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In a unique partnership, Morocco and Embraer seek to boost the African aerospace sector with investments in technology, sustainability and job creation. The collaboration reinforces Morocco’s role as a strategic innovation hub, while Embraer expands its global influence in the defense and urban mobility markets
Morocco and Embraer have established a partnership that promises to revolutionize the African country's aerospace sector and reinforce the Brazilian company's position in the international market.
Signed during the Marrakech Airshow in October 2024, the agreement covers initiatives in the areas of commercial aviation, defense and urban air mobility and focuses on strengthening the Moroccan industrial ecosystem, generating jobs and promoting technological innovation.
An ambitious cooperation plan
Signed by the Moroccan Minister of Industry, Ryad Mezzour, and senior management of the Embraer, the agreement represents an important step for the growth of the Moroccan aerospace sector and aims to transform the country into one of the most relevant hubs in the sector in Africa.
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According to Mezzour, the commitment also opens up opportunities to develop technological infrastructure and train local professionals, preparing the country to meet growing market demand.
In terms of cooperation, the Morocco plans to invest in critical areas such as aircraft maintenance and repair (MRO) and specific training to meet the needs of companies.
Development of the KC-390: a new bet for the Moroccan Air Force
In addition to expanding economic collaboration, the agreement is of great importance in the field of defense. One of the main highlights of this partnership is the offer of KC-390 Millennium, a highly versatile military transport aircraft, for the Royal Moroccan Air Force.
If selected, the KC-390 will replace older aircraft and help modernize the country's transport fleet, strengthening the operational and logistical capabilities of the Moroccan armed forces.
With this, Morocco will be able to join a growing list of countries that are investing in this Embraer model, including Portugal and Brazil, which use the aircraft for tactical and aerial refueling operations.
Embraer Defense & Security CEO Bosco da Costa Junior highlighted that the KC-390 represents a safe investment for the defense forces, as the model has stood out for its performance and reliability in challenging scenarios.
“Our support to the Royal Moroccan Air Force will include comprehensive training, maintenance and logistics, in addition to our technical expertise,” said Costa Junior, signaling Embraer's commitment to strengthening Moroccan defense.
Morocco as a hub for professional training and qualification
In addition to the economic and industrial benefits, the partnership between Embraer and the Moroccan government will have a strong impact on human development.
Morocco has been investing in technical and professional training since 2001, aiming to meet local industrial demands and strengthen the specialized workforce.
An example of this investment is the Institute of Aeronautical Professions (IMA), created in partnership with companies in the sector, which offers training adapted to the requirements of aircraft manufacturers such as Bombardier.
Since its foundation, IMA has trained more than a thousand professionals and is a reference in the development of technical skills in the region.
Embraer will contribute directly to this initiative, planning to offer specialized training and infrastructure for the training of technicians and engineers, with courses focused on strategic areas such as aircraft maintenance and structural repair.
This approach will allow Morocco to consolidate itself as a hub of innovation and training in Africa, opening doors for new investments in the aerospace sector.
Sustainability and innovation: the commitment to the future
The agreement also involves joint research and development efforts in areas essential to the future of aviation, including decarbonization, clean mobility and sustainable aviation fuel.
With the growing demand for greener technologies in the sector, Morocco and Embraer will seek innovative solutions to reduce the environmental impact of the aerospace sector.
Embraer, which has a long history of projects focused on sustainability, such as the development of alternative fuels and more efficient aircraft, sees Morocco as a partner with the potential to collaborate in the advancement of these technologies.
Economic and global implications for Embraer
With industrial units in several regions of the world, Embraer has already established itself as one of the largest Brazilian exporters of high value-added products.
This new agreement reinforces the company’s presence in the African market and opens doors for future collaborations on the continent, which offers a growing demand for technological and aeronautical solutions.
“We are optimistic about the potential for growth and partnership in Morocco,” said Arjan Meijer, CEO of Embraer Commercial Aviation, emphasizing the company's interest in expanding collaboration in the international market and integrating into new production chains in North Africa.
This alliance reflects a new trend of cooperation between countries in the Global South, especially in the aerospace and defense sector.
Brazil and Morocco, both emerging on the global scene, seek to strengthen their economies and increase their relevance in high-tech sectors through joint investments and strategic partnerships.
This collaboration places Embraer in a prominent position on the African continent, where it will be able to expand its operations and consolidate itself as a supplier of advanced technologies for aviation and defense.
With this partnership, will Morocco be able to establish itself as a center of aerospace excellence in Africa?
