The Policy Center for the New South (PCNS) hosted a major strategic dialogue on Thursday at the Mohammed VI Polytechnic University campus in Rabat, bringing together African policymakers, diplomats and experts for the second edition of its conference on Africa’s maritime and geopolitical ambitions.
Under the theme “Atlantic Africa: Integration Ambition and Operationalization Process,” the event explored regional cooperation on maritime security, economic development and geostrategic alignment.
This gathering forms part of the Atlantic Initiative launched in 2023 by King Mohammed VI, aimed at fostering an integrated zone between coastal and landlocked Sahelian countries.
Notable participants included Ghana’s Minister of Fisheries, Emelia Arthur, Zein El Abidine Med Salem of the Central Bank of Mauritania, Bouchra El Hayani from MASEN, Mohammed Benzaria of ONHYM, and Royal Navy representative Mostapha Tafrhy.
Discussions focused on four main pillars: building a shared Atlantic identity, maritime governance, developing the blue economy and integrative infrastructure, notably the Nigeria-Morocco gas pipeline, viewed as a strategic development corridor.
The participants emphasized the need for robust institutions and regional platforms to strengthen Atlantic Africa’s collective voice on the global stage.
Unlocking the Sahel was a major concern, with calls for sustained maritime access to enable these landlocked nations to join global value chains. The Nigeria-Morocco pipeline was described as a cornerstone for regional co-development, expected to generate growth, jobs and deeper cooperation.
On the security front, Morocco showcased its naval diplomacy strategy. Commander Mostapha Tafrhy called for collective maritime security to counter mounting threats in the Gulf of Guinea and combat overfishing.
Ghana’s Emelia Arthur echoed this, advocating for greater local value creation from Africa’s marine wealth, moving beyond extractive economic models inherited from colonial eras.
Morocco’s leadership in the integration effort was widely praised. Ivorian blue economy expert Amadou Tall highlighted the impact of the Atlantic African States Process (AASP), a dialogue platform initiated by Rabat. “We commend Morocco and His Majesty King Mohammed VI for championing this Atlantic integration vision,” he stated.
Speakers concluded that the ocean must no longer be viewed solely through a security lens, but rather as a vector for economic sovereignty, regional integration, and geopolitical power. They called for coordinated, concrete and sustainable policies to bring this ambition to life.
MK/te/lb/gik/APA