Algeria remains Africa’s fourth-largest economy at $331.9 billion in latest rankings, maintaining a $136 billion lead over rival Morocco

Algeria remains Africa's fourth-largest economy, with GDP projected to reach $331.89 billion in 2026, maintaining a significant lead over Morocco.

Algeria's economic strength is rooted in its vast oil and natural gas resources, while Morocco increasingly focuses on industrial manufacturing and exports.

The IMF highlights Algeria’s need for economic diversification and fiscal reforms as risks remain due to reliance on hydrocarbons and fiscal deficits.

Morocco continues to attract major international investments in automotive, EV batteries, and aerospace, strengthening its industrial competitiveness and export base.

According to figures from the International Monetary Fund’s (IMF) October 2026 World Economic Outlook, Algeria ranks behind South Africa, Egypt and Nigeria, while Morocco completes the continent’s five largest economies with a projected GDP of $195.63 billion.

The figures put Algeria $136.26 billion ahead of Morocco, highlighting the economic gap between the two North African neighbours, whose growth strategies differ significantly.

Algeria's position is underpinned by its vast oil and natural gas resources, while Morocco has increasingly focused on automotive manufacturing, aerospace, renewable energy and export-oriented industries.

Algeria maintains economic advantage over Morocco

Algeria remains one of Africa's largest energy producers, with oil and natural gas exports generating a substantial share of government revenue and foreign exchange earnings.

The country is also a major supplier of natural gas to European markets, giving it an important position in regional energy trade.

However, its dependence on hydrocarbons leaves government finances exposed to fluctuations in global energy prices, even as authorities pursue investments in agriculture, manufacturing and other non-oil sectors.

In its September 2026 assessment, the IMF projected Algeria's economic growth at 3.8% for the year, supported by higher hydrocarbon revenue and public investment.

The Fund nevertheless warned that persistent fiscal deficits and rising debt could create medium-term risks, calling for stronger non-hydrocarbon revenue collection and more efficient public spending.

Morocco, meanwhile, is expected to record faster economic growth, supported by industrial production, tourism and infrastructure development.

Although Morocco remains considerably smaller in GDP terms, its manufacturing sector has attracted major international investments, strengthening its role in automotive production and international supply chains.

Morocco’s industrial expansion intensifies competition

Morocco has established itself as one of Africa's major automotive manufacturing centres, attracting investment from international companies including Renault and Stellantis.

In July 2025, Stellantis announced a €1.2 billion ($1.4 billion) expansion of its Kenitra factory, aimed at increasing annual production capacity to 535,000 vehicles.

Morocco's automotive exports reached 157 billion dirhams ($17 billion) in 2024, while the country overtook South Africa in passenger car production, although South Africa maintained its lead in total vehicle output.

Investment has also expanded into electric vehicle batteries and aerospace, with China's Gotion High-Tech developing a $1.3 billion battery factory and France's Safran announcing a €280 million aircraft landing gear facility expected to create nearly 500 jobs.

These investments reflect Morocco's efforts to diversify exports, expand industrial capacity and strengthen its position in global supply chains.

Different growth models shape North Africa's economic outlook

While Morocco continues to expand its manufacturing sector, Algeria maintains a substantial lead in economic output, supported by its oil and natural gas industry.

Algeria relies heavily on hydrocarbon production and public investment, while Morocco focuses on attracting foreign manufacturers, developing industrial infrastructure and expanding exports.

Algeria's energy resources remain an important source of government revenue and foreign exchange.

However, the IMF has identified economic diversification and fiscal sustainability as priorities for reducing the country's exposure to fluctuations in global energy prices.

Morocco, meanwhile, faces challenges including unemployment, water scarcity and reliance on European markets, leaving parts of its economy exposed to changes in external demand.