Columns Opinions

King Mohammed VI Reiterates Africa’s Central Place in Morocco’s Foreign Policy

King Mohammed VI delivered, Saturday, a speech on the occasion of the 63rd anniversary of the Revolution of the King and the People in which he stressed Africa’s central place in Morocco’s foreign policy along with the Kingdom’s solidarity with sub-Saharan migrants and its condemnation of extremism and terrorism. Africa a top priority in Morocco’s […]

Europe International

Morocco Second Biggest Buyer of Spanish Arms in Africa

Morocco is the second biggest buyer of Spanish Arms in Africa with imports totaling 452 million dirhams in 2015, Spain’s Trade Ministry said. In a bid to diversify its arms suppliers, Morocco is buying military equipment and ammunition from Spain, Spain’s Trade Ministry said in a report, adding that Egypt tops the list of Spanish […]

Headlines Morocco

Morocco: Rabat to send ambassador to Pretoria 12 years after pull-out

Rabat is dispatching a new ambassador to Pretoria, South Africa as King Mohamed VI announced the North Africa country’s return to the Africa Union (AU). Morocco recalled its envoy in 2004 after Pretoria officially recognized Saharawi Arab Democratic Republic (SADR). The South African government led by the African National Congress (ANC) is a staunch ally […]

Headlines Morocco

Morocco’s renewed diplomacy in Africa ‘hints broader ambition’- Stratfor

The reinvigoration of Morocco’s diplomacy in Africa and its willingness to join the African Union are indicators of a broader ambition to expand its influence and defend its position on the Sahara issue, says Stratfor, a US-based geopolitical intelligence firm. “Morocco has been laying the economic and diplomatic groundwork to extend its reach into the […]

Energy Headlines Morocco

Morocco’s Phosphates Giant OCP to Open Subsidiaries in 13 African Countries

Morocco’s state-owned phosphates company, OCP, is planning to open subsidiaries in 13 African countries in line with the Kingdom’s strategy to boost economic ties and investments in the continent. As announced in the official gazette, the OCP’s board of directors approved the decision to establish 13 subsidiaries in the countries of Côte d’Ivoire, Senegal, Cameroun, […]

Headlines Morocco

Africa gets 85% of Morocco’s Foreign Direct Investments, AfDB

The African Development Bank (AfDB) commended Morocco’s commitment to economic development in Africa, saying that the Kingdom gears 85% of its foreign direct investments to the continent. In a statement issued following the visit of the AfDB President Akinwumi Adesina to Morocco last week, the Bank described the Kingdom as “one of AfDB’s best performing […]

Headlines Morocco

Morocco’s Return to AU Will Benefit the Whole of Africa, USA

The United States expressed support to Morocco’s decision to reintegrate the African Union (AU) saying this “reintegration will benefit the whole of Africa.” “We welcome Morocco’s request to reintegrate the African Union,” said Assistant Secretary of State, Tony Blinken, who was last week in Morocco, part of a Maghreb tour that also included Tunisia and […]

Africa International

Renewed Violence in Northern Mali Threatens Fragile Peace Deal

Heavy fighting erupted in Mali’s restive north between the Tuaregs of the Coordination of movements of Azawad (CMA) and the pro-government militias of the the Platform Movement causing dozen deaths and casting doubt on the viability of the fragile peace deal. The clashes, which took place on July 21-22, broke out in the town of […]

Finance Headlines Morocco

Morocco, Among Least Indebted Countries in Africa- UNCTAD Says

Morocco was listed among the least indebted countries in Africa in a report issued on July 21 by the United Nations Conference on trade and Development (UNCTAD.) The document, dubbed Economic Development in Africa Report 2016, highlights the sustainability of Morocco’s external debt and the viability of its investments in comparison to other countries in […]

Columns Opinions

Morocco’s Move to Rejoin AU: Not Fortuitous But Realpolitik

When the first press reports emerged saying Morocco is considering to retake its seat at the African Union after 32 years of absence, most readers and particularly Morocco’s foes thought it was just hot air or a far-fetched story. They forgot that in the world of politics nothing is impossible. They misread the North African […]