Morocco's Akdital expands globally with hospital projects in UAE and Saudi Arabia
Morocco's leading private healthcare group, Akdital, is making a significant strategic move: expanding operations outside of Morocco. The group has announced the launch of four hospital projects in the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia, signaling the first phase of its plan to establish a strong regional presence by 2030.
During a press conference this Friday, Akdital unveiled its ambition to become a premier healthcare provider in the Arab world. This international expansion will be realized through the development of four hospital facilities in the UAE and Saudi Arabia. These projects, slated for completion by 2030, mark a new chapter for the group, which has previously concentrated its activities within Morocco.
This international growth doesn't diminish Akdital's focus on its domestic projects. Between 2025 and 2030, the group intends to open 40 new healthcare facilities in Morocco, boosting its capacity to over 10,000 beds. This expansion plan builds on the momentum of recent years. By 2024, Akdital operated 29 facilities across 22 cities, totaling 3,164 beds, 197 operating rooms, and 233 consultation rooms.
The year 2024 underscores the group's financial strength. Revenue reached 2.462 billion dirhams, a 56% increase compared to 2022. The gross operating surplus (EBITDA) was 706 million dirhams, a 59% rise, while the group's net profit soared by 87% to 243 million dirhams.
Akdital has also reinforced its financial structure with a self-financing capacity of 531 million dirhams and a controlled net debt of 1.4 billion dirhams. The debt ratio remains stable, with a gearing of 47% compared to 48% the previous year.
To fund its upcoming ventures, the group successfully raised 1.2 billion dirhams in December 2023 through a green bond issue linked to ESG (environmental, social, and governance) criteria. This initiative reflects Akdital's commitment to pursuing its growth in a responsible and sustainable manner.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Morocco World
a day ago
- Morocco World
AU Commission President: Morocco Emerges as ‘True African Hub'
Marrakech – The President of the African Union Commission (AUC), Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, declared Morocco has developed into a 'true African hub' through its active economic diplomacy. 'Morocco has distinguished itself by developing economic diplomacy that makes the Kingdom today a true African hub due to its numerous investments in future sectors, namely infrastructure, telecommunications, agriculture, finance and energy,' Youssouf stated in an address read on his behalf Wednesday evening in Addis Ababa. The event was organized by Morocco's embassy in Ethiopia and the country's permanent mission to the African Union (AU) and UN-ECA, celebrating the 26th anniversary of King Mohammed VI's accession to the throne. Youssouf recognized the Moroccan entrepreneurial presence in many AU member states and praised Morocco's economic dynamism, which he said signals a bright future for both the North African country and the African continent. He pointed out that the Moroccan monarch's wise leadership on the path of diplomatic, geopolitical, economic, and cultural influence has transformed Morocco into an attractive hub for investors and tourists. The AUC President also expressed deep gratitude to Morocco for its 'multifaceted contribution to the harmonious functioning of the AU.' Djibouti's long-serving Foreign Minister since 2005, Youssouf, was elected AUC chairperson in February, defeating Kenya's former Prime Minister Raila Odinga and Madagascar's ex-Foreign Minister Richard Randriamandrato in a vote that required a two-thirds majority. Prior to his election, Youssouf visited Rabat in December 2024, where he met with Moroccan Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita and delivered a message from Djibouti's President Ismaïl Omar Guelleh to King Mohammed VI. During the talks, Youssouf outlined his vision for the organization. 'If I am elected President of the African Union Commission, my priority will be financial management and governance. My goal will also be to mobilize internal funds,' he stated. Meanwhile, Bourita affirmed that 'Djibouti has always been a source of trust and credibility, able to play a leading role in promoting stability and security in the region.' Youssouf acknowledged the 'solid ties based on mutual respect and pan-Arab and Islamic brotherhood' between the two nations, while applauding Morocco's significant annual contribution of $35 million to the AU budget. King Mohammed VI sent congratulations after Youssouf's election, expressing confidence in his leadership abilities. 