Morocco has reported more than €1.5bn in direct economic returns from hosting the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, with the tournament also accelerating long-term infrastructure projects linked to the 2030 World Cup.
According to the Moroccan government, the competition generated immediate revenue across multiple sectors while acting as a catalyst for €2.3bn in structural investments, allowing the country to complete nearly 80% of the infrastructure required for the World Cup it will co-host with Spain and Portugal.
Minister of Industry and Trade Ryad Mezzour said the tournament had significantly ускорated Morocco’s development trajectory, arguing that the country had effectively gained a decade of progress in just two years.
The investments, he said, were concentrated on projects with long-term national value rather than short-term event needs.
Key spending was directed towards the construction and renovation of nine stadiums, alongside major upgrades to road networks, airports and urban services.
The authorities say these facilities were designed to serve citizens for the next 50 years, while also supporting domestic industry. More than 3,000 Moroccan companies were involved in delivering the projects, boosting local production and supply chains.
The social impact of the tournament was also highlighted. Officials estimate that more than 100,000 jobs were created in connection with the competition, with many positions supported by training programmes aligned with international standards, aimed at ensuring lasting employability beyond the event itself.
Tourism figures reached record levels during the same period. Morocco welcomed 20 million visitors in 2025, representing a year-on-year increase of 14%.
Of those, around 600,000 travelled specifically for the Africa Cup of Nations, providing a direct boost to hotels, restaurants and the crafts sector, and injecting liquidity into local economies across host cities.
The organisation of the tournament also supported technological upgrades, including the widespread rollout of 5G, the introduction of digital ticketing systems and enhanced cybersecurity measures. Authorities say these developments reduced operational costs and strengthened Morocco’s appeal to foreign investors.
From a global visibility perspective, the competition reached an estimated television audience of two billion viewers and generated around 10 billion views on social media platforms, reinforcing Morocco’s image as a destination capable of hosting major international events.
Looking ahead to 2030, officials say most of the essential infrastructure is already in place. The remaining 20% of projects will focus on strategic priorities, including extending the high-speed rail line to Marrakech and Agadir, expanding hotel capacity and completing the Grand Stade de Casablanca.
The government describes these final projects as part of a broader, inclusive development strategy designed to sustain the economic momentum created by recent sporting events.
