AXA Atlantic Africa has officially launched as a new regional entity, with its operational headquarters located in Casablanca, Morocco. This new entity will cover five markets: Morocco, Senegal, Côte d’Ivoire, Cameroon, and Gabon.
Casablanca has been strategically selected as the hub for AXA Atlantic Africa, hosting the Executive Committee and operational management. This decision underscores the city’s growing importance in the insurance sector across the continent.
The ports of Tangier (Tanger Med) and Casablanca are recognized as leading Arab port platforms, offering significant connectivity to the global maritime shipping network. In 2023, Arab ports collectively handled over 423 million metric tons of cargo, with 58% of this traffic concentrated in Morocco, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt.
The maritime transport sector in the Arab region has seen substantial growth, attracting 146 foreign investment projects over the past 23 years, totaling approximately $4 billion. This influx of investment highlights the region’s potential as a key player in global trade.
Furthermore, the Arab commercial fleet has expanded, growing by 4% in 2025 to reach 2,900 vessels. This increase is complemented by a 4.6% rise in shipping capacity, which now stands at nearly 109 million deadweight tons, accounting for 5% of the global maritime transport volume.
In 2024, foreign trade in maritime transport services among 11 Arab countries is expected to exceed $53 billion, marking a 12% increase. This trend reflects the growing significance of maritime logistics in the region’s economy.
AXA reaffirms its ambition to become a leading insurer in Africa, and establishing its headquarters in Casablanca is a pivotal step in this direction. Observers are keen to see how this development will influence the insurance landscape in the region.
Details remain unconfirmed regarding the specific operational strategies that AXA Atlantic Africa will implement from its Casablanca base, but the establishment of this hub is anticipated to enhance regional collaboration and service delivery.
