Summary:

On 6 March 2025, Morocco’s Minister of Foreign Affairs (MFA), Nasser Bourita, announced the renewal of a strategic partnership between Morocco and Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states.  

                                   [mepr-show if=”loggedout”] Please login or purchase an InBrief membership to view the rest of this report [/mepr-show] [mepr-show if=”loggedin”] 

The MFA seized the opportunity at a joint interministerial meeting to call on the GCC states to establish an institutional framework that facilitates investments and exchanges between businesses in the Gulf and Morocco.  

Bourita invited the GCC states to profit from investment opportunities present in Morocco, including projects that will enable Sahel countries to access the Atlantic Ocean and establish energy connectivity through the Nigeria-Morocco gas pipeline project. 

He also stated that preparations for Morocco’s hosting of the 2030 World Cup and the 2025 Africa Cup will present large investment opportunities. 

The Secretary General of the GCC, Jassim Al-Budaiwi, reiterated the Council’s support for  Moroccan sovereignty over Western Sahara and Morocco’s territorial integrity. 

Outlook: 

Morocco is likely seeking to engage GCC countries on investment opportunities at a point when some GCC investors have shown increasing interest in African markets, particularly larger energy projects. 

Not only will this engagement promote job creation in Morocco and foster strategic sectors as tourism and energy, but it is also likely to foster Morocco’s regional leadership and ties with its West African neighbors. 

GCC financial support and expertise in energy projects could help Morocco become a hub for energy export and trade between Africa and Europe as well as the Americas.  

However, these remain long-term economic goals as many of the plans for African energy and the green energy transition are in the conceptual phase.  

The support of the GCC for Morocco regarding the Western Sahara issue will strengthen the already growing support that Morocco has received diplomatically. Alignment with the GCC on the question of Western Sahara, as well as normalization with Israel, will continue to fuel tensions with Algeria and the separatist Polisario Front. 

[/mepr-show] 

Explore our services or speak with our team of North Africa-based risk experts.