'We are totally convinced that the Commission of the African Union will find in you an experienced leader, concerned and committed to defending development, peace and security issues in our African continent,' the King stated. The King pledged Morocco's 'absolute support' for initiatives aimed at serving development and security issues, promoting active solidarity, and constructive cooperation between African countries. Morocco champions a Pan-African vision Morocco rejoined the African Union in January 2017 after a 33-year absence, having left the AU's predecessor, the Organization of African Unity, in 1984 over the Western Sahara dispute. The country's return was supported by 39 of the 54 member countries. Since its return, Morocco has intensified its continental investments, becoming one of Africa's leading investors. Between 2000 and 2024, it concluded nearly 1,000 cooperation agreements with various African countries in key sectors including infrastructure, telecommunications, banking, agriculture, and energy. Moroccan direct investments in Africa reached $1.9 billion in 2023, representing a 7% increase from the previous year. Attijariwafa Bank, a major Moroccan banking group, now operates in 15 African countries, providing financing access to local businesses and stimulating regional economies. Maroc Telecom has established itself as a telecommunications leader across Africa, serving over 70 million customers in multiple countries. The Office Chérifien des Phosphates (OCP) has played a key role in developing African agriculture by supplying fertilizers adapted to local soil conditions and farmers' needs, contributing to the continent's food security. The Morocco-Nigeria gas pipeline project, launched in 2016 and currently in an advanced study phase, aims to strengthen the continent's energy connectivity while promoting industrial and economic development in the countries it traverses. Separately, Morocco's Atlantic Initiative, launched in November 2023, seeks to offer landlocked Sahel countries direct access to the Atlantic Ocean – opening new trade routes and boosting their economic prospects. On the political front, Morocco actively participates in AU peace and security missions. In 2022, the country deployed more than 1,500 soldiers and support personnel to three peacekeeping operations, notably in the Central African Republic and the Democratic Republic of Congo. In the Sahel region, Morocco has expanded its influence through religious diplomacy. Since 2015, the Mohammed VI Institute for the training of imams has welcomed over 2,500 students from 21 African countries, including Mali, Guinea, Nigeria, and Senegal. This initiative trains religious leaders to preach moderate Islam, countering extremist ideologies threatening stability across multiple regions of the continent. The country's return to the AU also marked a pivotal diplomatic shift, allowing Morocco to work from within the organization to steadily erode the influence of the self-styled 'SADR' (Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic) in continental affairs. When it comes to diplomatic ties, relations between Morocco and Djibouti strengthened with the opening of a Consulate General in Dakhla on February 25, 2020, crystallizing Djibouti's support for Morocco's territorial integrity over Western Sahara. Read also: Morocco and Africa: The Dilemma of Unity, Fragmentation, and Rational Choice
Maroc
24-07-2025
- Maroc
Morocco Viewed as 'Reliable Partner' and 'Model' of Strategic Vision
Peru perceives Morocco not only as "a reliable partner," but also as a model of stability, strategic vision, and constructive leadership, according to Peruvian Congresswoman Rosangella Barbarán. "From Peru, we observe with great admiration Morocco's modern, effective, and deeply humanistic diplomacy, which has made the country not only a trusted partner but also a model in a constantly evolving world," she told MAP-Buenos Aires on the occasion of the 26th anniversary of the enthronement of His Majesty King Mohammed VI. In this context, she welcomed the genuine structural transformation Morocco has undergone thanks to a sustained policy of investment in infrastructure, which has not only modernized the country but also redefined its regional and international positioning. "This transformation stems from His Majesty King Mohammed VI's strategic vision, aimed at strengthening the Kingdom's role as a bridge between Africa, Europe, and the Americas," the MP noted, adding that the most emblematic project they visited recently is undoubtedly the Tanger Med Port, a world-class logistics platform that has positioned Morocco as a maritime powerhouse. Another project that caught the Peruvian MP's attention is the high-speed rail line, the first of its kind in Africa. "Its design and execution in record time are truly impressive," she remarked. In the same spirit, she continued, Morocco has chosen to turn the city of Dakhla into a new maritime hub through the construction of the Dakhla Atlantic Port. This infrastructure will strengthen the Kingdom's integration with African and Latin American markets and reinforce the strategic role of the southern provinces as an intercontinental connection platform. She also noted that Morocco boasts