Morocco’s hosting of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations has been hailed as a major economic success, despite the heartbreak of losing the final and some regrettable incidents off the pitch.
In an interview with France24, Minister of Trade and Industry Ryad Mezzour described the tournament as a winning bet for the national economy and the country’s global image.
Mezzour explained that this edition ranks among the most profitable in AFCON history, with an investment multiplier effect estimated at 1.8 times the initial outlay. According to him, AFCON helped push Moroccan growth above 4.5% by year-end and created around 100,000 jobs, while internal trade benefited from a 25–30% jump in household consumption during the tournament.
On infrastructure, the minister said Morocco achieved in just 24 months the equivalent of 10 years of development under the leadership of King Mohammed VI. More than 3,000 Moroccan companies were mobilized to upgrade stadiums, roads, airports and urban transport networks, leaving a lasting legacy that strengthens Morocco’s position as co-host of the 2030 World Cup.
Mezzour added that roughly 80% of the sports-related investments needed for the World Cup are already completed and amortized thanks to AFCON. He also stressed that reforms in health and education are continuing in response to the expectations of Moroccan youth, and praised the commitment of the Atlas Lions, arguing that the competition showcased Morocco’s maturity and know-how in staging world-class events.
The minister summed up the outcome with four key figures: growth above 4.5%, 100,000 Moroccan families benefiting from AFCON-linked jobs, 10 years of infrastructure work condensed into two years, and up to a 30% boost in consumption for local traders.
