In recent years, Morocco and Ghana have emerged as key players in promoting intra-African partnerships and strengthening ties across various sectors.
These include the expansion of co-operation between the two countries, introduction of business-focused initiatives as well as driving economic prosperity for their countries and Africa as a whole.
From trade and investment to infrastructure development and industrial cooperation, the collaboration between these two nations serves as a catalyst for business growth, job creation and unlocking the continent’s economic potential for any industry looking to grow.
The Ghanaian Government through the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey, has called for the deepening of economic relations between Ghana and Morocco, especially between the private sectors of the two countries, in the light of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) agreement, which is supposed to hold a lot of promise and prospects for intra-African trade.
To mark the 25th anniversary of the enthronement of King Mohammed VI on July 30, 2024, the Ambassador of Morocco to Ghana, Imane Ouaadil, granted me an audience to discuss the current state of bilateral relations between Ghana and Morocco. We also spoke on the role of His Majesty in promoting Morocco around the world and the well-being of Moroccans.
Question: What has been the focus of the bilateral relations between the two countries?
Answer: The vision has always been to encourage people-to-people dynamics. I know not many Ghanaians can place Morocco on the map and I regret to say that some Moroccans – all soccer illiterate of course – would confuse Ghana and Guinea. My mission is to advertise my country here, present Morocco under the various aspects – political, economic, human, cultural, etc.
My job is also to entice Moroccans to visit Ghana, explore the vast opportunities of partnership and take advantage of the possibilities. All through the last five years, I have striven to encourage people to visit Morocco and I have encouraged Moroccans to come here, explore, discover and establish businesses. We discovered our similarities and differences and learned more about each other. I think it is essential.
Question: Ghana is poised to drive commercial cooperation, are there key sectors of interest for Morocco and the Moroccan private sector?
Answer: Ghana has shown resilience in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic, reduced fiscal space, debt burdens, climate change and economic headwinds. Morocco has also faced the same challenges. I believe that this is the time to embark on a transformation journey to help us reach our fullest economic potential.
Now is the time for both countries to accelerate their evolution within the continent as a single market, to become valuable players in value chains and destinations for investment. To be part of this momentum, we need to work together in a win-win perspective. The journey toward prosperity is not always straight ahead, and it is filled with challenges that we need to face – one at a time.
Question: When we look at agriculture, are there any key projects in the agricultural sector between the two countries?
Answer: I can personally testify to the quality and fertility of Ghana soil for agriculture. During the first weeks of COVID-19, out of boredom being locked down in the residence, I planted some tomato, cucumber and eggplant seeds but I was not expecting much because I had never planted anything before. A few weeks later I had enough organic and pesticide free vegetables for my household and was even furnishing the surplus to my friends.
In terms of bilateral cooperation, we can boast of the presence of OCP Africa in Ghana, a Moroccan company and leading fertiliser supplier on the African continent focusing on improving soil fertility and agronomic training to promote sustainable agricultural practices and the development of initiatives such as the ‘Agribooster’ programme.
The programme provides comprehensive support to farmers, including access to fertilisers and seeds; or the ‘Farm & Fortune Hubs’ programme which transforms small farms into productive agricultural businesses.
On the continental level, Morocco – as a major agricultural producer – has directed a significant portion of its investments in Africa to the agricultural sector, assisting African countries in the transformation and modernisation of their agriculture. In 2023, the OCP partnered with the World Bank to foster cooperation and programmes benefitting 5 million farmers in Benin, Guinea, Mali and Togo, covering 10 million hectares. This new partnership will unlock opportunities for African farmers to improve agricultural productivity and soil health through the use of customised fertilisers and sustainable farming practices.
Question: Can you share with us activities being undertaken in the area of trade and investment?
Answer: In Morocco, we are conscious that Ghana offers strategic advantages, such as its business-friendly climate, quality human resource, abundant natural resources, fertile lands and strategic location for trade and transportation. Morocco’s economy, historically based on agriculture and crafts, is undergoing a transformation.
The kingdom has rapidly developed key sectors like renewable energy, aerospace and sustainable tourism, raising its international profile. Projects such as the Noor Ouarzazate Solar Complex – among the world’s largest solar power plants, or the Tangier Med Port – one of the region’s largest ports, reflect Morocco’s commitment to a sustainable future and to facilitating trade between Europe, Africa and beyond.
Both countries possess a tremendous economic potential that could be harnessed for mutual benefits. I would like to emphasise the importance of drawing increased mutual Ghanaian and Moroccan investments across various sectors, building on the two country’s strategic location, business-friendly environment and membership in the Africa Continental Free Trade Area as favourable conditions for investment.
Sectors such as manufacturing, infrastructure, mining, energy, agriculture, technology and innovation were identified as areas ripe for collaboration.
Tourism also presents an avenue for collaboration, with Ghana boasting a rich cultural heritage and diverse tourist attractions, including national parks, historical sites and vibrant festivals on one hand and Morocco boasting a long tradition of tourism industry, training and savoir-faire. These strategic initiatives and partnerships are pivotal in fostering economic growth and prosperity, creating a promising outlook for future trade relations.
Though not so fast, we are moving forward. This year discussions are ripe for the establishment of a Morocco Ghana Chamber of Commerce to further reinforce our collaboration and make use of the existing cooperation agreements.
Question: Any opportunities for Ghana–Morocco in the area of media?
Answer: Our two governments co-operate on many issues, including investments, trade and education. However, when it comes to cooperation in the realm of media, there is still a lot of potential to explore. There is an on-going discussion between the Moroccan Press Agency and Ghana News Agency for the establishment of a sound framework of co-operation; and we are planning on organising field visits in favour of Moroccan and Ghanaian journalists to learn more about the work and frameworks of their two schools and institutions, to create collaborative media projects and initiatives, and explore new opportunities to elevate the media industry in both countries.
>>>Chris is a thought leader in Marketing Communications, Stakeholder Relationship Management Professional and International Cooperation Specialist. Over the last fifteen (15) years, he has made tremendous impact within Africa’s corporate communications and creative arts sectors. He can be reached at [email protected] / +233 20 854 1480
