In an analysis focused on Morocco, the American think tank "Carnegie Endowment for International Peace" highlights Morocco’s successful pivot towards Sub-Saharan Africa under the leadership of HM King Mohammed VI. The American think tank describes the kingdom as a global connector in an increasingly multipolar geopolitical landscape.
Founded in 1910 by Andrew Carnegie, the "Carnegie Endowment for International Peace" is one of the most influential global think tanks in geostrategic matters. Its analyses are closely followed by both policymakers and major investors worldwide. The recent publication on Morocco is timely, coinciding with the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly from September 22 to 27 in New York and the Summit of the Future taking place on September 23-24 at the UN headquarters.
The American think tank, in an analysis by economist Alexandre Kateb, highlights the significant progress Morocco has made over the past 25 years. The author particularly emphasizes the breakthrough that allowed Morocco to further boost foreign direct investment (FDI) and establish an export-oriented industrial sector.
On the socio-economic front, the analyst notes that between 1998 and 2023, Morocco's average life expectancy reached approximately 75 years, while per capita income and schooling duration nearly doubled. Likewise, the absolute poverty rate has significantly decreased to 1.7%, while the rural electrification and access to drinking water rate has reached 100%, the report states.
Highlighting the large-scale infrastructure developed in various regions of the Kingdom, the think tank mentions the Tanger-Med port, "the largest container platform in the Mediterranean,” and Africa's first high-speed train. It also points out that Morocco stands out as the "leading producer and exporter of cars on the continent, far ahead of South Africa."
Thanks to these cutting-edge projects, "the country’s air transport, roads, and ports now meet the standards of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD),” the author continues.
Discussing Morocco’s African focus, the economist observes that since the start of the millennium, the Kingdom has undergone a "shift towards Sub-Saharan Africa,” successfully positioning itself "as a global connector in an increasingly multipolar geopolitical landscape.”
Since its return to the African Union, its institutional family, in 2017, Morocco has made "significant investments” in Africa across a range of sectors, from banking to insurance, and telecommunications to construction, in countries along the Atlantic coast, the Sahel, and even the Congo River basin.
In this regard, the American research center mentions the Atlantic Initiative recently launched by His Majesty the King, aimed at providing Sahel countries with access to the Atlantic Ocean. This strategic initiative is expected to "foster sustainable economic relations between twenty-three countries located along Africa’s Atlantic coast.”
On the geopolitical side, Alexandre Kateb notes that Morocco, while maintaining excellent relations with the United States and the European Union, has succeeded in diversifying its partners, consolidating its ties with China since 2006. He notably mentions the 2022 signing of an agreement related to the Belt and Road Initiative.
Renewable energy is not overlooked, the analyst notes, highlighting that since 2009, Morocco has embarked on a transition towards a more sustainable growth model by adopting the National Energy Transition Strategy.
In this respect, the Kingdom has set the goal of reaching 52% renewable energy in its energy mix by 2030, particularly through the Noor power plant. The analysis points out that by 2023, renewable energy sources already represented 37% of Morocco’s electricity production capacity.
The "Carnegie Endowment for International Peace" also notes Morocco’s diplomatic relations with Algeria, highlighting the support provided by Algerian authorities to Polisario separatists. "A de-escalation strategy, accompanied by a resumption of negotiations, could prevent a costly arms race that would deplete valuable budgetary resources at a time when they are greatly needed," concludes Alexandre Kateb.