Illicit traffic of citrus towards Africa is booming due to the enormous potential, but it is difficult for normal export. The Association of Moroccan citrus packagers has seen an institutional, economic and logistical flop. Contracts were signed without then being respected with many countries. According to the association, there is a deficit in land and sea connections with Sub-Saharan Africa. The lack of inter-regional transport means costs are high and do not allow a control over delivery periods. The professionals reveal that ''some juridical laws do not allow funds to be transferred to Moroccan banks present on the continent. There are often also many customs procedures that are slow and costly.
However, the potential for development remains considerable. Sub-Saharan Africa has 48 countries that house 80% of the continents whole population : 910 million habitants. There is an average 5.6% growth in the region. If certain obstacles could be lifted, this could be a win-win situation.
African demand is essentially for oranges. Morocco lost an important European market share on oranges, and currently exports less than 80,00 tons of an estimated 1 million ton production. Exporters will ensure that they have a high quality offer adapted to the targeted countries and regular maritime routes between Morocco and main import markets have been asked for.
