Could a new UK–Morocco procurement agreement open opportunities for British businesses?

21 September 2026

 

UK businesses could gain improved access to billions of pounds worth of public-sector contracts in Morocco under plans being explored by the UK Government.

The Government is considering a new government procurement chapter within the existing UK–Morocco Association Agreement, potentially creating the first legally binding procurement commitments between the two countries – and the UK's first with an African nation.

For British businesses looking for opportunities overseas, the development is worth watching. Morocco is investing heavily in infrastructure and public services, with its public procurement market estimated at around £33 billion over the next few years.

What is being proposed?

Government procurement is the process through which public authorities purchase goods, services and works from private businesses – from major construction and infrastructure projects to technology, healthcare, transport and professional services.

The UK and Morocco already have an Association Agreement covering areas including trade in goods, preferential tariffs and rules of origin.

However, there are currently no international trade commitments on government procurement between the UK and Morocco, and Morocco is not a member of the World Trade Organization's Agreement on Government Procurement.

The UK Government is therefore considering adding a dedicated procurement chapter to the existing UK–Morocco agreement.

Such an agreement could establish clearer, legally enforceable rules governing access to specified public contracts and require the two countries to treat covered goods, services and suppliers fairly.

The proposals are currently at the scoping stage, as the UK and Morocco explore how closer cooperation on government procurement could develop.

A UK Government call for evidence, which sought views from businesses and other stakeholders to help shape any future agreement, closed on 18 September 2026. The Government will now consider the evidence gathered as part of the scoping process, with no date yet announced for formal negotiations.

Why Morocco?

Morocco is undergoing significant investment in infrastructure and public services, creating potential opportunities for international suppliers.

Preparations for the 2030 FIFA World Cup, which Morocco will co-host with Spain and Portugal, are accelerating investment across the country, but the opportunity extends well beyond the tournament itself.

Major investment is expected across areas including:

  • Transport and rail infrastructure

  • Airports and aviation

  • Water infrastructure

  • Ports and logistics

  • Healthcare

  • Clean energy

  • Urban development

The UK Government has highlighted more than £50 billion of investment expected across relevant Moroccan sectors over the next five to six years, with many projects being accelerated ahead of 2030.

There are already signs of closer UK–Morocco cooperation. In June 2025, the two governments signed a series of agreements covering areas including infrastructure, water, ports and procurement cooperation, as well as a government-to-government partnership focused on infrastructure delivery ahead of the 2030 World Cup.

A future legally binding procurement agreement would take that relationship a significant step further.

What could an agreement mean for UK businesses?

A future procurement agreement could provide UK businesses with clearer access to opportunities within Morocco's public procurement market, with the final scope determining which public bodies, sectors and contracts are covered.

That could be particularly relevant to UK companies with expertise in areas where Morocco is investing heavily, including construction, engineering, transport, water management, healthcare, energy, technology and professional services.

It could also provide opportunities further down the supply chain, creating demand for specialist equipment, components, technology, consultancy and other goods and services.

A growing UK–Morocco trading relationship

The procurement proposals come against a backdrop of expanding commercial ties between the two countries.

The UK–Morocco Association Agreement has been in effect since 1 January 2021, providing the framework for bilateral trade and preferential tariff treatment for qualifying goods.

UK–Morocco trade in goods and services reached £4.2 billion in 2024, according to UK Government figures, with UK exports to Morocco accounting for £1.6 billion.

The two countries have also been working to deepen cooperation in areas including infrastructure, investment, rules of origin and agricultural market access.

A procurement agreement could therefore become another important element in the developing UK–Morocco commercial relationship.

What should UK businesses be watching?

For businesses interested in Morocco, the key will be how the proposals develop – particularly which sectors and contracts are covered and how UK suppliers will be able to access opportunities.

Businesses can also start preparing by understanding the market, identifying potential partners and monitoring upcoming projects.

For businesses looking beyond established export destinations, Morocco could therefore be a market worth putting on the radar now – rather than waiting until new procurement arrangements are already in place.

 

By Carla Assunção, Chamber International

 

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