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Rabat – United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has brought international attention to Morocco’s growing role in fostering economic integration across Africa and beyond.
In his latest report on the Moroccan Sahara, Guterres emphasized Morocco’s vision for transforming its Atlantic coastline into a crucial link between the Sahel region, Africa, and the Americas, enhancing trade opportunities and access to global markets for landlocked Sahelian nations.
Citing a speech by King Mohammed VI during the 48th anniversary of the Green March in November 2023, Guterres informed members of the UN Security Council of Morocco’s initiative to position the Moroccan Sahara as a regional economic hub.
The initiative aims to enhance trade between sub-Saharan Africa and international markets, reflecting Morocco’s broader efforts to support regional cooperation and development.
The Secretary-General’s report marks a significant step toward recognizing Morocco’s vision within the UN framework. The initiative promotes South-South cooperation, with the goal of strengthening economic ties between Morocco and its African neighbors.
By linking the Sahel region to Morocco’s road, port, and rail infrastructure, the plan seeks to create new opportunities for trade and development.
The initiative was further discussed during a ministerial meeting in Marrakech on December 23, 2023, where representatives from Mali, Niger, Burkina Faso, and Chad gathered to explore how Sahelian countries could benefit from enhanced access to the Atlantic.
The Royal Atlantic Strategy, introduced during this meeting, aims to promote economic growth for Morocco and participating countries along the Atlantic coast.
Concrete steps have already been taken to advance this strategy. Key projects, such as the Tiznit-Dakhla motorway and the Dakhla port, are under development, with progress already visible.
