Rabat - As Morocco commemorates the 25th anniversary of King Mohammed VI's ascension to the throne, the impact of the monarch’s reign on Africa takes center stage. Following the death of his father, King Hassan II, King Mohammed VI became the 32nd monarch of the Alaouite dynasty.
From a peripheral player, the North African kingdom has transformed into a pivotal actor in the continent’s economic, political, and cultural landscape. King Mohammed VI’ leadership has been marked by a steadfast commitment to South-South cooperation, aiming to foster a peaceful, stable, and self-sufficient Africa.
His reign has seen a transformative approach to Morocco’s relations with sub-Saharan African nations. This has been driven by a vision of equitable economic partnerships and sustainable development.
Throughout his reign, the monarch’s commitment to African unity and progress has been evident in the numerous initiatives and agreements Morocco has pursued under his leadership.
Economic Revitalization and South-South Cooperation
Upon his accession to the throne, King Mohammed VI embarked on a mission to strengthen economic and trade relations between Morocco and sub-Saharan Africa. Emphasizing the principles of South-South cooperation, he advocated for fair and balanced economic relationships that prioritized human development.
In 2000, during the Africa-Europe Summit, Morocco took a bold step by canceling all debt owed by the least developed African countries (LDCs) and opening its borders to exports from these nations.
This vision transformed Morocco into a leading investor in Africa. By the early 2010s, Morocco became the top African investor in West Africa and the second-largest on the continent, only behind South Africa.
Trade between Morocco and Africa grew significantly, with an average annual increase of 13% from 2004 to 2014, reaching €3.76 billion in 2014. Morocco’s commitment to the continent has been particularly evident in its signing of over 3,200 bilateral agreements and granting over 18,000 scholarships to African students and professionals.
King Mohammed VI's vision for Africa extends beyond economic growth. He has consistently advocated for sustainable development and self-sufficiency across the continent.
Inspired by his father’s belief in a “Marshall Plan for Africa,” King Mohammed VI has pushed for comprehensive political and economic reforms to eradicate poverty and underdevelopment while promoting good governance.
Morocco’s proactive stance is evident in its various initiatives, including significant trade agreements and partnerships aimed at fostering mutual development.
Since 2000, Morocco has concluded nearly a thousand agreements with African countries, a substantial increase compared to the 515 agreements signed between 1956 and 1999.
Diplomatic Engagement and Strategic Partnerships
King Mohammed VI’s reign has been marked by active diplomatic engagement. Between 2000 and 2016, he made 43 official trips across Africa, solidifying Morocco’s presence and influence.
In his 2017 speech marking Morocco’s return to the African Union, the King highlighted the strength of these ties despite Morocco’s years of absence from the organization. “Our ties, never broken, remained strong, and African brother countries have always counted on us,” he declared.
Morocco’s integration into the African Union in 2017 was the culmination of decades of diplomatic and economic efforts. The kingdom’s economic diplomacy has become a cornerstone of its foreign policy, with an increasing focus on efficiency, performance, and credibility.
“In the past, diplomacy served to consolidate political relations. Today, the economic dimension prevails and constitutes one of the fundamentals of diplomatic relations,” King Mohammed VI stated in Abidjan in 2014.
Investment as a Catalyst for Economic Growth
Morocco’s economic strategy in Africa extends beyond balancing imports and exports. Central to this strategy are investments that signify a long-term commitment and a willingness to accept risks.
Morocco has signed numerous bilateral agreements with African nations, offering national treatment to investors and benefiting from the “most favored nation” clause. These agreements ensure full currency convertibility for capital operations, free transfer of profits, and the free repatriation of invested capital.
Such measures align with Morocco’s vision of trade liberalization and investment openness, instilling confidence among investors and entrepreneurs.
The Moroccan banking sector has made significant inroads in Africa. BMCE Bank of Africa, for instance, has expanded its presence in Mali, while Attijariwafa Bank has established itself in Senegal and other African countries, acquiring subsidiaries of the Crédit Agricole group.
Banque Populaire has secured a strong foothold in Central Africa and acquired BNP Paribas Mauritania through a consortium. These banking giants exemplify Morocco’s commitment to economic integration and development in Africa.
