British Daily: Morocco’s growing influence in Africa opens up huge opportunities for UK partnership

Morocco’s drive for a more influential role in African affairs could be strategically important to the UK as it seeks new global partnerships in the post-Brexit era,says International Business Times.

Under the leadership of King Mohammed VI,Morocco has pursued political and economic reforms to sustain long-term growth,adds the British daily in an Op-Ed authored by Alex Rivers.

The International Monetary Fund expects the Moroccan economy to expand by around 3.2% in 2024 and 3.9% in 2025,placing it among the stronger performers in North-West Africa,says IB-Times,noting that a robust manufacturing sector,particularly in automotive and aerospace,supports this stability.

At the Tanger Med Port—where over 10 million containers were handled in 2022—global carmakers and suppliers operate facilities that link efficiently to European and Middle Eastern markets. Meanwhile,Casablanca’s Midparc industrial zone hosts aerospace leaders such as Safran,signaling Morocco’s ability to attract high-value foreign direct investment,says the business newspaper.

Tourism also contributes significantly to Morocco’s economic growth as the country surpassed 17 million visitors in 2024,setting a new annual record,says the daily.

Furthermore,the 2030 FIFA World Cup—co-hosted by Morocco along with Spain and Portugal—has sparked plans for more than $5 billion in infrastructure investment,including stadium upgrades,improved transport networks,and expanded hospitality facilities.

With tourism representing around 7% of Morocco’s GDP,officials expect the tournament to reinforce its post-pandemic recovery and sustain global interest in the North African Kingdom,affirming that these economic and diplomatic strides dovetail with the UK’s “Global Britain” policy,a strategy which seeks to expand Britain’s diplomatic and trade presence beyond Europe,with Africa recognized as a high-potential region.

Morocco’s leadership under King Mohammed VI and its role as a gateway to North and sub-Saharan Africa make it an appealing partner for UK businesses seeking to diversify supply chains and secure markets,says the daily.

Over the last decade,Moroccan banks have strengthened their presence across West and Central Africa,underscoring Rabat’s broader approach of deepening ties with neighboring countries through investment and development projects.

Despite hurdles,Morocco is determined to enhance its role in African decision-making forums,leveraging its ties to Europe,the Middle East,and a network of African states with which it maintains strategic partnerships,underlines the British newspaper,lauding the key role played by Morocco in regional stability,especially in the Sahel region. The Kingdom supports Sahel governments grappling with militant violence through intelligence-sharing initiatives and direct assistance.

In a corridor marked by multiple coups and persistent security threats,Morocco’s stability draws Western attention—particularly from the UK,which aims to foster counter-terrorism cooperation and promote development in Africa,says the business daily.

Morocco’s ambitions within the AU and beyond continue to rise,shaped by pragmatic policies and economic liberalization,adds the newspaper,affirming that UK’s closer ties with Rabat offers a strategic pathway for deeper engagement in Africa,especially as Morocco becomes a stabilizing force and a hub for commerce in North-West Africa.