Private equity firms injected about MAD765 million (about $79.5 million) in Moroccan businesses last year, according to the 2019 equity investment report by the Association Marocaine des Investisseurs en Capital. Investments were carried out through acquisition of less than 34% of stake in the businesses.

Companies in the services and transport sector captured most of the money, followed by companies in other industries (aeronautics, education, and chemical industry), distribution companies and agribusinesses. By stage, about 79% of investments went to companies in development and growth stage, 14% to companies in the transfer or divestment phase while early-stage companies received 6% of the resources.

This year, private equity investors plan to focus on technology and agribusiness companies, as well as divestiture operations in sub-Saharan Africa.

Chamberline Moko