British firms are now positioned at the forefront of Morocco’s ambitious infrastructure development programme.
The United Kingdom has sealed a series of strategic partnerships with Morocco aimed at unlocking billions of pounds in trade opportunities, delivering major gains for British companies and injecting new momentum into the UK economy. The announcement came during Foreign Secretary David Lammy’s high-level visit to Morocco, which underscored London’s renewed commitment to deepening its relationships across Africa in the run-up to the 2030 FIFA World Cup.
With trade between the UK and Morocco already worth over £4 billion annually, this latest suite of agreements is poised to significantly expand business ties. British firms are now positioned at the forefront of Morocco’s ambitious infrastructure development programme, including a £1.2 billion upgrade of Casablanca Airport and a broader £33 billion pipeline of public procurement opportunities over the next three years.
A major outcome of Lammy’s visit is Britain’s strengthened bid to help deliver key infrastructure for the 2030 World Cup, which Morocco is co-hosting alongside Spain and Portugal. British construction, logistics, and engineering firms—bolstered by a legacy of involvement in global sporting events since the 2000 Sydney Olympics—are expected to play a leading role in preparing host cities such as Marrakech, Casablanca, and Rabat.
A major outcome of Lammy’s visit is Britain’s strengthened bid to help deliver key infrastructure for the 2030 World Cup, which Morocco is co-hosting alongside Spain and Portugal.
“These announcements mean UK businesses will be able to score big in the delivery of the 2030 World Cup,” said Foreign Secretary Lammy. “Africa has one of the greatest growth potentials of any continent. This young, dynamic population makes the continent an engine room for global growth.”
Healthcare and Water
Beyond sports and transport, the UK is also entering Morocco’s healthcare market with a major new agreement that aligns British clinical expertise and finance with the North African country’s national health transformation reforms, worth over £2 billion. A £150 million flagship project will see the construction of a 250-bed hospital in Casablanca—delivered with UK investment and management, and expected to generate significant revenue for a UK-based NHS trust.
Minister for Trade Policy Douglas Alexander described Morocco as “an increasingly important trade and investment partner,” and highlighted that UK firms are already “securing major commercial wins” in the country. “Growth is this government’s top priority and stronger ties with economies like Morocco will pave the way for new opportunities,” he added.
Meanwhile, British companies are also set to benefit from a new £200 million cooperation initiative on water and port infrastructure. The agreement is designed to promote UK innovation in sustainable water management, smart logistics, and green port technologies. With Morocco facing acute challenges related to climate change and water scarcity, British expertise is expected to play a key role in driving environmentally friendly solutions.
Procurement Access and Fair Competition
A separate procurement arrangement announced during the visit will offer British companies a clearer path to compete for public tenders in Morocco. The framework aims to create a more level playing field and ensure UK firms can access and deliver on government contracts in sectors ranging from transport to clean energy.
The wider diplomatic visit also includes agreements to enhance cooperation on migration and counterterrorism, supporting regional security while fostering green growth through climate resilience measures.
Western Sahara: A Shift in UK Policy
Perhaps most notably, the Foreign Secretary used his visit to announce a shift in the UK’s stance on Western Sahara. The UK now endorses Moroccan autonomy for the disputed territory as “the most credible, viable, and pragmatic basis” for resolving the long-standing conflict. The nearly 50-year-old dispute has stalled regional development and left thousands of Sahrawi refugees stranded in camps near Tindouf.
“As a member of the UN Security Council, and as a friend to countries across the region, the UK’s new position seeks to support a mutually agreed solution that respects self-determination while backing the UN-led peace process,” Lammy said.
The diplomatic and commercial developments form part of the UK’s broader “Progressive Realist” foreign policy doctrine, which seeks to build partnerships grounded in mutual benefit, respect, and long-term cooperation—particularly with emerging economies in Africa.
Long-Term Strategy with Africa
The Foreign Secretary is also attending the Ibrahim Governance Weekend (IGW) in Marrakech, where he will hold talks with African leaders and ministers to discuss shared challenges, including defence, climate change, and sustainable development.
The visit is being framed as a strategic reboot of the UK’s engagement with the continent—focusing not only on trade and investment but also on joint solutions to global problems.
From boosting exports in medical equipment and drone technology to providing infrastructure and climate resilience expertise, Britain is positioning itself as a long-term partner in Morocco’s growth story. For UK businesses, the deals represent a major expansion into one of North Africa’s most dynamic economies.
