2022, Year of challenges, successes and achievements for Morocco

For all Moroccans, 2022 was not like any other year. It was a year when the North African Kingdom grabbed the world’s attention and made headlines. It was also a year when Morocco strengthened further its global status, emerging as a serious regional and international player.

From diplomatic breakthroughs in the Sahara dossier to major social and economic achievements. From new gas discoveries to global food security provider with its fertilizers. From global leadership in renewable energies and automotive industry to competitive green hydrogen plans. From winning latest CAF Champions League title and shining in Africa’s women football to historical performance in World Cup 2022.

Building on U.S. recognition of the Moroccanness of the Sahara, the North African kingdom continued in 2022 to gain a growing international support to its territorial integrity and sovereignty over its Sahara with the opening of more consulates in Laayoune and Dakhla.

Nearly 40% of African countries from five regional groups have installed consular representations in the Moroccan Sahara, dealing a hard blow to Algeria and its proxy, the Polisario.

At the United Nations, the Security Council continues to reaffirm attachment to UN exclusive role in the Sahara settlement process, welcoming Morocco’s “serious and realistic” autonomy plan as the only solution to this artificial regional dispute.

The same supportive stand has been voiced by a number of influential European countries, including neighboring Spain, Germany, France, the Netherlands, Belgium, Portugal…

In Africa and particularly at the African Union, Morocco’s solidarity-based initiatives and contributions to peace, stability and development are highly appreciated and applauded.

With its successful experience in security, sustainable development and the fight against terrorism and violent extremism, Morocco continues to share its know-how with African countries to foster religious tolerance, inclusive growth and south-south cooperation based on “win-win” partnership.

Moroccan state-owned OCP group has offered African countries 550,000 tons of fertilizers, including 180,000 tons donation and 370,000 tons offered at discounted prices.

The move enables African countries to cope with soaring fertilizers prices in the international market where costs have soared to unprecedented levels following the Russia-Ukraine war.

In 2022, Morocco and the United States stepped up their economic and military cooperation to address regional security challenges in Africa, such as cross-border crime, drug trafficking, human trafficking and threats posed by separatism-terrorism nexus.

Building on deep, historic ties and strategic partnership, the two countries’ top militaries intensified their meetings to prepare for the next African Lion exercise to strengthen the exchange of experiences, joint training and interoperability.

Due to Morocco’s key role in Africa, the U.S. administration has also chosen Marrakesh for hosting the American-African business in July to encourage investment in the Continent.

The event brought together African and American business leaders and investors. They discussed investment opportunities and challenges in agribusiness, finance, energy, health, mining infrastructure, ICT, security and creative industries.

Despite the negative impacts of global health crisis, geopolitical tensions and unprecedented dry season, Morocco did not let these challenges stand in the way of achieving its ambitious goals and dreams.

Farmers, cattle breeders, SMEs, self-employed entrepreneurs and low-income families received assistance and benefited from the expansion of social and medicare coverage.

Yet, the biggest achievement made by Morocco in 2022 is undoubtedly the stunning performance of its football team at the world cup in Qatar wherein the Atlas Lions made history. They became the first Arab and African team to reach world cup semi-finals. They finished 4th on the global soccer stage, sending the world a message on Morocco’s capacities and the new world order taking shape.

Their inspiration achievements are still buzzing, leaving fans around the world dreaming and saying “Yes, we can”. What a year it’s been! As big dreams can become true!