Morocco in tripartite deal to boost Western Sahara hub

A memorandum of understanding (MoU) on promoting territorial marketing and strengthening African economic cooperation was signed on Wednesday in Es-Semara (southern Morocco).

The agreement s between the African Chamber of Commerce and Services (CACS), the French Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Morocco (CFCIM), and the city council.

The agreement seeks to consolidate Es-Semara’s position as an economic and logistical crossroads of the Moroccan Western Sahara and to make it a centre of African influence extending into the Sahel, in line with King Mohammed VI’s vision for the development of the southern regions.

Signed in the presence of institutional, economic, and diplomatic representatives, this agreement reflects a shared commitment to promoting the economic, cultural, and African appeal of the province, fostering networking among local and international stakeholders around a dynamic of South-South cooperation and shared development.

Under the terms of this agreement, the signatory parties commit to implementing joint actions in several priority areas, including promoting Es-Semara’s territorial marketing, leveraging its economic and logistical assets, and developing human capital.

They also pledge to organise economic events to enhance Africa’s influence, such as forums, seminars, B2B meetings, and business missions.

The agreement also provides for the opening of a CACS branch in Es-Semara, dedicated to African cooperation and South-South partnership initiatives, and another CFCIM branch, focused on
bilateral cooperation, investor support, and networking among local partners.

The CACS is committed to coordinating African-focused initiatives from Es-Smara and facilitating connections between African economic actors and local operators. Meanwhile, the CFCIM will support Moroccan and foreign companies in their investment projects within the province, contributing to training, mentoring, and the promotion of local SMEs.

This initiative is part of an integrated approach aimed at strengthening the economic and territorial development dynamics of Es-Smara, consolidating its role as a gateway between Morocco and
sub-Saharan Africa, and making the city a model of sustainable and inclusive economic cooperation serving the continent.

The promotion of territorial marketing and African economic cooperation relies on strategies designed to improve the attractiveness and competitiveness of African territories, often  drawing inspiration from corporate marketing methods.

This includes events like “Africa Place Marketing” to reward good practices, highlight local strengths, develop targeted strategic communication, and encourage initiatives that promote investment and economic development.

AK/ac/fss/as/APA