Moroccan banks are gradually becoming key partners in financing investment and businesses, driven by rising demand for equipment and project financing across industry, infrastructure, energy and export-oriented activities.
Attijariwafa bank stands out in this dynamic. Equipment loans rose by 36% in the first half of 2026, reaching MAD 142 billion, while loans to businesses increased by 14% to MAD 227 billion. This trend extends beyond Attijariwafa bank. By the end of July, financing granted to private non-financial companies reached MAD 498.4 billion, up 11% year-on-year. Equipment loans recorded stronger growth of 18%, reaching MAD 151.3 billion.
Investment drives demand for financing
These figures reflect a shift in companies’ financing needs. Demand is no longer focused solely on working capital, but increasingly on equipment financing, production capacity expansion, factory modernization and new projects.
Working-capital facilities rose by 11.3% to MAD 197.2 billion, while loans to real-estate development increased by 10.8% to MAD 67 billion.
Banks are finding a strategic opportunity in this shift to expand their support for businesses, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises, through lending, advisory services, trade finance, digital banking and cash-management solutions.
This dynamic comes as investment expands across automotive, aerospace, industry, energy, logistics and infrastructure, increasing demand for medium- and long-term financing.
By the end of June 2026, the consolidated loan portfolio of banks listed on the Casablanca Stock Exchange had exceeded MAD 1.3 trillion, while deposits approached MAD 1.5 trillion.
From financing businesses to supporting their growth
This development reflects a transformation in the relationship between banks and companies. Financial institutions are increasingly seeking to support businesses from their creation through investment and expansion to exports and international markets.
At Attijariwafa bank, net new lending to the Moroccan economy increased by 9% in the first half of the year, representing MAD 28 billion, while deposits in Morocco rose by 12% to MAD 382 billion.
At the same time, the digital transformation of banking services is accelerating. Digital channels accounted for 94.9% of transactions at the group during the first half of 2026, alongside the launch of its “Simple” digital banking offering.
These indicators point to a broader transformation in the role of the banking sector: from simply financing traditional needs to becoming a partner in investment and growth.
For the Moroccan economy, this dynamic is particularly significant. Greater financing for equipment and investment can strengthen production capacity, competitiveness and business development while supporting the creation of new opportunities.
The challenge for banks will be to continue expanding financing while preserving asset quality and controlling risks, as the Moroccan economy enters a new phase increasingly driven by investment, production, exports and entrepreneurship.
