1. Why the metal sector is interesting

Metal is a foundation for almost every value chain: from construction and infrastructure to machine building, automotive and agro-industry. In practice, opportunities arise where there is demand for: reliable quality, fast lead times, series work, custom work and maintenance.

• Short distance to Europe (faster response than many Asian markets)
• Availability of technical skills (welding, fabrication, sheet metal)
• Growing local demand from construction, industry and energy
• Interesting for supply, assembly and MRO (maintenance & repair)

2. Promising sub-markets

Sheet metal & fabrication work

Demand for cutting, bending and fabricated structures remains high. Think of frames, stairs, fences, railings, platforms, landings, steel doors and custom profiles.

Welding & metalworking

MIG/MAG, TIG and electrode welding (steel/stainless steel/aluminium) are in strong demand, both for production and repair. Opportunities also exist in certified welding for projects where traceability and quality control are important.

Machine building, assembly and parts

Parts for machinery, conveying systems, agricultural installations, pumps, compressors and processing lines form a growing segment. Especially interesting if you can combine: metal + assembly + simple mechatronics.

Maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO)

Many companies are looking for local partners for maintenance of installations, lifting equipment, transport equipment, structures and production lines. This is often recurring revenue and can be scaled quickly with good planning.

Surface treatment

Galvanizing, powder coating, painting and corrosion protection are crucial for export and outdoor applications (coastal climate). Companies that offer both production and finishing have a strong proposition.

3. Opportunities by sector

• Construction & infrastructure: steel structures, railings, façade supports, formwork systems, fasteners
• Agro & food: stainless-steel parts, conveyor belts, frames, hygienic design and maintenance of installations
• Logistics: warehouse racking, dock equipment, transport frames, custom racks and container systems
• Energy & water: piping, support frames, corrosion protection, pump and installation parts
• Retail/Interior: metal displays, shopfitting, custom furniture and finishing

4. What international buyers care about

If you want to supply European customers, it often comes down to predictability and documentation. The fastest route to trust is a tight process:

• Clear tolerances, drawings and material specifications
• Quality control (inspection reports, batch registration, photo reports)
• Consistent welding and finishing quality
• Clear lead times and packaging standards
• Transparent communication (English/French) and fast samples/prototypes

5. Revenue models with the most potential

• Supply (subcontracting): series work for European manufacturers (sheet metal, welding, assemblies)
• Project work: structures and installation for hotels, industrial estates and logistics hubs
• MRO contracts: maintenance contracts for factories, packhouses, transport companies
• Bundling: metal + coating + assembly (one-stop supplier)
• Specialization: stainless hygienic work or maritime/corrosion applications

6. Practical steps to capture opportunities

1. Choose one focus: for example stainless steel for food, or steel structures for construction
2. Create a “capability sheet”: machines, materials, thicknesses, tolerances, capacity, lead times
3. Start with prototypes/samples: 1–3 reference products with inspection report
4. Set up a quality baseline: fixed checks, measuring tools, batch traceability
5. Work with clear quotations: Incoterms, packaging, lead time, payment terms
6. Invest in finishing: coating/galvanizing significantly increases export value

Conclusion

The metal sector in the (Agadir) region offers opportunities in manufacturing, maintenance, assembly and finishing. Entrepreneurs who focus on one niche, make their quality measurable and combine smartly with logistics and finishing can quickly stand out in the B2B market — locally and towards Europe.