Morocco backs African free trade push at business forum

Morocco has renewed its support for the African Continental Free Trade Area as a key driver of regional growth and cooperation, as reported by APA News on December 12th.

The support was conveyed at the second AfCFTA Business Forum held in Marrakech, where General Confederation of Moroccan Enterprises (CGEM) Vice-President Mehdi Tazi spoke alongside Morocco’s Minister of Industry and Trade, Ryad Mezzour, agreeing that the trade agreement offers African countries a chance to strengthen economic ties and build stronger connections between their markets.

Tazi said Africa is going through major population and urban changes that are increasing demand for infrastructure, manufactured goods and modern services. He argued that these demands make it more critical for African countries to work together and rely more on regional production rather than imports from outside the continent.

He highlighted existing problems that continue to hold Africa back, including weak industrial capacity and low levels of trade between African countries, which remain below 15%. 

Tazi said the AfCFTA gives Africa a rare opportunity to change this by encouraging local production and stronger value chains across borders. He said the goal should be to build a clear “Made in Africa” identity based on local resources and shared growth.

To translate the Free Trade Area into practical action, CGEM outlined several priorities, such as improving transport and energy networks, making it easier for small and medium-sized businesses to access funds, reducing gaps in digital access, supporting the movement of people across borders and improving awareness about how the AfCFTA works. Recently, the CGEM signed an agreement with Mexico to strengthen bilateral trade between the two countries.  

Tazi specified that Morocco’s infrastructure, air links and financial presence across the continent give it a strong position to support African production. Moroccan banks and companies now operate in multiple African countries, and Morocco has built a wide investment network across the continent. Additionally, Africa’s biggest aircraft engine plant is to be set up in Morocco. 

CGEM said it will continue to work with African partners and development institutions on industrial and economic projects to support shared growth and help build a more self-reliant and competitive African economy. 

APA News, Maghrebi.org