Meanwhile, Morocco has positioned itself at the forefront of Africa’s race to embrace the ongoing technological revolution and make the most of the vast opportunities it presents. Maroc Telecom, a leading telecommunications provider, generates 20% of its revenue from subsidiaries in Mauritania, Burkina Faso, Gabon, and Mali.
In the infrastructure sector, companies like CCGT and real estate firms such as Ynna Holding and Addoha are driving development projects across the continent.
The pharmaceutical industry (with players like COOPER Pharma) and air transport (led by Royal Air Maroc) are other sectors where Moroccan enterprises have established a robust presence. These industries not only boost economic growth but also improve the quality of life for millions of Africans.
Pioneering Energy and Agriculture Initiatives
Two landmark initiatives, supported by official visits from King Mohammed VI, highlight Morocco’s commitment to sustainable development in Africa. The African Atlantic Gas Pipeline with Nigeria is poised to transform the energy market in West Africa, fostering economic growth and wealth creation.
Additionally, the establishment of fertilizer production units in Ethiopia and Nigeria addresses the continent’s growing agricultural demands.
King Mohammed VI’s dedication to agriculture was also highlighted at COP 22 in Morocco, with the launch of the Triple A Initiative.
This program seeks to secure funding for small-scale African agriculture, reinforcing Morocco’s commitment to agricultural development and food security across the continent.
In addition, one of the most ambitious projects is the Royal Atlantic Strategy, launched in December 2023, which seeks to enhance Sahelian nations’ access to the Atlantic Ocean.
This initiative not only supports economic development but also aims to mitigate regional influences and foster cooperative partnerships.
Humanitarian and Educational Initiatives
Morocco’s commitment to Africa also encompasses humanitarian and educational efforts. The country has provided extensive support in times of crisis and has invested in educational initiatives to empower the next generation of African leaders.
Over the years, the growing number of scholarships Morocco has awarded to students from 42 African countries have facilitated knowledge transfer and strengthened cultural ties.
Underlying all these achievements is the uniquely holistic nature of King Mohammed VI's commitment and approach to pan-African solidarity.
In essence, his vision of African integration encompasses economic, political, and social dimensions. It places a healthy emphasis on win-win partnership and sustainable development, underscoring Morocco's role as a catalyst for African unity and progress.
From a peripheral player, the North African kingdom has transformed into a pivotal actor in the continent’s economic, political, and cultural landscape. King Mohammed VI’ leadership has been marked by a steadfast commitment to South-South cooperation, aiming to foster a peaceful, stable, and self-sufficient Africa.
His reign has seen a transformative approach to Morocco’s relations with sub-Saharan African nations. This has been driven by a vision of equitable economic partnerships and sustainable development.
Throughout his reign, the monarch’s commitment to African unity and progress has been evident in the numerous initiatives and agreements Morocco has pursued under his leadership.
Economic Revitalization and South-South Cooperation
Upon his accession to the throne, King Mohammed VI embarked on a mission to strengthen economic and trade relations between Morocco and sub-Saharan Africa. Emphasizing the principles of South-South cooperation, he advocated for fair and balanced economic relationships that prioritized human development.
In 2000, during the Africa-Europe Summit, Morocco took a bold step by canceling all debt owed by the least developed African countries (LDCs) and opening its borders to exports from these nations.
This vision transformed Morocco into a leading investor in Africa. By the early 2010s, Morocco became the top African investor in West Africa and the second-largest on the continent, only behind South Africa.
Trade between Morocco and Africa grew significantly, with an average annual increase of 13% from 2004 to 2014, reaching €3.76 billion in 2014. Morocco’s commitment to the continent has been particularly evident in its signing of over 3,200 bilateral agreements and granting over 18,000 scholarships to African students and professionals.
King Mohammed VI's vision for Africa extends beyond economic growth. He has consistently advocated for sustainable development and self-sufficiency across the continent.
Inspired by his father’s belief in a “Marshall Plan for Africa,” King Mohammed VI has pushed for comprehensive political and economic reforms to eradicate poverty and underdevelopment while promoting good governance.
Morocco’s proactive stance is evident in its various initiatives, including significant trade agreements and partnerships aimed at fostering mutual development.
