Calls for Economic Integration to Transform Africa's Future
During a pivotal address in Marrakech on June 20, 2026, Mohamed Laarajid, the President of the House of Councillors, articulated a compelling vision for Africa's economic future, emphasizing the continent's urgent need to leverage its vast human and natural resources into tangible development and employment opportunities. He underscored the importance of expediting the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and enhancing connections between African and European value chains to create a cohesive economic space capable of addressing global challenges.
Laarajid's remarks were delivered at a special African session organized as part of the fourth Marrakech Economic Parliamentary Forum for the Euro-Mediterranean and Gulf region, focusing on the theme of 'The African Continental Free Trade Area and Connecting Euro-African Value Chains: Towards an Integrated Space for Joint Production, Investment, and Economic Resilience.' He pointed out that millions of young Africans wake up each day in search of job opportunities that align with their aspirations, noting that the continent's challenges stem not from a lack of resources but from its current inability to convert these assets into sustainable development opportunities. He emphasized that economic integration and enhanced intra-African trade are fundamental to achieving this transformation.
Intra-African Trade: A Pathway to Prosperity
Laarajid highlighted the limited scope of intra-African trade, which remains at a mere 15 percent of the continent's total trade, in stark contrast to approximately 70 percent in Europe and 60 percent in Asia. He argued that these figures reflect the significant challenges African nations face despite their considerable economic and demographic potential. The full and effective implementation of the AfCFTA, he asserted, could inject hundreds of billions of dollars into Africa's economy and create new avenues for development and employment. He urged African parliaments to play an active role in supporting this strategic initiative by enhancing legal frameworks, streamlining processes, and removing non-tariff barriers that hinder trade.
Discussing global economic transformations, Laarajid noted that the reshaping of global supply chains and the rise of protectionist tendencies present unprecedented opportunities for Africa to establish itself as an attractive production and investment hub. With its rich natural resources, youthful workforce, and strategic geographical position, Africa stands to become a key partner for Europe in creating shared and more resilient value chains. He stressed the critical need for investment in infrastructure, ports, logistics corridors, energy connectivity, and digital networks, alongside innovative financing mechanisms that can support cross-border projects and foster economic integration across the continent.
In this context, Laarajid showcased Morocco's experience in strengthening South-South cooperation, highlighting the kingdom's growing prominence within Africa through strategic investments and major projects aimed at enhancing continental integration, such as the Nigeria-Morocco gas pipeline and the Atlantic Initiative for Sahel countries. He pointed out that Morocco, thanks to its geographical location and strategic facilities like the Tangier-Med Port, has become a pivotal platform for linking African and European markets. The successful experiences of Morocco in sectors such as industry, automotive, and fertilizers serve as practical examples of the potential for economic integration among African nations.
Finally, Laarajid reiterated the pressing need for parliaments to keep pace with this strategic transformation by enacting legislation that encourages investment, joint production, and ensures legal security for economic projects. He reaffirmed the commitment of the House of Councillors to work collaboratively with various African partners to build a more integrated and resilient Africa capable of achieving sustainable development.
As reported by marrakech7.com.
