Morocco: A Pillar in the Development of the Sahel and a Model of South-South Cooperation ???? ??

The challenges faced by Sahelian countries are not new. For decades, this region, stretching from Senegal in the west to Sudan in the east, has grappled with complex issues ranging from political instability to extreme poverty, growing security threats, and harsh climatic conditions. All of this is exacerbated by another major problem: geographic isolation. Morocco, leveraging its strategic position and growing role on the African stage, has taken an unprecedented initiative to help these countries overcome this isolation by proposing an economic and infrastructural integration of an unprecedented scale.

A Visionary Project: The Atlantic Initiative

Announced by His Majesty King Mohammed VI during the 48th anniversary of the Green March in November 2023, the Atlantic Initiative aims to provide a structural solution to the problem of landlocked Sahelian countries. This initiative seeks to give these nations direct access to the Atlantic Ocean via Moroccan infrastructure, including ports, rail, and road networks.

The idea is simple but ambitious: by connecting Sahelian countries to Morocco's transport networks, these nations could gain a new gateway to global markets, thereby boosting their economies and creating development opportunities that were previously inaccessible. Furthermore, this initiative is part of a broader South-South cooperation perspective, reinforcing the historical and cultural ties between Morocco and its African partners.

Concrete Advances and Positive Reactions

In December 2023, a ministerial meeting was held in Marrakech, bringing together representatives from Mali, Niger, Burkina Faso, and Chad. During this meeting, the ministers expressed unanimous support for the Atlantic Initiative, highlighting its potential to transform not only Sahelian economies but also to promote stability and peace in the region.

The participating countries agreed to establish national task forces to oversee the implementation of this project, demonstrating their commitment to realizing this vision. These task forces will be responsible for preparing concrete proposals to be submitted to the concerned heads of state, with the aim of quickly launching the first phases of the project.

The support expressed by Sahelian ministers is more than just words. The Nigerien Minister of Foreign Affairs described Morocco as a "reliable partner," while the Malian Minister of Foreign Affairs emphasized that this initiative represents much more than just an infrastructure project; it is a reflection of the solidarity and brotherhood that Morocco has always demonstrated toward its "brother countries" in the Sahel.

Challenges to Overcome

While the foundations of the Atlantic Initiative are solidly laid, several challenges remain to ensure its long-term success. First, it is essential that Moroccan infrastructure is not only available but also adapted to the specific needs of Sahelian countries. This implies additional investments in logistics capacity and digital connectivity to ensure that these new transport corridors are fully operational and effective.

Moreover, the success of this initiative will depend on the ability to attract private investments, both national and international. Public-private partnerships will be crucial in financing the necessary infrastructure and in developing key sectors such as agriculture, renewable energy, and manufacturing industries. Morocco could also play a role in training and capacity building for local workers by sharing its expertise in areas such as infrastructure management and logistics.

Finally, the security dimension must not be overlooked. The Sahel is a region marked by instability and armed conflicts, and any economic initiative must be accompanied by measures to strengthen security. This could include security cooperation programs between Morocco and Sahelian countries, as well as efforts to stabilize the region through economic development and poverty reduction.

Long-Term Impact Potential

Morocco's Atlantic Initiative could radically transform the economic landscape of the Sahel. By offering these landlocked countries an outlet to the Atlantic Ocean, Morocco is also opening the door to international trade. This project has the potential to boost local economies, create jobs, and reduce these countries' dependence on international aid.

However, the impact of this initiative will not be limited to the economic domain. By strengthening ties between Morocco and Sahelian countries, this initiative could also contribute to greater regional stability. Indeed, a stronger and more diversified economy is often a bulwark against political and social instability. Moreover, by integrating Sahelian countries into global trade networks, Morocco is helping to reduce the isolation of this region, which could have positive long-term effects in terms of peace and development.

Conclusion

The Atlantic Initiative is much more than just an infrastructure project. It is a bold vision for a more connected and prosperous future for the Sahel. By leveraging its own infrastructure and sharing its expertise, Morocco positions itself as a leader in South-South cooperation, providing an innovative solution to one of the most persistent problems of the Sahel.

As this project continues to take shape, it is essential to maintain constant dialogue with stakeholders, mobilize the necessary resources, and ensure that this initiative is implemented in an inclusive and sustainable manner. If these conditions are met, the Atlantic Initiative could well mark the beginning of a new era of cooperation and development for Morocco and the Sahel.

A?ssa Christophe Agostini

Founder & CEO

Prosper Atlas

prosperatlas.com

#Africa #Development #SouthSouthCooperation #Morocco #Sahel #Infrastructure #InternationalTrade #RegionalStability