Bourita calls for a stronger Atlantic Africa role in global ocean governance

Tuesday 14 July 2026 - 07:14

By: Azzat Manal

Bourita calls for a stronger Atlantic Africa role in global ocean governance

Moroccan Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita has called for Atlantic African nations to play a more influential role in shaping global ocean governance, emphasizing that maritime security, sustainable energy, and modern transport corridors should become key pillars of regional integration and economic development.

Speaking during the seventh ministerial meeting of the African Atlantic States Process in Cotonou, Benin, Bourita stressed that the Atlantic coastline represents a major strategic asset that can contribute to peace, prosperity, and stronger cooperation across the continent.

According to the Moroccan minister, Atlantic Africa possesses significant geopolitical and economic potential that has long remained underutilized. He argued that closer collaboration among coastal nations would help strengthen maritime security, facilitate trade, improve regional connectivity, and promote sustainable development.

Bourita highlighted the importance of safeguarding international shipping routes, noting that a large share of global trade depends on secure maritime corridors. He also underlined the need for African countries to contribute more actively to international discussions on maritime governance, particularly as global supply chains face increasing geopolitical and security challenges.

The minister reaffirmed Morocco's commitment to several regional initiatives designed to deepen African cooperation. Among them is the Atlantic African Gas Pipeline project, which aims to connect multiple West African countries through a major energy corridor that could enhance regional energy security and support economic integration.

He also referred to Morocco's initiative to improve Atlantic access for Sahel countries, describing it as a strategic project intended to facilitate trade, investment, and regional development by strengthening transport links between landlocked states and Atlantic ports.

Maritime security was another major focus of Bourita's remarks. He called for greater cooperation among African countries in intelligence sharing, capacity building, cybersecurity, anti-piracy operations, and efforts to combat illegal fishing and transnational organized crime. According to the minister, secure maritime routes are essential for sustainable economic growth across the Atlantic region.

Bourita also emphasized the importance of developing the blue economy, encouraging investment in environmentally sustainable ports, digital customs procedures, and resilient transport infrastructure. He cited Tanger Med, one of Africa's largest ports, as an example of how modern logistics infrastructure can strengthen regional and global trade connections.

On climate and energy, the minister reaffirmed Morocco's support for a fair and inclusive energy transition. He noted that Africa possesses enormous renewable energy resources, particularly in solar, wind, and hydropower, while continuing to attract only a small share of global clean energy investment.

He urged stronger international financing for renewable energy projects and climate resilience initiatives, stressing that expanding sustainable energy production would contribute to both economic development and long-term environmental protection.

Concluding his address, Bourita called for the preparation of a practical roadmap that would translate the objectives of the Cotonou Declaration into measurable projects, timelines, financing mechanisms, and concrete actions. He reiterated Morocco's commitment to supporting African-led solutions and strengthening cooperation to build a peaceful, prosperous, and integrated Atlantic African region.