Morocco has managed to strengthen its role as a strategic catalyst for South-South partnerships, and to serve as a natural bridge between the continent’s various regions and the countries of the South, affirmed King Mohammed VI.
In a message addressed to participants in the 2025 edition of the “Ibrahim Governance Weekend”, held in Marrakech June 1-3, the King pointed out that in a bid to materialize these partnerships, the Kingdom launched concrete, large-scale projects that will lead to a sustainable transformation of the continent’s economic and social landscape.
“This is the approach we are applying through major continental projects, such as the African Atlantic Gas Pipeline (AAGP). It is a concrete example of integrated economic development”, stressed the King in his message that was read by Royal Advisor, André Azoulay.
It is also in the same vein, and consistent with an approach based on solidarity and the pursuit of shared development that “We have launched the Atlantic Initiative to facilitate Sahel countries’ access to the Atlantic Ocean,” the Sovereign recalled, noting that the aim is to establish a solid foundation for a new model of regional cooperation.
“We have also launched the Rabat Atlantic African States Process, which is intended to benefit all parties in the region,” the King added.
In addition, the experience Morocco has accumulated in several strategic sectors, such as renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, financial services, and transport infrastructure, constitutes an important foundation to build on in order to develop trade relations and promote partnerships at the continental level, the Monarch pointed out, noting that “Morocco, being fully aware of the paramount importance of financing, has adopted a strategic approach by putting in place innovative financial mechanisms and ensuring the effective mobilization of domestic resources.”
In this regard, the Mohammed VI Investment Fund stands out as a genuine financial stimulus tool that can boost private investment, support small and medium-sized enterprises, promote technological innovation, and stimulate sustainable development, said the Monarch who also cited the example of Casablanca Finance City. The Finance Center has also succeeded in establishing itself as a major regional financial hub, attracting significant financial flows to our continent, he said.
“The Kingdom of Morocco will keep up its resolute action to fulfil its duty and mobilize resources successfully, strengthen strategic partnerships, and promote effective financial mechanisms, in keeping with its constructive vision of South-South cooperation, and in accordance with its unwavering commitment to achieving comprehensive, sustainable development for the benefit of African peoples.” the King reaffirmed.
The “Ibrahim Governance Weekend”, the flagship event of the Mo Ibrahim Foundation, held annually in a different African country, highlights the critical role of Africa’s resources in accelerating development and transforming the continent’s position in the new global economy.
The program of this year’s edition features an opening day focused on current leadership challenges in Africa and worldwide, in addition to the Ibrahim Forum 2025, held under the theme “Financing the Africa We Want.”
The Forum also features plenary sessions on Africa’s priorities, resource mobilization, reform of the multilateral financial system, and investment across the continent.