Morocco Creates 100K Jobs Hosting Africa Cup of Nations

Morocco just proved that hosting a major sporting event can actually deliver lasting benefits for everyday people, not just temporary hype.

By hosting the Africa Cup of Nations this year, the country achieved what normally takes a decade in just two years, according to Minister of Industry and Trade Ryad Mezzour. The tournament created more than 100,000 jobs and helped push Morocco's economic growth to 4.5% in 2025.

The numbers tell a remarkable story. Every dollar invested in the tournament generated $1.80 in returns, and the country has already recovered 80% of its sports infrastructure spending. Commercial activity jumped between 25% and 30% during the event.

But the real wins extend far beyond the stadiums. Morocco mobilized over 3,000 industrial companies to upgrade roads, expand airports, improve rail systems, and enhance public transportation. These improvements will serve Moroccan communities long after the final whistle blew.

The Ripple Effect

The Confederation of African Football called AFCON 2025 the greatest commercial success in African football history, with revenues jumping more than 90%. That success translates directly into better healthcare facilities, improved transport networks, and infrastructure that benefits Morocco's population every single day.

The tournament also served as what Mezzour called "a full-scale rehearsal" for the 2030 World Cup, which Morocco will co-host with Spain and Portugal. The country proved it can handle world-class events with excellence in logistics, hosting capacity, and security.

While Morocco's team finished second (losing to Senegal in the final), the national pride came from delivering an exceptional experience for athletes and fans alike. The economic momentum continues building as final revenue figures come in, all pointing toward projections being exceeded.

Twenty-five years of steady development under leadership focused on long-term growth made this success possible, showing what nations can achieve when major events align with genuine infrastructure needs rather than vanity projects.

Morocco just showed Africa and the world how to turn a sporting tournament into lasting prosperity.