Morocco, Guest of Honor at 4th Europe-Africa Forum in Marseille

The 4th Europe-Africa Forum held this Tuesday in Marseille,southeastern France,features Morocco as the guest of honor. This business-focused event brings together leaders,investors,and decision-makers from both continents.

Morocco is represented at the forum by Minister of Transport and Logistics Abdessamad Kayouh; Minister of Energy Transition and Sustainable Development Leila Benali; Minister Delegate in charge of Investment,Convergence,and the Evaluation of Public Policies Karim Zidane; and the Kingdom’s ambassador to France,Samira Sitaïl.

The forum,which highlights key challenges and opportunities in Africa-Europe relations,opened with a high-level segment dedicated to Morocco.

According to organizers,the event takes place in an evolving global context,where Europe and Africa,working together,form a powerful force capable of shaping the international landscape.

Bound by complementary resources and shared interests,the two continents must show boldness,innovation,and the ability to create a new model. With the Mediterranean as a common link and shared wealth,the will to play a role in the coming decade is possible—provided the foundations for fair cooperation are established,organizers argue.

The Mediterranean is more than a geographic space—it is a bridge between continents,cultures,and economies. Developing a robust cooperation strategy for the Mediterranean is essential for shared prosperity,stability,and innovation. The region must foster trust and tangible partnerships that go beyond politics and prioritize human development.

The one-day forum features thematic roundtables addressing a range of pressing topics,including on how to bridge the two continents,through innovation,cooperation,the Future of the Mediterranean and Africa-Europe Relations,the role of business and education,and Agenda 2063 as a roadmap for a new era in Europe-Africa partnership. Actually,the African Union’s Agenda 2063 outlines an ambitious vision for the continent’s future and could also signal a new era for the Europe-Africa bloc,and an opportunity for long-term collaboration anchored in mutual respect and shared development goals.

The agenda also features the critical role Mediterranean ports can play in trade and logistics. With advancements in green technology and digital infrastructure,these ports could become models of sustainable development and smart innovation—connecting supply chains while minimizing environmental impact.

Participants are also discussing how the space sector is emerging as a frontier of innovation for both continents. From satellite-based agriculture to Earth observation and telecommunications,space technologies could transform how Africa and Europe address climate,health,and connectivity challenges.

Regarding the two continents’ connectivity,besides infrastructure development of bridges,ports,and energy grids,participants are aware that digital highways are reshaping how continents connect and cooperate and that such projects are laying the foundation for the future of transcontinental collaboration.

The forum is also addressing Artificial Intelligence as Europe and Africa face the dual challenge of regulation and innovation and how to ensure ethical AI that benefits all; the profound transformation of the cultural sector; and young people and health equity which form a crucial area for joint action,shared programs and investment in youth well-being,cross-border commitments that promise long-term societal dividends.

The future of the Mediterranean and Europe-Africa relations hinges on cooperation,and shared values. By working together across sectors—finance,infrastructure,culture,education,and technology—these regions can not only overcome current challenges but also redefine their roles in the global order.