With nearly 1,800 bilateral agreements, a diplomatic presence in 42 African countries, and 60,000 students from the continent studying there, Morocco is consolidating its position as a key player in African cooperation. This strategy is based on integration, co-development and large-scale regional initiatives.
Morocco’s vision for Africa is based on measurable results and a growing presence across the continent. According to the Moroccan Minister of Foreign Affairs, Nasser Bourita, this strategy rests on five key pillars: a sense of belonging to Africa, confidence in its potential, a comprehensive approach to cooperation, the sharing of experiences, and the launch of transformative regional initiatives. This dynamic is reflected in particular by a diplomatic network covering 42 African countries, whilst Rabat hosts 117 diplomatic missions, including those of nearly 80% of African states. On the political front, the Kingdom has concluded nearly 1,800 bilateral agreements with countries on the continent, 1,400 of which have been signed since King Mohammed VI ascended the throne.
The Kingdom of Morocco’s approach to water-related issues across the African continent serves as a model for its stance on all the issues and challenges facing the continent, just as Morocco itself faces them. It therefore starts from its own reality and provides solutions to these challenges; based on these solutions, it seeks to share its experience with its partners, and Africans follow the same logic.
Nasser Bourita, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Morocco
This presence is accompanied by a leading economic commitment. Morocco is now Africa’s leading exporter of cars and phosphates, whilst the port of Tangier Med has established itself as the continent’s leading container port. The Kingdom is also involved in major regional integration projects, such as the Nigeria-Morocco gas pipeline, which involves thirteen African countries, and the Atlantic Initiative, designed to strengthen connectivity and development. This growing influence is underpinned by active diplomacy, as demonstrated by 53 royal visits to more than 30 African countries.
Morocco cooperates with Africa on the basis of a firm conviction, and from this conviction springs a sense of belonging. Morocco is an indivisible part of Africa, and one cannot imagine Africa without Morocco. That is inconceivable and unimaginable. Morocco’s relations with Africa, if I may say so, are founded on a bond of belonging, primarily geographical.
Nasser Bourita, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Morocco
Education, training and security are also key areas of this cooperation. Each year, more than 1,200 African executives benefit from capacity-building programmes through around 100 training courses. Morocco also hosts nearly 60,000 African students, including more than 20,000 under academic cooperation schemes, and provides 5,500 scholarships. In terms of security, the Kingdom participates in peacekeeping operations and advocates an approach based on partnership and stability. This strategy aims to make integration, cooperation and shared development the main drivers of transformation on the African continent.
