“Morale is good, and Wydad is good. Today we played well. We created many chances and were capable of winning,” said Mohamed Amine Benhashem, reflecting the positive atmosphere surrounding the local football club amid broader economic developments in Casablanca.
The Port of Casablanca has been recognized as one of the most connected ports in the Arab region, according to the Global Liner Shipping Connectivity Index. This ranking encompasses 71 Arab ports and evaluates their positions within a global network of over 930 ports.
In 2023, Arab ports collectively handled approximately 423 million metric tons of goods, with ports in Morocco, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt accounting for 58% of the cargo volume. Notably, oil shipments constituted about 58% of the cargo loaded by these ports.
The maritime transport sector has seen significant foreign investment, attracting 146 projects over the past 23 years, amounting to a total investment of $4 billion across Arab countries. This investment is crucial for enhancing the region’s shipping capabilities.
Despite the positive developments in maritime transport, the Casablanca Stock Exchange has faced challenges. The MASI index fell by 12% between February 20 and March 3, 2026. However, aggregate revenues of listed companies reached 98.4 billion dirhams in Q4 2025, marking a year-on-year increase of 12.2%.
Interestingly, the energy sector recorded a decline in revenues of 5.7% year-on-year, contrasting with the overall growth seen in other sectors. The mining and construction sectors were significant contributors to the revenue increase, driving 60% of the growth.
Retail investors have also become more active, accounting for 15% of trading volumes since 2025. This shift indicates a growing interest in the local market, despite the fluctuations in the stock index.
As Casablanca continues to navigate these economic trends, the local football scene remains vibrant, with players like Benhashem expressing optimism about their performance. “The equalizer came at an unexpected time, but we could have scored many goals. I am happy and fine,” he added, highlighting the resilience and competitive spirit within the city.
With the maritime sector poised for further growth, Casablanca’s role as a key player in the Arab region’s economy is expected to strengthen, setting the stage for future developments.
