( CNN ) Morocco is undeniably becoming a strategic platform to address the African continent . An increasing number of global companies choose to step in , first in Morocco , to then gain a faster access to other African markets . Its geographic proximity to Europe , its political stability and its competitive workforce constitute a powerful advantage . This is especially true for the aeronautics sub-contracting market . However , the country has still a long way to go to be among the top performers in this sector . The Moroccan aeronautics sector is enjoying an annual growth rate of 15 % to 20 % ( with a slight softening to 13.8 % in 2013 according to the Moroccan Office des Changes ) . Today , over 100 companies in the aeronautical sector are based there , employing over 8,000 people in total . This market is generating a turnover of around 800 million euros which represents 5 % of Morocco 's total exports , and the industry is one of the top priority sectors in Morocco 's Industrial `` Emergence plan . '' Factories are expanding and companies are recruiting to support their growth . According to the Moroccan Space and Aeronautical Industries Group , the sector is likely to double in size by 2020 . Nevertheless , in order to become a heavyweight player in the sub-contracting market , Morocco will need to manufacture more complex components and improve its training programs to meet the needs of global aircraft manufacturers . Indeed , several countries are competing in the sub-contracting market such as Mexico , India or Malaysia . Even though the Moroccan aerospace and defense sector was in the worldwide top 8 recipients of inward investment between 2001 and 2011 , some of its competitor countries offer lower-priced labor . Consequently , Morocco has to counterbalance by producing more complex parts and by improving the efficiency of its local supply chain ( i.e . licensing local distributors ) . To become a key player and to attract global manufacturers , a significant pool of high-skilled personnel is required . The estimate is that 20,000 people will be needed by 2020 in this industry . This applies mostly to machinists and technicians levels , since there are already enough Moroccan engineers specialized in aeronautics . The Institute of Aeronautics Professions and the ISMALA were hence established to quickly redirect and complement Morocco 's public sector educational system which was not taking aeronautics as a priority . Since then , more than 1,500 people have graduated from these institutes but aeronautics manufacturers still have to train young machinists in-house for an average of two years before they are completely up to speed . Another influential factor for Morocco 's aeronautics industry future is Bombardier 's on-going establishment in the country scheduled to open at the end of this year ; first plant on the African continent enabling the company to sell several of its aircrafts , well suited for the continent needs . This location choice is not random , but largely due to Moroccan incentives and tax benefits ( not revealed but said to be close to $ 20 million ) . This calculated move by the Moroccan authorities will have a big impact on the aeronautics industry and provide multiple business opportunities in this sector , especially for sub-contractors . The government also created a free zone for aeronautics companies close to Casablanca 's airport . The American company Alcoa Fastening Systems has already chosen to set up there and will benefit from VAT and corporate tax exemption among other incentives . In 2012 , Morocco 's aeronautics exports exceeded its imports for the first time . The country has already achieved to attract several major global players but it seems that they are not yet planning to produce entire airplanes in the country . Morocco needs to overcome its training challenge and create more added-value to be able to succeed in the aeronautics sector . If it does , Morocco will have put Africa on the map of the aeronautics sector . More from Africa View . Read this : Tropical paradise with booming economy . Read this : Surprise ingredient of a growing economy .
Morocco 's aeronautics sector benefits from the country 's location , political stability and competitive ##ness . The industry is growing fast and factories are expanding to support that growth . Morocco needs though to overcome training barriers and create more self - value to invest in the sector .