Fez Meknes region in the northern Morocco is gearing up for a major comeback in leather manufacturing as local leaders and investors met on November 21, 2025 to shape a fresh roadmap that aims to turn the sector into a stronger driver of jobs and industrial growth.
According to Morocco World News, the meeting was led by the Regional Council of Fez Meknes with support from the Moroccan Leather Federation.
Officials highlighted the region’s deep heritage in leather craftsmanship and stressed the need to modernize production to match today’s global standards.
The session brought together the Regional Investment Center, the national export agency, training bodies and private operators. Younes El Rafiq, first vice president of the regional council in charge of investment steered the discussions with a clear goal to rebuild competitive and modern value chains.
“Approved projects have reached MAD 16.7 billion (~USD 1.7 Billion) with over 16,400 jobs expected which is a 91% jump compared to last year”
– Mohamed Sabri, Director General, Regional Investment Center
He pointed to new industrial zones taking shape in Ain Cheggag Ras El Ma Meknes and other emerging sites in Ain Beida Ouislane and Ain Aïcha.
Six more industrial areas covering 132 hectares are also on the way which will expand the region’s industrial base.
Sabri said these investments are meant to position Fez Meknes as a national hub for integrated leather ecosystems with a strong focus on exports.
Officials also shared the key actions planned for the new leather roadmap. These include more industrial land faster administrative processes stronger support for SMEs better value chain competitiveness and programs to push innovation and export readiness.
The council reported steady progress at the Ain Cheggag zone where 103 industrial plots have already been marketed and 34 handed over through final contracts.
Businesses can now access a new support scheme offering incentives of up to 30% of investment value through the cri-invest.ma platform. A regional caravan will also travel across provinces to help entrepreneurs directly.
