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Rabat – Morocco’s African policy, led by King Mohammed VI, is deeply rooted in the principles of belonging and proactive initiatives, Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita said on Friday.
Speaking during Africa Day celebrations at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Bourita emphasized the King’s afro-optimistic vision, which he said is centered on human development and tailored African solutions to the continent’s challenges.
“His Majesty King Mohammed VI has made Africa a core priority in Morocco’s international agenda because he profoundly believes in Africa,” Bourita remarked. He highlighted the King’s vision of seeing potential where others see despair and advocating for sustainable solutions instead of easy fixes.
Bourita underlined that Morocco’s afro-optimism is also grounded in afro-pragmatism. He pointed out that the African continent possesses the necessary tools to become a major global growth hub, expressing confidence in Africa’s future success.
Recalling the King’s speech at the 27th African Union Summit, Bourita noted that Africa, long overlooked, now stands as an indispensable player in international relations. The continent is emerging as a proactive and respected participant in global governance debates.
Central to the Royal vision is the belief in South-South cooperation, Bourita continued, stressing the need for African-driven responses to African challenges. “For His Majesty the King, Africa’s emergence depends on its ability to take control of its destiny and develop tailored, innovative solutions conceived by Africans for Africans,” he asserted.
Read also: How King Mohammed VI Is Reconciling Morocco with Africa
This vision prioritizes co-development and inter-African cooperation, reflected in Morocco’s extensive network of over 1,500 cooperation agreements with more than 80% of African countries. These agreements cover diverse areas such as higher education, professional training, healthcare, infrastructure, renewable energy, sanitation, and potable water.
Bourita also highlighted the numerous socio-economic projects initiated by King Mohammed VI across Africa, aimed primarily at human development. The King’s African policy is driven by dynamism and initiative, with a focus on activism rather than mere activity, he noted.
Bourita added that this policy emphasizes belonging over mere neighborhood relations, with Africa being integral to Morocco’s identity, geography, culture, religion, and history.
Education is a key pillar of this vision, according to Bourita. Morocco has implemented exchange programs to share knowledge and best practices, strengthened educational infrastructure in Africa, and established itself as a preferred destination for African students. During the 2023-2024 academic year, Morocco welcomed 1,592 African students from 43 countries, with many receiving Moroccan state scholarships.
In the diplomatic sphere, Morocco has trained approximately 240 African diplomats since 2014 through the International Cycle in Diplomacy at the Moroccan Academy of Diplomatic Studies, and 83 diplomats have completed the initial training cycle.
All this demonstrates the depth and sincerity of Morocco’s commitment to pan-African solidarity and African prosperity, Bourita stressed.
