Sahara: Morocco deepens ties with English-speaking Africa

Monday 21 July 2025 - 08:45

Since its return to the African Union in 2017, Morocco has reshaped its foreign policy to include a stronger presence across English-speaking African nations. Traditionally focused on francophone West Africa, the Kingdom is now expanding its influence in regions long perceived as hostile to its stance on Sahara.

Through strategic diplomacy guided by HM King Mohammed VI, Morocco has adopted a pragmatic, development-oriented approach that favors economic cooperation and mutual partnerships. This shift has led to a growing number of alliances in East and Southern Africa, including with key players like Kenya, Ghana, and Zambia.

A changing stance on the Sahara

One of the most significant breakthroughs relates to the Sahara issue. More anglophone African nations are reconsidering their support for the separatist Polisario Front and instead embracing Morocco’s 2007 autonomy initiative as a viable solution.

In June 2025, Ghana formally withdrew its recognition of the self-declared "SADR" (Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic) and backed Morocco’s territorial sovereignty. The decision followed a similar move by Kenya in May 2025, where Nairobi recognized Morocco’s autonomy plan as the only credible basis for a peaceful resolution and opened its embassy in Rabat shortly after.

Other nations, including Liberia, Malawi, Zambia, and Eswatini, have also voiced support by establishing consulates in Laayoune and Dakhla, cities located in Morocco’s southern provinces.

Geopolitical implications

According to experts, Morocco’s “economic-first” strategy helps depoliticize bilateral relations, allowing progress even when political disagreements persist. “By focusing on shared development goals, Morocco has created new forms of interdependence in Africa,” says Zakaria Abouddahab, a professor of international relations at Mohammed V University in Rabat.

The rejection of a recent MoU signed between the SADC (Southern African Development Community) and the Polisario by Zambia, Malawi, and Comoros further underlines a broader shift toward pro-Moroccan positions across the continent.

With growing support and a clear diplomatic agenda, Morocco is positioning itself not just as a regional actor but as a continental force, committed to African integration and long-term stability.