Since 2000, Morocco has concluded nearly a thousand agreements with African countries, a substantial increase compared to the 515 agreements signed between 1956 and 1999.
Diplomatic Engagement and Strategic Partnerships
King Mohammed VI’s reign has been marked by active diplomatic engagement. Between 2000 and 2016, he made 43 official trips across Africa, solidifying Morocco’s presence and influence.
In his 2017 speech marking Morocco’s return to the African Union, the King highlighted the strength of these ties despite Morocco’s years of absence from the organization. “Our ties, never broken, remained strong, and African brother countries have always counted on us,” he declared.
Morocco’s integration into the African Union in 2017 was the culmination of decades of diplomatic and economic efforts. The kingdom’s economic diplomacy has become a cornerstone of its foreign policy, with an increasing focus on efficiency, performance, and credibility.
“In the past, diplomacy served to consolidate political relations. Today, the economic dimension prevails and constitutes one of the fundamentals of diplomatic relations,” King Mohammed VI stated in Abidjan in 2014.
Investment as a Catalyst for Economic Growth
Morocco’s economic strategy in Africa extends beyond balancing imports and exports. Central to this strategy are investments that signify a long-term commitment and a willingness to accept risks.
Morocco has signed numerous bilateral agreements with African nations, offering national treatment to investors and benefiting from the “most favored nation” clause. These agreements ensure full currency convertibility for capital operations, free transfer of profits, and the free repatriation of invested capital.
Such measures align with Morocco’s vision of trade liberalization and investment openness, instilling confidence among investors and entrepreneurs.
The Moroccan banking sector has made significant inroads in Africa. BMCE Bank of Africa, for instance, has expanded its presence in Mali, while Attijariwafa Bank has established itself in Senegal and other African countries, acquiring subsidiaries of the Crédit Agricole group.
Banque Populaire has secured a strong foothold in Central Africa and acquired BNP Paribas Mauritania through a consortium. These banking giants exemplify Morocco’s commitment to economic integration and development in Africa.
Meanwhile, Morocco has positioned itself at the forefront of Africa’s race to embrace the ongoing technological revolution and make the most of the vast opportunities it presents. Maroc Telecom, a leading telecommunications provider, generates 20% of its revenue from subsidiaries in Mauritania, Burkina Faso, Gabon, and Mali.
In the infrastructure sector, companies like CCGT and real estate firms such as Ynna Holding and Addoha are driving development projects across the continent.
The pharmaceutical industry (with players like COOPER Pharma) and air transport (led by Royal Air Maroc) are other sectors where Moroccan enterprises have established a robust presence. These industries not only boost economic growth but also improve the quality of life for millions of Africans.
Pioneering Energy and Agriculture Initiatives
Two landmark initiatives, supported by official visits from King Mohammed VI, highlight Morocco’s commitment to sustainable development in Africa. The African Atlantic Gas Pipeline with Nigeria is poised to transform the energy market in West Africa, fostering economic growth and wealth creation.
Additionally, the establishment of fertilizer production units in Ethiopia and Nigeria addresses the continent’s growing agricultural demands.
King Mohammed VI’s dedication to agriculture was also highlighted at COP 22 in Morocco, with the launch of the Triple A Initiative.
This program seeks to secure funding for small-scale African agriculture, reinforcing Morocco’s commitment to agricultural development and food security across the continent.
In addition, one of the most ambitious projects is the Royal Atlantic Strategy, launched in December 2023, which seeks to enhance Sahelian nations’ access to the Atlantic Ocean.
This initiative not only supports economic development but also aims to mitigate regional influences and foster cooperative partnerships.
Humanitarian and Educational Initiatives
Morocco’s commitment to Africa also encompasses humanitarian and educational efforts. The country has provided extensive support in times of crisis and has invested in educational initiatives to empower the next generation of African leaders.
Over the years, the growing number of scholarships Morocco has awarded to students from 42 African countries have facilitated knowledge transfer and strengthened cultural ties.
Underlying all these achievements is the uniquely holistic nature of King Mohammed VI's commitment and approach to pan-African solidarity.
In essence, his vision of African integration encompasses economic, political, and social dimensions. It places a healthy emphasis on win-win partnership and sustainable development, underscoring Morocco's role as a catalyst for African unity and progress.