Morocco’s narrow 1–0 defeat to Senegal in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium was a painful sporting setback, especially after the Atlas Lions dominated large portions of the match on home soil, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.
While the loss revived memories of Morocco’s long wait for a continental title since 1976, the tournament has delivered major economic and infrastructural gains that officials have described as transformative for the country.
Industry and Commerce Minister Ryad Mezzour revealed that Morocco generated more than €1.5 billion (approximately MAD 16 billion) in direct revenue from hosting the 24-team competition. Speaking to Spanish news agency EFE, Mezzour said the proceeds have already financed nearly 80 per cent of the infrastructure required for the 2030 FIFA World Cup, which Morocco will co-host alongside Spain and Portugal.
He explained that the tournament produced a “double effect” of revenue generation and long-term investment, driven partly by an estimated 600,000 visitors who travelled to Morocco specifically for AFCON. The influx contributed to a record tourism year, with the country welcoming 20 million visitors in total, a 14 per cent increase compared to the previous year.
The surge in arrivals boosted key sectors such as transport, hospitality, restaurants and traditional handicrafts, injecting immediate liquidity into the local economy.
According to Mezzour, the government invested €2.3 billion in hosting the tournament, an outlay he described as a “sovereign investment” with lasting benefits. The programme covered the construction or renovation of nine stadiums, as well as upgrades to road networks, airports and public services.
“We gained a decade of development in 24 months and provided the kingdom with infrastructure that will serve citizens for the next 50 years,” Mezzour said.
Morocco’s tourism growth has also accelerated sharply, with visitor numbers nearly tripling over the past two decades, positioning the country as a strong alternative to traditional European destinations. Employment gains formed a key part of the legacy, with more than 100,000 jobs created during the tournament.
“These are not just temporary jobs,” Mezzour noted. “Thousands of young people were trained to international standards, gaining skills that will remain relevant long after 2025.”
More than 3,000 industrial companies participated in construction and logistics activities linked to the tournament, further strengthening local capacity.
AFCON 2025 also accelerated Morocco’s technological transformation, driving the rollout of 5G networks, digital identification systems, online ticketing platforms and advanced cybersecurity solutions. Authorities say these innovations reduced operational costs and enhanced the country’s attractiveness to investors.
In a separate interview with France 24 on January 19, Mezzour admitted the disappointment of losing the final but described the competition as “one of the most profitable AFCONs in history” for both Morocco and the Confederation of African Football (CAF).
He cited consumption growth of between 25 and 30 per cent in the commercial sector and projected national economic growth of over 4.5 per cent, with government estimates placing the tournament’s revenue and investment multiplier at 1.82.
CAF also recorded record financial returns, with tournament revenues exceeding AFCON 2023 in Ivory Coast by more than 90 per cent. Projected earnings stood at $192.6 million, with net profits estimated at $113.8 million, compared to $72 million from the previous edition.
Morocco 2025 expanded CAF’s commercial footprint into new markets such as China and Japan, while strengthening traditional partnerships. The number of sponsors increased steadily, rising from nine in Cameroon in 2021 to 17 in Ivory Coast in 2023, and to 23 in Morocco.
Under CAF’s revenue-sharing model, Morocco was expected to receive around 20 per cent of broadcast and sponsorship income, initially estimated at $22.5 million, though officials believe the final figure could be higher given the scale of economic impact.
Authorities say close to 80 per cent of sports-related investments required for the 2030 World Cup have already been completed and largely recouped. Remaining projects include extending high-speed rail lines to Marrakech and Agadir, expanding hotel capacity, and constructing the Grand Stadium of Casablanca.
Although the AFCON trophy eluded Morocco, the tournament has laid a strong foundation for the country’s World Cup ambitions and delivered wide-ranging economic benefits across multiple sectors.