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Investing in Casablanca Stock Exchange in 2026: Complete Beginner's Guide

Updated on May 16, 202611 min read

The Casablanca Stock Exchange, founded in 1929 and 3rd largest African exchange, has 76 listed companies in May 2026 for total capitalization of ~ MAD 750 billion. Its main MASI (Moroccan All Shares Index) delivered +21.5% performance in 2024 and estimated +15-18% in 2025 — significantly outperforming inflation and savings accounts (remunerated at 2.15% gross). In 2026, investing in Moroccan stocks has become accessible to individuals thanks to 6 online brokers (Attijari Intermédiation, CFG Bank, BMCE Capital Bourse, CDG Capital Bourse, BMCI Bourse, AlphaMena), with reduced brokerage fees at 0.4-0.8%. MREs can also invest without restriction and benefit from a major tax advantage: complete income tax exemption on capital gains from listed stocks held more than 12 months.

1. 1. Casablanca Stock Exchange indices 2026

3 main indices measure Casablanca Stock Exchange performance.

MASI — reference index

Wide index grouping all eligible listed companies (76 values in May 2026). Total capitalization ~ MAD 750 billion. 2024 performance: +21.5%. MASI point value May 2026: ~ 14,800 points.

MSI20 — large caps

Index of 20 largest market capitalizations. Includes Attijariwafa Bank (~ MAD 100bn), Maroc Telecom (~ MAD 75bn), Bank of Africa BMCE.

MASI ESG — responsible investment

Index filtering companies respecting Environmental, Social, and Governance criteria. 38 eligible companies. 2024 performance: +18.2%.

2. 2. Top 10 largest capitalizations to know

The 10 largest companies concentrate ~ 65% of total market capitalization.

Top 5 — banks and telecoms (50% of capitalization)

1. Attijariwafa Bank (~ MAD 100bn, 2025 dividend ~ 4.2%). 2. Maroc Telecom IAM (~ MAD 75bn, dividend ~ 5.5%). 3. Bank of Africa BMCE (~ MAD 50bn). 4. BCP (~ MAD 45bn). 5. CIH Bank (~ MAD 18bn).

Top 6-10 — insurance, cement, agriculture, energy

6. Wafa Assurance (~ MAD 17bn). 7. LafargeHolcim Maroc (~ MAD 16bn). 8. Cosumar (sugar, ~ MAD 14bn). 9. Itissalat Al-Maghrib (~ MAD 13bn). 10. Managem (mining, ~ MAD 12bn).

Under-represented sectors

Casa Exchange = little tech, little renewable energy. Limited diversification for investors seeking tech exposure.

3. 3. How to open a securities account in Morocco 2026

To buy stocks on Casablanca Stock Exchange, you must first open a securities account with an AMMC-approved intermediary.

The 6 AMMC-approved intermediaries in 2026

Attijari Intermédiation: market leader ~ 28% share. Online brokerage fees 0.4%. CFG Bank Bourse: independent broker, fees 0.5%. BMCE Capital Bourse: 0.5%. CDG Capital Bourse: institutional positioning. BMCI Bourse: 0.6%. AlphaMena: 100% online, fees 0.4% — cheapest for active traders.

Required documents

National ID, residence proof < 3 months, RIB Moroccan checking account, initial deposit MAD 1,000-10,000. For MREs: valid consular card + passport + foreign income proofs + CCDC or CCED RIB at Moroccan bank.

Opening procedure (7-15 days)

Step 1: broker choice. Step 2: branch appointment or online request. Step 3: securities account agreement signing. Step 4: documents transmission and initial deposit. Step 5: AMMC validation and account creation within 7-15 days. Step 6: platform credentials receipt. Step 7: fund transfer.

4. 4. Beginner investment strategies 2026

Investing in stocks is NOT short-term speculation. The following strategies have historically delivered best risk-adjusted performance.

Strategy 1 — Monthly DCA (Dollar Cost Averaging)

Invest a FIXED amount monthly (e.g., MAD 1,000/month) in a basket of 5-10 MSI20 stocks, regardless of market level. Over 10 years, monthly DCA of MAD 1,000 in MSI20 would have built capital of ~ MAD 220,000 (vs MAD 120,000 cumulative invested), i.e., equivalent performance ~ 11% annual IRR.

