Column by Mouhamet Ndiongue

Money is starting to flow into African music, film, fashion, publishing, video games and digital content. Yet fewer than 5% of creative businesses reportedly have access to traditional bank credit. With nearly $2 billion in capital announced for the sector and a $1 billion fund dedicated to African cinema, the main obstacle is no longer simply access to capital. It is the financial system’s ability to recognize the value of the intangible assets these businesses produce.

Morocco’s avocado export season is opening in an unprecedented context for the European market. According to an analysis by Moroccan exporter Unique Packing, five major producing countries are expected to supply Europe simultaneously this winter, bringing available volumes to nearly 500 million kilograms. For Morocco, the key will be whether exporters can sell early and consistently before competition intensifies.

European Union clothing imports fell sharply in the first five months of 2026, but Morocco proved more resilient than the overall market. Moroccan exports to the EU declined 9%, allowing the Kingdom to raise its market share to 2.7% and rank second among the bloc’s 10 leading suppliers by average import value per kilogram, behind Tunisia.

Burdened by debt and the need to fund public services, African governments continue to rely heavily on consumption taxes for revenue. Taxes on goods and services accounted for 51.2% of tax revenues across the 38 countries studied in 2023. Meanwhile, taxes on wealth generated an average of just 0.3% of GDP, reflecting an imbalance driven by informality and the ease of tax collection, but one that places a proportionally heavier burden on low-income households than on the holders of large fortunes.

Africa’s creative industries are gaining global visibility, but the continent still captures only a small share of the economic value they generate. With creative exports estimated at $58 billion to $59 billion, examples from Kenya, Ethiopia, Rwanda and South Africa show how stronger production, branding, trade policies and access to finance could help turn Africa’s creative talent into more jobs and revenue.

The UK is considering its first public procurement agreement with an African country, with Morocco’s market estimated at £33 billion, or more than 400 billion dirhams, as both sides seek to deepen investment and business ties.

Growing European demand has boosted Moroccan exports of tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, eggplants and zucchini, while increasing competition from other Mediterranean suppliers is putting pressure on Morocco’s market share.

Africa is becoming increasingly central to the global race for critical minerals, accounting for 76% of mined cobalt and 41% of bauxite production, with its share of lithium and graphite supply expected to rise sharply by 2030. But S&P Global warns that the continent’s growing mineral weight has yet to translate into comparable industrial power, as China maintains a strong lead in processing and refining while the United States, Europe and other players compete for access to African resources.

Moroccan exporters will face an additional $250 to $500 per container under CMA CGM’s new rates. The increase puts fresh attention on freight costs just as Morocco scales up exports and seeks to turn Tanger Med’s growing volumes into greater logistics and negotiating power.