The effect of taxation on Moroccan FDI in African countries: an empirical analysis using panel data

Abstract

ABSTRACT The paper aims to analyse the impact of taxation policies in African countries on Moroccan foreign direct investment (FDI) using panel data from 29 African countries spanning the period 2005–2021, employing the Estimated Generalized Least Squares estimation method. The findings suggest that high total tax, profit tax, and other tax rates deter Moroccan multinational enterprises (MNEs) from investing in African countries. Conversely, fiscal incentives and reduced tax rates positively influence Moroccan FDI in African countries. Additionally, the results indicate that a high score for tax payment and tax rates positively influences Moroccan FDI in African countries, implying that high-quality taxation policies encourage Moroccan MNEs to invest in African economies. Furthermore, the study finds that the GDP of African economies positively moderates the effect of taxation on Moroccan FDI behaviour. This suggests that the larger the market size of a country, the less severe the negative impact of taxation on FDI.