Morocco's CGEM pushes for localised African value chains to drive industrialisation

The General Confederation of Moroccan Enterprises (CGEM), a premier network of entrepreneurs, is urging the creation of localised and complementary value chains across Africa to accelerate industrialisation and reduce dependency on imports.

Ali Zerouali, Vice President of CGEM’s Africa Commission, said regional integration could drive investment and create jobs by leveraging each country’s competitive advantages.

“We don’t want to grow alone. We want to bring along our African brothers by building regional and continental value chains,” he told a group of African journalists.

He cited Ghana’s rubber industry as an example, saying it could supply raw materials for Morocco’s automotive sector, while Ghana imports Moroccan-made tyres and vehicles.

“Industrialisation is crucial, and we must use each country’s strengths to create a complementary system,” Zerouali added.

CGEM, which represents more than 90,000 companies, has hosted over 30 African delegations to deepen commercial ties and operates 19 bilateral business councils across the continent, including one in Ghana.

The group aims to foster investment and entrepreneurship, as Africa’s population is projected to reach 2.5 billion in 2050 by the United Nations.

Madam Marwa Tellal, Director of Communications and International Affairs at CGEM, said the demographic surge makes industrialisation urgent.

“We must harness our natural resources and agricultural potential to reduce reliance on imports,” she said.

Madam Tellal stated that they had been working closely with Ghana’s Employers’ Associations to foster a positive business environment, providing more possibilities, and supporting entrepreneurs.

Board member Karim Tazim stressed that a shared vision among African nations would help build a stronger business ecosystem and drive sustainable growth.

He also emphasised the importance of African countries supporting each other in development across various sectors of the economy.