German institute: Global crises propel Morocco's economic and diplomatic standing in Africa

In a recent policy paper focused on the Greater Maghreb region, the German Friedrich Naumann Foundation (FNF) emphasized that “the COVID-19 pandemic and the Russia-Ukraine war have propelled Morocco’s economic and diplomatic standing, positioning it as one of Africa’s leading economies and bolstering its presence in both formal and informal institutions across the continent.”

The German institution’s report stated that the Russian-Ukrainian war has allowed Morocco to establish itself as a key player in the global food supply chain.

With 70 percent of the world’s phosphate reserves, Morocco has been striving to meet the growing global demand for this vital resource, with its exports surging by 59% in 2021.

The report, which comprehensively examined the Moroccan-Algerian competition in the African region both politically and economically, highlighted that “Morocco managed to overcome the economic repercussions of the Russian-Ukrainian conflict.”

It went on to explain that “essential commodity prices remained supported by public subsidies, while Morocco remained committed to ensuring African food security through a series of investments directed southward.”

While traditional partnerships have waned, says the report, Morocco retains its regional status as the EU’s top trading partner. The EU remains the kingdom’s largest global investor, providing unwavering and generous support for Morocco’s energy transition projects.

It noted that this position is further solidified by political cooperation with Washington.

The German Foundation attributed European confidence in Morocco to its “political stability and inclination toward reform.

“Morocco has gained geopolitical significance in the region, making it a partner for Europe in migration and security matters in the southern Mediterranean. The kingdom also remains committed to providing humanitarian conditions for refugees arriving from southern countries,” highlighted the same source.

The report also highlighted the kingdom’s growing focus on sub-Saharan Africa. Since rejoining the African Union in 2016, “Morocco has pursued a multifaceted strategy of development, as well as economic, political, and religious initiatives in the region.”

This approach builds on “Morocco’s decades-long diplomatic engagement with the South and its adherence to a unique Moroccan model of religious practice.”

In this regard, the same source noted that “Morocco’s foreign policy towards Africa is met with a mix of suspicion and incapacity from Algeria, which realizes its influence in Africa continues to wane despite its initial shortcomings.”

It highlighted that “as part of its outreach to sub-Saharan Africa, Morocco has ventured into vital sectors, including agriculture, through partnerships with the World Bank and significant investments in the region.”

the report noted that “Morocco has diversified partnerships with Asia, like China, while keeping strong Western ties.

“US support for Morocco’s southern provinces and ongoing military cooperation solidify their strategic relationship, with talks of AFRICOM moving to Morocco,” according to the same source.