A strategic vision for Africa rooted in South-South cooperation

Sunday 01 June 2025 - 09:02

By: Zahouani Ilham

A strategic vision for Africa rooted in South-South cooperation

The strategic vision led by His Majesty King Mohammed VI has redefined Morocco’s role in Africa through a dynamic model of South-South cooperation. From the beginning of his reign, the King placed Africa at the core of Morocco’s foreign policy, promoting a comprehensive framework grounded in historical, cultural, religious, economic, and geopolitical connections.

Rather than relying on symbolic gestures, Morocco’s African policy has been translated into concrete projects and broad-based partnerships. These initiatives span essential areas such as infrastructure, agriculture, renewable energy, healthcare, education, food security, and energy sustainability.

Central to this approach is a strong humanitarian and solidarity-driven component. King Mohammed VI has consistently emphasized the importance of human dignity and mutual development, distancing Morocco from any form of dominance or exploitation. This orientation has strengthened Morocco’s standing as a trustworthy ally within the African continent. One key milestone in this vision was Morocco’s reintegration into the African Union in 2017 a step seen by the King as both necessary and strategic for engaging with continental institutions and defending African interests from within.

On the ground, Morocco has signed hundreds of bilateral and multilateral agreements and launched major continental infrastructure initiatives. Among them are the transformative Nigeria-Morocco gas pipeline and the establishment of fertilizer production facilities across several African nations. The Royal Initiative for the Development of Africa’s Atlantic Coast also offers an innovative model for regional integration and cooperation.

The policy also underscores shared spiritual and religious values, notably through the Mohammed VI Foundation of African Ulema, which promotes a moderate Islamic identity and counters extremism. This reflects a deliberate inclusion of cultural and religious elements in Africa’s sustainable development strategy. Morocco’s contributions to peacekeeping missions and training of African military and security personnel further demonstrate a comprehensive vision of security.

King Mohammed VI’s commitment to South-South cooperation is not shaped by temporary political aims, but by a long-term civilizational project. It is rooted in the belief that Africa’s advancement must be led by Africans, through partnerships based on equality, sovereignty, and human capital investment. This vision views Africa not as a continent of challenges, but as one of vast potential where a strong Moroccan presence supports both regional stability and international influence.