 new hospitals and medical centers by 2030, creating vast opportunities for UK companies specializing in hospital construction, medical equipment, and digital health solutions.
The demand for qualified medical professionals is rising, with UK medical schools and research institutions well-positioned to provide training programs and research collaborations. Digital health integration, such as patient record systems, is another area where UK expertise is sought.
Education and Training: Growing Demand for UK Curriculum and Partnerships
There is a rising appetite in Morocco for British-style education, with seven British schools already operating and increasing interest in UK university partnerships, including branch campuses and transnational education. UK companies are involved in upgrading vocational schools and launching training programs, supporting Morocco’s broader educational infrastructure development.
Renewable Energy and Water Management: Sustainable Growth Opportunities
Morocco aims to generate 52% of its electricity from renewable sources by 2030, focusing on solar, wind, and hydro projects. UK expertise in renewables and public-private partnerships is highly valued to support this green transition.
Facing severe water stress, Morocco is investing heavily in desalination, wastewater treatment, and water management technologies. These initiatives open avenues for UK companies specializing in sustainable water solutions.
Reactions and Strategic Statements
UK officials, including Tom Hill, Country Director for the Department for Business and Trade in Morocco, have expressed enthusiasm about the strong appetite on the UK side to engage in Morocco’s development across sports, transport, and social infrastructure. British trade commissioner John Humphrey highlighted the UK’s proven track record in delivering major sports infrastructure projects, referencing its role in the 2022 Qatar World Cup.
Moroccan authorities describe the joint Spain-Morocco-Portugal 2030 World Cup bid as a “very solid candidacy,” citing political stability, quality infrastructure, and tourism appeal as key strengths2. Meanwhile, UK MPs and business leaders encourage British companies to invest in Morocco’s southern provinces and broader economy, recognizing the long-term growth potential tied to the World Cup and other regional events.
Economic Impact and Construction Sector Growth
The construction sector in Morocco is projected to grow by 3.9% in 2025, with sustained annual growth of 3.8% through 2029, fueled by foreign direct investment and infrastructure projects linked to the 2025 African Cup of Nations and 2030 World Cup. The African Development Bank has provided $372.2 million in loans to support these projects, with additional funding under consideration.
Morocco’s co-hosting of the 2030 FIFA World Cup is catalyzing a transformative wave of infrastructure, healthcare, education, and sustainable energy projects. The United Kingdom, leveraging its expertise and bilateral agreements, is strategically positioning itself to unlock substantial business opportunities across these sectors. As Morocco accelerates its development agenda, the UK-Morocco partnership is set to deepen, fostering economic growth and strengthening ties ahead of one of the world’s most prestigious sporting events.
