Marrakech: Under the leadership of HM King Mohammed VI, Morocco is reinforcing its commitment to strengthening mechanisms for sustainable economic integration across Africa. This was highlighted by Akhannouch during the second edition of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Business Forum, which took place in Ochre City on December 11 and 12.
According to Agence Marocaine De Presse, Akhannouch noted that Morocco, guided by High Royal Directives, is consolidating its status as a key player and strategic partner in enhancing multidimensional cooperation among African nations. The Kingdom’s vision for Africa focuses on self-determination, resource transformation into local added value, and regional connectivity from the Mediterranean to the Atlantic and from the Sahel to the coastlines.
This vision has been furthered with the Atlantic Initiative, launched by HM King Mohammed VI, which supports African Atlantic states and Sahel countries. Akhannouch emphasized that Morocco has made its port and logistics infrastructure accessible to 23 Atlantic coastal countries and their landlocked neighbors.
Akhannouch highlighted several ambitious projects aimed at boosting economic and commercial complementarity with other African nations, such as the Nigeria-Morocco gas pipeline project. This approximately 6,000-kilometer pipeline traverses several West African countries and is seen as a strategic structure that will foster shared industrialization in sectors like fertilizers, petrochemicals, construction materials, and agribusiness, requiring dependable and competitive energy.
He also pointed out the importance of the Casablanca Finance City (CFC) financial platform as a key driver of economic integration in Africa, alongside banking groups established in over 20 African countries and Bank Al-Maghrib’s recent accession to the Pan-African Payment and Settlement System. These initiatives position Morocco well to lead projects involving payments in local currencies, export credit insurance, and risk coverage for African small and medium-sized enterprises.
Akhannouch reiterated Morocco’s commitment to the vision of HM King Mohammed VI, stating that the Kingdom will assume its responsibility to ensure that African economic integration becomes a tool for prosperity, stability, and dignity for its peoples. He noted that this edition of the AfCFTA Business Forum is part of a dynamic effort to transform the zone from a mere free trade agreement into a genuine economic transformation project for the continent.
The 2nd edition of the AfCFTA Business Forum, held under the High Patronage of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, is part of Morocco’s continuous efforts to accelerate the AfCFTA’s implementation both nationally and regionally. Organized by the Secretariat of State for Foreign Trade, in partnership with the AfCFTA, the Moroccan Exporters Association (ASMEX), the CGEM, and the Association of Moroccan Regions (ARM), the forum underscores the Kingdom’s dedication to consolidating mechanisms that promote free trade and sustainable economic integration among African countries.