As the dust settles on Trump’s re-election, Morocco is looking at a potentially bright path forward, especially when it comes to the economy and the long-standing issue of its Sahara.
During his first term, Trump made history by recognizing Moroccan sovereignty over the disputed region, a bold diplomatic gesture that Morocco celebrated with enthusiasm.
This support, in exchange for Morocco normalizing relations with Israel under the Abraham Accords, marked a major diplomatic win for the kingdom.
Now, with Trump back in the White House, experts are hopeful that the U.S. will continue its backing on Western Sahara.
During Trump’s previous term, plans were even announced for a U.S. consulate in Dakhla, located in Western Sahara—though these plans stalled under the Biden administration.
For Moroccans, the return of Trump may mean that these kinds of initiatives could be back on the table.
Houcine Guennoun, head of the International Observatory for Strategic Studies, sees a Trump win as potentially paving the way for Morocco to deepen its ties with the U.S.
“Morocco could see more support for development projects and the opening of a U.S. consulate in the southern regions,” Guennoun told Hespress English.
But it’s not just about politics; Morocco stands to gain economically too. Trump’s business-centric foreign policy approach could lead to tighter economic ties between the U.S. and Morocco.
Guennoun said that Morocco holds a strategic spot for the U.S. as a gateway to investment in Africa, which could lead to new collaboration opportunities between the two nations. This potential boost could reinforce Morocco’s role as a key partner for the U.S. in the region.
Experts anticipate that Trump’s return might help reinforce regional alliances and economic partnerships that align well with Morocco’s goals.
Morocco could also benefit if Trump’s trade policies create new incentives for American companies to seek manufacturing partners outside of China, says Mohamed Jadri, an economist.
Morocco, as a growing hub for renewable energy and manufacturing, could position itself as a key partner for companies looking for alternatives in a Trump-led trade environment.
“Trump’s previous administration made waves with Morocco by recognizing its claim over Western Sahara, which could not only validate Morocco’s stance but also attract foreign investments to the area,” Jedri said.
If this idea resurfaces, it could stimulate local businesses, create jobs, and bring in tourism opportunities to what has historically been a contentious region.
Trump has consistently advocated for economic deals that “benefit American interests,” which could align with Morocco’s ambitions to attract U.S. investors to its fast-growing economy.
In recent years, Morocco has built up its solar and wind energy capacities, hoping to position itself as a renewable energy leader in North Africa.
“With Trump back, Morocco may be looking at stronger support for these ventures, potentially bringing in the U.S.,” the economist added.
Morocco’s inclusion in the Abraham Accords—a Trump-era achievement—could see renewed focus.
The accords already opened doors to trade and tech exchanges with Israel, and further U.S. support could expand Morocco’s access to American markets, which might bolster industries from agriculture to digital tech.
Driss El Guenbouri, a political analyst, doubled down on this positive stance, noting that Donald Trump’s victory could work in Morocco’s favor, especially regarding the sensitive issue of the Moroccan Sahara.
“Trump was the U.S. president who made the historic decision to recognize Morocco’s autonomy plan for the Sahara,” the analyst said.
Trump himself, in his victory speech, reiterated his commitment to “stop making wars” and instead focus on “ending them,” signaling that his administration might take a stronger stance on resolving regional disputes like that of the Moroccan Sahara.
The analyst also pointed out that Trump’s re-election comes at a critical time, with developments in both Spain and France impacting the situation. “This could bring the U.S. position even closer to Morocco’s,” El Guenbouri said.
Another important factor is Morocco’s new approach to the issue. “Under the leadership of the king, Morocco has reframed the Sahara dispute—not just as a political issue but as an economic opportunity,” the analyst said.
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