Ceuta, a small Spanish enclave located on the northwest coast of Africa, is undergoing a significant economic and strategic transformation. Since 2018, the city has been working to replace lost revenue from cross-border trade with Morocco and establish itself as a key economic player in the region. This shift is driven by post-Brexit opportunities and global market dynamics.
Local institutions are working to transform Ceuta into a hub for the online gaming sector, technology companies, and the green sector. The government of Juan Vivas is promoting support measures to facilitate the establishment of new companies in these sectors, focusing on specialized training and tax incentives.
In response to the challenges posed by Brexit and reduced competitiveness of Gibraltar as an economic hub, Ceuta is intensifying efforts to attract technological investments. The local government has implemented a favorable fiscal regime and offers support in establishment procedures for new investors. Changes to corporate taxes and adaptation of tax regimes to European VAT standards aim to make Ceuta more attractive destination for technology companies.
The influx of technology and gaming companies is injecting vitality into the local economy, leading to increased demand for commercial and office spaces which benefits local owners and investors. Companies like Entain and Flutter have transferred their licenses to operate in Ceuta, taking advantage of tax benefits offered by the city. This has not only attracted companies in the gaming sector but has also contributed significantly to economic growth and job creation in Ceuta.
Despite some opposition within Ceuta’s population to the expansion of the gaming sector due to moral and social concerns about gambling promotion, overall there is a positive atmosphere towards this transformation that has led to an increase in newly established companies and planned projects in the city