Country Profile
From The Report: Morocco 2018
View in Online Reader

One of the most developed countries in Africa, Morocco is a melting pot of indigenous Berber, African, Arab and European influences. Due to its strategic location and proximity to Europe, the kingdom has been able to accommodate its cultural diversity in a stable and politically inclusive system. The kingdom possesses North Africa’s only constitutional monarchy and has fortified its position as an international trade centre by increasingly liberalising its economy and attracting foreign investment. If the country can sustain its balancing act of working to provide domestic freedoms and opportunity while maintaining security, it is likely to remain a leading regional power. Morocco has not only deepened its economic and security ties with the EU, but also with the Gulf states and China. Most recently, the kingdom re-joined the African Union after a 30-year hiatus.

This chapter contains a viewpoint from His Majesty King Mohammed VI; and interviews with Saad Eddine El Othmani, Head of Government; and Marcel de Souza, President, ECOWAS Commission.

Articles from this Chapter

Overview

Position of strength: In the face of widespread upheaval, the kingdom remains a source of sustainable progress and stability
OBG
plus

A melting pot of indigenous Berber, African, Arab and European influences, the kingdom of Morocco, meaning “the West” in Arabic, is the world’s most-westerly Arab country, located at the apex of north-west Africa and across the 14-km Strait of Gibraltar from Spain. Having benefitted from its advantageous geographic location and diverse cultural heritage for centuries, Morocco has been able to accommodate its cultural diversity in a stable and politically inclusive system. While upheavals…

Overview

Uniquely situated: A reputation for stability and economic openness has served the country well in turbulent times
OBG
plus

As a historic link between Europe, the Middle East and North Africa, the kingdom of Morocco has long served as an important political juncture. The country’s 12 regions range from Mediterranean ports to the rugged Atlas Mountains and the vast Sahara. The kingdom’s political and cultural dynamics are equally diverse, shaped by Arab, Berber, European and West African influences. To date, Moroccan leadership has worked to achieve moderate domestic and foreign policies to ensure the country…

Analysis

Joining forces: Morocco pursues closer ties with countries across Africa
OBG
plus

As North Africa’s most politically and economically stable country, and increasingly engaged with its West African neighbours and across the continent, Morocco continues to expand its regional leadership role. While challenges persist, notably the unresolved issue of the status of the Moroccan/Western Sahara, throughout 2017 the kingdom took several key steps to advance its standing in the region. AFRICAN UNION: Morocco began the year by rejoining the African Union (AU) in January 2017…

Analysis

Further afield: Long a regional power, the kingdom is beginning to look beyond its traditional trading partners
OBG
plus

Diplomatic challenges persisted across the globe in 2017, leaving Morocco at the intersection of competing interests. Through it all, the kingdom maintained mostly solid relationships with its international counterparts, even as other alliances shifted. Morocco’s multi-faceted identity is reflected in its active membership in a range of international organisations, including the UN, the Arab League, the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation and most recently, the African Union (AU). The country’s…

Analysis

Positive indicators: Following a year of stable growth and improved credit ratings, economic forecasts are pointing to a strong 2018
OBG
plus

Stronger agricultural growth, combined with increased export revenue, saw Morocco’s economy expand at a faster pace in 2017, with promising prospects for 2018. Local and international GDP growth estimates for 2017 were similarly optimistic: Morocco’s central bank, Bank Al Maghrib (BAM), put expansion at 4.1%, while the IMF estimates released in December 2017 put growth at 4.4%, well above the 1.4% of 2016. Growth was fuelled by a rebound in agricultural output, as a bumper crop resulted…

Viewpoint

The African reunion: His Majesty King Mohammed VI, on re-entry to the African Union (AU) and future roles within the continent
OBG
plus

Viewpoint:His Majesty King Mohammed VI We have thought it through carefully, and it is now so obvious: it is time to return home. At a time when the kingdom is among the most developed African nations, and when a majority of member states looks forward to our return, we have decided to join our family again – a family we had not really left. In fact, despite having been absent from AU institutions for so many years, our links, which were never severed, have remained strong, and African sister…

Interview

Building on momentum: Saad Eddine El Othmani, Head of Government, on the pursuit of higher economic growth and social inclusion
OBG
plus

Interview:Saad Eddine El Othmani What are your administration’s economic and fiscal priorities for 2018? SAAD EDDINE EL OTHMANI: From 2018 up to 2021 our government aims to achieve sustained economic growth of 5%, to bring the unemployment rate under 8.5% and to maintain macroeconomic stability, including a fiscal deficit of 3% or less of GDP and a debt-to-GDP ratio below 60%. These objectives have been reflected in the finance law for 2018 through four main priorities, namely support for…

Interview

Strength in unity: Marcel de Souza, President, ECOWAS Commission, on further expansion and deeper integration within the bloc
OBG
plus

Interview: Marcel de Souza How will Morocco’s membership impact the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS)? MARCEL DE SOUZA: Morocco has quickly become one of the main sources of foreign direct investment in West Africa, with several companies already occupying strategic positions that cover a number of key sectors – such as banking, agriculture, insurance, health care and construction. Their inclusion within the union will include the free movement of people, goods, services and…

Interview

Strength in unity: Marcel de Souza, President, ECOWAS Commission, on further expansion and deeper integration within the bloc
OBG
plus

Interview: Marcel de Souza How will Morocco’s membership impact the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS)? MARCEL DE SOUZA: Morocco has quickly become one of the main sources of foreign direct investment in West Africa, with several companies already occupying strategic positions that cover a number of key sectors – such as banking, agriculture, insurance, health care and construction. Their inclusion within the union will include the free movement of people, goods, services and…