Morocco’s unwavering commitment, under King Mohammed VI’s leadership, to Africa’s economic integration and prosperity was highlighted at the 2024 Governance Colloquium, held in Nairobi.
“Under the enlightened leadership of HM the King, the Kingdom of Morocco has been at the forefront, pleading for a prosperous and integrated Africa,” Morocco’s Ambassador to Kenya, Abderrazzak Laassel, emphasized Friday at the Colloquium, held under the theme “Governance, Trade and African Unity – Fostering Intra-African Trade and Unity through Governance.”
Morocco’s commitment to the continent is unwavering, as evidenced by the many strategic initiatives and partnerships forged over the years, the Moroccan diplomat underlined, citing mainly the various Royal visits to several African countries and the signing of thousands of agreements covering many sectors.
Laassel, who reiterated Morocco’s support to the establishment of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), given its role in the development of intra-African trade, noted that the Kingdom has undertaken several flagship initiatives to boost intra-African trade.
In this respect, he brought up the Atlantic Initiative launched by the Sovereign, and explained that the initiative is designed to improve economic integration and connectivity between 23 Atlantic African countries, while creating new economic opportunities and promoting regional stability.
As part of this initiative, Morocco has pledged to make its road, port and rail infrastructure available to Sahel countries, he recalled.
In the same vein, the Moroccan diplomat pointed out that the Morocco-Nigeria gas pipeline is a strategic project that will benefit more than 440 million people across West Africa, strengthening energy security, and stimulating economic development. The prospects for Morocco-Africa relations are promising, driven by a shared commitment to unity and mutual prosperity, the diplomat insisted.
Morocco has become a leader in sustainable development, with a 38% share of renewable energies in the energy mix and an ambition to reach over 50% by 2030, he reported, noting that the Kingdom is committed to sharing its expertise with sisterly African countries to build resilient supply chains and foster regional value chains.
“HM King Mohammed VI’s vision for a united and prosperous Africa is not just a dream, but a tangible reality,” Laassel said, calling for forging stronger partnerships, boosting intra-African trade, and building a resilient and prosperous continent.
The 2024 edition of the colloquium focused this year on the role of African economic integration in achieving prosperity brought together eminent speakers from different political, economic and social backgrounds.
The role of pan-African companies as catalysts for economic integration, health inequalities in Africa, and youth involvement in governance were among the topics discussed during this event, which represents a forum for exchange between opinion leaders, political decision-makers, and representatives of youth and civil society. The aim is to deliberate on strategies for strengthening good governance and consolidating economic development in Africa.