The Kingdom of Morocco is consolidating its position as a strategic hub on the continent by establishing South-South cooperation as a fundamental principle of its foreign policy. Under the leadership of King Mohammed VI, this vision is based on partnerships founded on solidarity, sustainable development, and shared prosperity, definitively breaking with dependency models. Morocco has established itself as the leading African investor in West Africa and the second largest on the continent. This influence is reflected in a significant presence in key sectors: Moroccan banks now operate in 27 African countries. National operators are present in about ten countries, reaching nearly 79 million customers by early 2026. The Kingdom is investing in major infrastructure projects such as the 6,900 km Nigeria-Morocco Gas Pipeline megaproject and the development of the Tangier Med port complex. Since 1999, more than 1,607 cooperation agreements have been signed between Morocco and its African partners.
Morocco is strengthening its position as a strategic hub in Africa by placing South-South cooperation at the heart of its diplomacy. As the leading investor in West Africa, the Kingdom relies on key sectors such as banking, with a presence in 27 countries, and telecommunications. Large-scale projects, such as the Nigeria-Morocco gas pipeline and the Tangier Med port, illustrate this ambition for shared prosperity. Since 1999, more than 1,600 agreements demonstrate a lasting commitment that breaks with past models of dependency. This vision, championed by King Mohammed VI, aims to transform the country into an essential continental logistics hub.
“Morocco’s presence on the African continent is undeniable. Moroccan banks operate in 27 countries, while telecommunications operators are established in about ten states. These investments position the Kingdom as the second largest investor on the continent and the largest in West Africa.
Nasser Bourita, Minister of Foreign Affairs – Morocco
The Kingdom of Morocco is establishing itself as a center of excellence for African youth, placing human capital at the heart of its cooperation strategy. Through the Moroccan Agency for International Cooperation (AMCI), the country currently hosts approximately 20,000 students from 47 countries across the continent in its universities.
“At the same time, Morocco is establishing itself as a major training center for African youth. The Kingdom currently offers 5,500 scholarships to students from across the continent.” There are 20,000 African students enrolled in Moroccan universities, 19,000 of whom are scholarship recipients. In recent years, 60,000 African professionals and students have been trained, most of them with financial support from Morocco.
Nasser Bourita, Minister of Foreign Affairs – Morocco
For her part, the Minister of State and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Côte d’Ivoire, Nialé Kaba, reiterated Côte d’Ivoire’s position in May 2026, describing the Kingdom of Morocco as a true benchmark in South-South partnerships.
“As I said, Morocco is a great country with a great economy that has learned to cooperate with different countries.” And Côte d’Ivoire is eager to draw inspiration from this success, particularly within the framework of implementing its 2026-2030 National Development Plan, which serves as our country’s investment compass. We have a strong cooperative relationship, and I would like to take this opportunity to thank Minister Nasser Bourita for all the training programs that Côte d’Ivoire benefits from each year. Initially, 150 students received scholarships; now there are 200.
Nialé Kaba, Minister of Economy, Planning and Development – Côte d’Ivoire
According to figures from the Ministry of Industry and Trade, Morocco reached a record level of direct investment in sub-Saharan Africa, totaling 5 billion dirhams, or approximately 500 million USD, in 2024. This amount represents about 20% of the Kingdom’s total foreign investment, 95% of which is directed towards the African continent. This momentum consolidates Morocco’s position as an economic hub and a major partner in co-development in Africa.
