MEDays: "Africa Must Seize the Opportunity of South-South Cooperation" - Fahmi Said Ibrahim El Maceli

“Sovereignty is essential, but it is no longer confined to territorial boundaries,” explains Fahmi Said Ibrahim El Maceli during the 16th edition of the MEDays Forum. According to him, sovereignty extends beyond land borders to include the management and control of maritime zones and resources.

Africa faces significant challenges, including piracy and illegal incursions into its territorial waters, which have become major concerns. “The real question is how to protect our maritime and territorial zones,” he emphasizes, calling for stronger cooperation among African nations to tackle these issues.

In addressing these challenges, pooling resources and expertise is vital. “As a continent with limited resources, we strongly believe that cooperation and the sharing of expertise among Africans are indispensable,” he adds. Collective action is key to achieving resilience against maritime threats and safeguarding sovereignty.

Morocco occupies a central role in this renewed vision of sovereignty. For decades, the Kingdom has made strategic decisions in areas such as education, industry, and healthcare. “Morocco is a remarkable example, having made bold choices since the 1950s and 60s, including the establishment of the Hassania School of Engineering, which has trained world-class engineers,” notes El Maceli.

These strategic moves have positioned Morocco as a leader in sectors such as the automotive industry, which now accounts for 25% of the nation’s GDP through exports.

However, Morocco’s resilience extends beyond economic success. The country demonstrated exemplary solidarity during the COVID-19 pandemic, providing free medical equipment to several African nations while many Western countries faced shortages. “This underscores Morocco’s role as a driving force for the continent,” El Maceli remarks.

El Maceli emphasizes that Africa must fully embrace the opportunity presented by South-South cooperation, which has been fostering stronger ties among African nations for nearly two decades. “Africa must take charge of its future and sovereignty,” he asserts, insisting that the continent must rely on its own strengths and resources. “It is crucial that we protect this sovereignty by our own means, without allowing others to think and act on our behalf,” he adds.

According to El Maceli, Morocco serves as a model of leadership and cooperation in Africa. Its bold choices and successes offer valuable lessons for the continent. “Africa would greatly benefit from drawing inspiration from Morocco’s audacious strategies and strengthening its capacities for cooperation and sovereignty to address major challenges,” he concludes.