African Union Chief Praises Morocco as Continental Economic Hub

Morocco has successfully established itself as a leading economic hub for Africa through strategic investments and active economic diplomacy,according to African Union Commission President Mahmoud Ali Youssouf. Speaking at a ceremony in Addis Ababa celebrating the 26th anniversary of King Mohammed VI’s accession to the throne,Youssouf highlighted Morocco’s transformative role in continental development.

The Kingdom has demonstrated particular strength in developing future-oriented sectors including infrastructure,telecommunications,agriculture,finance,and energy,positioning itself as a gateway for investment across Africa. This strategic positioning has attracted significant international attention,with Morocco securing substantial investment commitments at recent continental forums.

Morocco secured the largest investment interest at the recent Africa Investment Forum,with its national railway operator ONCF presenting an $8.8 billion strategic expansion plan that attracted $14 billion in investor interest. The African Development Bank has identified Morocco as its largest investment beneficiary,maintaining a portfolio of $3.6 billion with new projects worth $1.5 billion launched this year alone.

The AU Commission President emphasized Morocco’s entrepreneurial presence across numerous member states,noting that the Kingdom’s economic dynamism promises a bright future for both Morocco and the broader African continent. He particularly praised Morocco’s ability to attract international investors and tourists through wise leadership that has enhanced its diplomatic,geopolitical,economic,and cultural influence.

Morocco’s infrastructure investments reflect ambitious continental integration goals. The country is implementing a $9.5 billion rail network expansion over five years,including high-speed rail connections and new stations,alongside a $4.2 billion airport modernization program aimed at doubling passenger capacity to 80 million annually by 2030.

The recognition from Africa’s highest institutional body underscores Morocco’s successful transformation from a regional player to a continental economic powerhouse,leveraging strategic location,political stability,and world-class infrastructure to facilitate trade and investment flows between Africa,Europe,and global markets.