Almost all Moroccan business professionals who took part in the survey believe that development of the continent is among the top 5 strategic priorities, against 78% in 2015.

"Development in Africa is now among the top 3 strategic priorities for more than 80% of respondents. For more than a third of companies, it is even the main priority," the study shows.

Formerly seen as a medium-term development axis, it is now viewed as a real growth vector and a way to test new models for 1 out of 4 respondents, according to the same source.

Africa is the 1st beneficiary of Moroccan direct investments, capturing more than 60% of these investments in 2017.

The barometer reveals that Morocco is now among the top African investors in the West African Economic and Monetary Union and the Central African Economic and Monetary Community. This presence in Africa continent is supported by a national strategy for the promotion of South-South cooperation.

Although primarily targeting West Africa, the presence of Moroccan companies in Africa seems to have become more diversified in recent years. These companies are also exploring East, Central and Southern Africa. This presence was strengthened thanks to the return of Morocco to the African Union in 2017 and the commitment of HM King Mohammed VI to making Africa a national priority.

The destination of Moroccan investments in Africa confirms this gradual expansion on the rest of the African continent. The outflows are directed mainly to West African countries (55%), followed by North Africa (25%), Central Africa (15%), and Southern Africa (5%).

The 4th International Development Barometer, carried out by BearingPoint, in partnership with the General Confederation of the Enterprises of Morocco (CGEM), analyses the development strategies of Moroccan companies.