Rabat: The Moroccan Chamber of Commerce is spearheading a project to establish a union of chambers of commerce for the Sahel countries, which will be the largest of its kind in Africa.
According to Burkina Information Agency, the president of the partnership and international cooperation commission at the Moroccan Chamber of Commerce announced on Saturday, April 27, that the headquarters for this union will be based in Casablanca, the economic capital of Morocco.
In an interview with the Burkina Information Agency, the president highlighted the union’s potential to foster direct trade lines, investment, and exchange of ideas among the participating countries. The project aims to create substantial opportunities for young people in the region. Morocco is also poised to support Burkinabe and other African students in establishing businesses or integrating into Moroccan companies upon completing their education in the country.
The Moroccan Ministry of Higher Education, Scientific Research and Innovation provided data showing that during the 2022/2023 academic year, the largest number of African students in Morocco hailed from Gabon, Mali, and Ivory Coast. Burkina Faso ranked ninth, with 867 students. Overall, African students constituted nearly 83% of the 23,411 foreign students in Morocco in 2021.
The Honorable Benzouina Brahim, who is also the Secretary General of the Royal Moroccan Rescue Federation and the African Rescue Academy, expressed gratitude for King Mohammed VI’s commitment to Africa. He reassured Burkinabe and other African students in Morocco that they are considered part of the “Moroccan family,” in line with the King’s directives.
Benzouina is working on a water rescue training project for sub-Saharan students in Morocco to reduce drowning incidents. He collaborates closely with African diplomats, including Burkina Faso’s Ambassador Mamadou Coulibaly, to implement various initiatives.
The Kingdom of Morocco and Burkina Faso enjoy strong diplomatic ties, marking their 60th anniversary this October. Morocco is a key ally of the Confederation of Sahel States, consisting of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger. This alliance has been affirmed through Morocco’s support for these countries in gaining a voice at the African Union.
Recent informal consultations in Addis Ababa, initiated by Morocco during its presidency of the Peace and Security Council of the African Union, allowed the Sahel countries to present their progressive agendas. These consultations underscored the deepening relations between Morocco and the Confederation of Sahel States.
The excellent diplomatic relations were further reinforced during a Royal Audience in Rabat, where His Majesty King Mohammed VI received the Ministers of Foreign Affairs from Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger. The meeting conveyed a message of friendship and fraternity from the President of Faso, Captain Ibrahim Traor©, to King Mohammed VI.