Tanger-Tétouan-Al Hoceima, located in Northern Morocco, spans 17,262 km², accounting for 2.43% of Morocco’s total surface area. As one of the twelve regions established by the 2015 territorial reform, it holds a pivotal geographical position—bordered to the north by the Strait of Gibraltar and the Mediterranean Sea, to the west by the Atlantic Ocean, and surrounded by the regions of Rabat-Salé-Kénitra, Fès-Meknès, and the Oriental region.
Historically, this northern region has been the stage for major political, economic and social events. Ancient cities such as Lixus (modern-day Larache) and Tangier played central roles in trade during the Phoenician and Carthaginian colonial periods. Tangier, in particular, gained prominence under Roman rule and has retained its strategic importance as a multicultural city—a gateway between Africa and Europe where Berber, Andalusian, Arab and European influences converge.
Economic transformation
Following Morocco’s independence, national development focused primarily on cities like Casablanca, Rabat, and Marrakech, leading to regional economic disparities. However, the turn of the millennium marked a shift in development priorities. Tanger-Tétouan-Al Hoceïma began to flourish, especially with the launch of large-scale infrastructure projects—most notably the Tanger Med Port in 2007, which was expanded in 2015 (Tanger Med II), significantly boosting its capacity.
Tanger Med has rapidly become Africa’s foremost logistics platform and a key port for Europe. With a handling capacity of 9 million TEUs1, this puts it ahead of traditional African ports like Durban in South Africa (which handles around 2.5 million TEUs) and Port Said in Egypt. Even when compared to European ports, Tanger Med stands out—it surpasses major hubs such as Barcelona and Valencia, and is closing in on Rotterdam, the largest port in Europe, which handles just over 14 million TEUs. This impressive scale underscores the region's strategic importance in global trade flows between Africa, Europe, and Asia. The port complex also includes the Renault Tangier Med plant, the largest automotive manufacturing facility in Africa. According to the 2024 Alphaliner report, Tanger Med ranks 17th globally, and it was named the 4th best-performing port in the world by the 2023 Container Port Performance Index (CPPI)—an impressive feat that underscores the vital role of maritime gateways in global economic development.
The region also boasts 15 seaports (including commercial, fishing, and passenger ports), three airports, and the Al Boraq high-speed train, further enhancing mobility, investment and connectivity of Morocco with European markets.
Northern Morocco now stands as Morocco’s second-largest economic centre. During the first three quarters of 2024, the region’s Unified Regional Investment Commission approved projects worth nearly 69 billion Moroccan dirhams—investments expected to create around 60,000 jobs.2 A 2024 report by the High Commission for Planning3 ranked the region third in economic contribution, generating 10.4% of Morocco’s national GDP.
Strategic zones powering growth in Tanger-Tétouan-Al Hoceima
Tanger-Tétouan-Al Hoceima is a cornerstone of Morocco’s industrial and trade landscape, featuring a diverse array of economic zones that drive investment, manufacturing, logistics, and innovation. These zones are strategically positioned to capitalise on the region’s proximity to Europe and its robust infrastructure.
Key economic zones in Tanger-Tétouan-Al Hoceima:
Collectively, these zones encompass over 5,000 hectares, positioning the Tanger-Tétouan-Al Hoceima region as a pivotal hub for industrial and economic activity in Morocco and the broader Mediterranean area.
A rising powerhouse in green energy innovation
Beyond its industrial strength and driver of economic growth, the region is a key player in Morocco’s 2030 green energy strategy, which targets 52% of national electricity production from renewable sources.
These developments underscore Northern Morocco's strategic role in advancing renewable energy, contributing significantly to the country's sustainable development goals and positioning the region as a key player in the global green energy landscape.
Rising tourism in Northern Morocco
Tourism adds yet another dimension to the region’s appeal. Cities like Chefchaouen, Tetouan, and Tangier have long attracted artists and poets. The region’s scenic beauty and unique charm are increasingly featured in international film productions. With the upcoming 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (CAN 2025) set to host matches at the Grand Stade of Tangier, the region is poised to welcome even more visitors.
Northern Morocco is experiencing a significant surge in tourism, positioning itself as a key destination within the country. The Tanger-Tétouan-Al Hoceima region is central to this growth, benefiting from strategic investments and development initiatives.
In 2024, Morocco welcomed a record 17.4 million international tourists, marking a 20% increase from the previous year and surpassing targets initially set for 2026. The Tanger-Tétouan-Al Hoceima region is set to benefit from 21 major projects outlined in the 2023–2026 tourism roadmap, aiming to enhance the region's appeal and infrastructure.
A notable development is the transformation of Tangier's old cargo port into a modern, mixed-use waterfront, featuring cruising and yachting facilities. This project positions Tangier as a flagship destination for sustainable cruise tourism on an international scale.
In preparation for hosting matches during the 2030 FIFA World Cup, Tangier's tourism industry is mobilising to strengthen the city's hospitality infrastructure. This includes the implementation of special licensing measures to facilitate the development of new hotels and tourist facilities.
However, some tourism projects in Tangier have faced delays due to pending investment law implementations, affecting the adoption of exceptional licenses intended to stimulate hotel and tourism developments.
Overall, Northern Morocco's tourism sector is on an upward trajectory, driven by strategic projects, infrastructural enhancements, and international events, solidifying its status as a burgeoning tourist hub.
Challenges and opportunities for Northern Morocco: Transforming disparities into sustainable growth
While the region continues to thrive with its natural, economic, and human resources, it still faces significant challenges—most notably the disparity between rural and urban areas, and the need for improved infrastructure and public services. A 2024 study by Fatima Elhachloufi, published in the French Journal of Economics and Management, highlights the importance of adopting an integrated and sustainable development strategy to ensure balanced, inclusive growth.
In addition to these disparities, the region is grappling with a need for diversification in its economic base. While tourism is on the rise, there is a reliance on traditional industries, such as agriculture and fishing, which are vulnerable to environmental changes and global economic shifts. Increasing efforts to foster innovation and entrepreneurship in sectors like technology, renewable energy, and manufacturing could further stabilise and expand the region's economic outlook.
Tanger-Tétouan-Al Hoceima exemplifies a region in transformation—one that blends rich heritage with modern progress. However, for the area to fully realise its potential, investments in human capital and education are crucial to equip the local population with the skills needed for the evolving job market. Additionally, the improvement of digital infrastructure is essential for bridging the gap between rural and urban areas and unlocking further economic growth.
With Morocco’s vision for a prosperous, green, and globally connected future, the region must prioritise sustainable development projects, encourage public-private partnerships, and promote policies that foster inclusivity and resilience in the face of future challenges. By embracing these strategies, Northern Morocco will continue to strengthen its position as a key player in the country's broader economic and social development goals.