Morocco holds the “necessary assets” to serve as a gateway for British investment into West Africa, a region full of potential for both countries, according to a policy brief from think tank “Moroccan Institute for Strategic Studies” (IMIS).
Published on Monday, the document maintains that Moroco’s strategic location and its emerging role as a “connector” in the global economy makes it a “vital strategic partner for the UK.”
Morocco-UK historical ties
The Morocco-UK partnership has deep historical roots. The bilateral relationship dates back centuries, with the Almohad dynasty establishing early connections with the UK in the 13th century, the policy brief explains.
Formal diplomatic and trade ties were later strengthened in the 17th century through the Treaty of Friendship signed between Queen Elizabeth I and the Saadian Sultan Ahmed Al-Mansur. The agreements laid the groundwork for commerce in English fabrics, Moroccan sugar, and even shipbuilding materials.
Moroccan ambassadors, such as Abdelwahad ibn Messaoud and Abdelkader Pérez, played significant roles in fostering these ties, with their contributions featured in British literature, exemplified by William Shakespeare’s “Othello.
Fast forward to the 21st century, and the UK-Morocco relationship has taken on new significance. In 2021, the two countries celebrated the 300th anniversary of the first trade treaty, paving the way for renewed efforts to explore more ambitious bilateral partnerships.
The UK-Morocco Association Agreement, which came into force in January 2021, has already spurred a remarkable increase in bilateral trade, estimated at GBP 2 billion in 2022.
The agreement is part of a broader effort to deepen economic and political ties, bolstering Morocco’s role as a key partner in the UK’s “Global Britain” strategy.
Post-Brexit era
The UK’s post-Brexit foreign policy has also shifted towards strengthening ties with African countries. The UK’s departure from the European Union in 2020 forced the country to reinvent its international relations.
The concept of “Global Britain” has since emerged, reflecting the UK’s intent to remain open and outward-looking while strengthening its global influence. The vision was notably demonstrated at the UK-Africa Investment Summit in 2020, where 27 contracts worth GBP 6.5 billion were signed.
The UK’s ambitions align with Morocco’s as the country looks to serve as a bridge between Europe and Africa. King Mohammed VI spoke of the “shared destiny” with both continents, leading to the development of major infrastructure projects like the Noor solar power plant and the Dakhla Atlantique port.
The initiatives are part of Morocco’s broader strategy to enhance its logistics infrastructure and energy connectivity, making it an attractive partner for countries looking to invest in Africa.