a vast network of modern highways and international-standard airport infrastructure, making it the leading air hub on the African continent. On the diplomatic front, Barbarán emphasized that the Kingdom has emerged as a central and respected player in Africa, the Arab world, and globally, thanks to its proactive and dialogue-driven diplomacy. She stressed that Morocco has successfully balanced the firm defense of its national interests, particularly its territorial integrity, with an intelligent and constructive openness to the world. In this context, she noted that the autonomy plan presented by Morocco in 2007 to the United Nations to resolve the Sahara issue has received broad international support, with over 120 countries backing the proposal. These include key players such as the United States, Spain, France, the United Kingdom, and a growing number of countries across various continents, including Latin America. Barbarán also highlighted Morocco's commitment to strengthening multilateralism and building strong ties with Latin America, pointing out that Morocco's admission as an observer member of the Andean Community marked a significant step. This has been reinforced by its participation in other regional organizations such as the Latin American Parliament (Parlatino), the Andean Parliament (Parlandino), the Organization of American States (OAS), and the Pacific Alliance, among others. Regarding the status of women, she praised the empowerment process of women in Morocco, which constitutes one of the pillars of the deep legal and institutional reforms that have structurally and sustainably transformed the role of women in Moroccan society. "This entire process embodies Morocco's determined will to build an inclusive society, where women's leadership represents not only progress toward equality but also a driving force for social cohesion and the overall advancement of the Kingdom," Barbarán concluded. MAP: 24 July 2025
Morocco World
23-07-2025
- Morocco World
Sothema Acquires Soludia Maghreb in MAD 1 Billion Deal
Marrakech – Pharmaceutical group Sothema, led by CEO Lamia Tazi, has finalized an agreement to acquire 99.99% of Soludia Maghreb's capital, valued at nearly MAD 1 billion ($100 million). The deal was reached with Soludia's historical shareholders: Abdelaziz Razkaoui, Cap Mezzanine III fund managed by CDG Invest Growth, and the Zine family. Founded in 1996, Soludia Maghreb has established itself as a leading industrial player in hemodialysis in Morocco. The company manufactures essential hemodialysis products, including powdered bicarbonate cartridges and liquid acid and bicarbonate solutions. Soludia also distributes pharmaceutical specialties for international partners and holds 40% of Hidropura Maroc, a company specializing in the installation and maintenance of acid plants and water treatment systems for hemodialysis centers. According to 2025 projections, Soludia is expected to generate revenue of MAD 360 million ($36 million) and an adjusted EBITDA of MAD 90 million ($9 million), excluding post-acquisition synergies. An additional price of MAD 95 million ($9.5 million) may be paid, contingent on meeting specific financial objectives. As part of the agreement, Abdelaziz Razkaoui will continue to serve as Soludia's CEO for a minimum period of five years, ensuring management continuity. Razkaoui and CDG Invest Growth chose to convert 80% of their shares in Soludia into Sothema shares instead of opting for a cash payment – a move that reflects their confidence in the group's long-term vision and leadership. The remaining cash payment amounts to approximately MAD 365 million ($36.5 million). Sothema has confirmed that no capital increase will be necessary to finance this transaction. A bold advance in Sothema's industrial strategy With this acquisition, Sothema estimates its 2025 consolidated revenue at about MAD 3.5 billion ($350 million) and consolidated EBITDA exceeding MAD 800 million ($80 million). This strategic acquisition represents a bold advance in Sothema's industrial strategy, reinforcing its therapeutic portfolio in a sector regarded as critical to public health, according to their press release. The deal aims to enhance national industrial capabilities in hemodialysis, expand Sothema's therapeutic portfolio in a segment with high public health impact, and increase Soludia's competitiveness in international markets, particularly in West Africa and the Middle East. Established in 1976, Sothema is a key player in the Moroccan pharmaceutical industry. The group has partnerships with around forty leading international R&D laboratories and develops its own ranges of generics, biosimilars, and medical devices, with an extensive presence across Africa and the Arab world. The completion of the transaction remains subject to the fulfillment of customary closing conditions, particularly approval from the Competition Council. The closing is expected before the end of 2025. Tags: pharmaceutical industry in MoroccoSothema