Strategy 2 — Buy & Hold dividends

Buy and durably hold high-dividend stocks (4-6% per year) to generate passive income. 2026 top selection: Maroc Telecom (5.5%), Attijariwafa Bank (4.2%), Itissalat Al-Maghrib (4.8%), Wafa Assurance (4.0%), BCP (3.9%).

Strategy 3 — Index via SICAV

For beginners not wanting to select individual stocks, passive investment via Morocco stocks SICAV. Advantages: instant 76-stock diversification, professional management. Disadvantages: management fees 1.2-1.8%/year.

Common mistakes to avoid

(1) Day trading without experience: 80% of active retail traders lose money. (2) All-in on a single stock. (3) Selling during market downturn out of panic. (4) Underestimating time horizon. (5) Ignoring fees.

5. 5. 2026 Stock Exchange taxation: advantages and obligations

Capital gains and dividend taxation on Casablanca Stock Exchange offers several advantages to individuals.

Long-term capital gains exemption (> 12 months)

MAJOR ADVANTAGE: capital gains on Casablanca Stock Exchange listed stocks held more than 12 months are TOTALLY EXEMPT from income tax for individuals (article 67 CGI). If sale before 12 months: 20% taxation on gain.

Dividends: 15% source withholding

Dividends paid by listed companies subject to 15% source withholding (final — no other declaration). On MAD 1,000 gross dividends, you receive MAD 850 net.

Transaction fees to anticipate

Brokerage fees: 0.4-0.8% of transaction amount. VAT on fees: 20%. Stock exchange tax: 0.1% of transaction amount (seller only). Securities account maintenance fees: MAD 0-200/year.

MRE case — enhanced exemption

MREs benefit from the same > 12 months capital gains exemption as residents. Dividends withheld at 15% in Morocco, deductible in country of residence via tax credit per bilateral treaty.

6. FAQ

Q.How to invest in Casablanca Stock Exchange in 2026 as a beginner?
4-step procedure: (1) Choose an AMMC-approved broker among 6 actors. (2) Open a securities account (national ID + residence proof + RIB + initial deposit MAD 1,000-10,000, 7-15 days delay). (3) Start with monthly DCA strategy (MAD 1,000-3,000/month) on 5-10 MSI20 values. (4) Hold minimum 12 months to benefit from complete income tax exemption on capital gains.
Q.What is the average return of Casablanca Stock Exchange in 2024-2025?
Excellent recent performance: MASI delivered +21.5% in 2024 (one of best years since 2008), with +15-18% projection for 2025. MASI point value went from ~ 12,200 end-2023 to ~ 14,800 in May 2026. Over 10 rolling years, average annualized performance ~ 8-10%.
Q.What are brokerage fees to invest in stocks in Morocco 2026?
Online brokerage fees: 0.4% (AlphaMena, Attijari Intermédiation) to 0.6-0.8% (BMCI, CDG). Branch fees with advice: 0.9-1.2%. Add: stock exchange tax 0.1% of amount, 20% VAT on brokerage fees.
Q.Are capital gains on Casablanca Stock Exchange taxed in Morocco 2026?
MAJOR ADVANTAGE: capital gains on listed stocks held MORE THAN 12 MONTHS are TOTALLY EXEMPT from income tax for individuals (article 67 CGI). If sale before 12 months: 20% taxation. Dividends subject to 15% source withholding (final).
Q.Can a France-resident MRE invest in Casablanca Stock Exchange 2026?
Yes, without restriction. MRE even benefits from full tax advantage: > 12 months capital gains exemption identical to residents. To open securities account: valid consular card + passport + French income proofs + CCDC or CCED RIB at Moroccan bank.
Q.What are the top 5 high-dividend stocks on Casablanca Stock Exchange 2026?
Top 5 stable-dividend stocks 2026: (1) Maroc Telecom IAM (5.5%). (2) Itissalat Al-Maghrib (4.8%). (3) Attijariwafa Bank (4.2%). (4) Wafa Assurance (4.0%). (5) BCP (3.9%). Balanced MAD 500,000 portfolio on these 5 values generates ~ MAD 23,000/year net dividends.
Q.Is it better to invest in direct stocks or via SICAV in Morocco 2026?
Depends on amount: for invested wealth < MAD 100,000, Morocco stocks SICAV more advantageous (instant diversification). For wealth > MAD 100,000, direct stocks more profitable. Recommended hybrid strategy: 70% direct large caps + 30% diversified SICAV.

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