Macron in Morocco: The €10bn Partnership Deal

French President Emmanuel Macron, on a three-day state visit to Morocco, secured a series of significant contracts and investment agreements with King Mohammed VI, signaling a robust reinforcement of French-Moroccan relations. Decked out in French colors, Rabat welcomed Macron with a grand ceremony and numerous agreements, setting the stage for a “reinforced exceptional partnership” between the two countries.

Economic Agreements and Key Contracts

The visit culminated in the signing of twenty-two contracts across various sectors, estimated at a value of up to €10 billion. These agreements aim to boost Morocco’s infrastructure and energy sectors, strengthening bilateral ties.

• Rail and Transport: Alstom, in collaboration with Morocco’s National Railways Office (ONCF), will supply 12 to 18 trains for the second phase of the high-speed rail line between Tangier and Marrakech. French engineering company Egis and infrastructure specialist Vossloh Cogifer are also set to support this expansion, signing contracts for track equipment and other critical rail infrastructure.
• Green Hydrogen and Renewable Energy: TotalEnergies signed an agreement to develop Morocco’s green hydrogen industry. Other agreements included strategic energy partnerships with Engie and EDF to expand Morocco’s renewable energy footprint. EDF will further collaborate on the Taza wind farm project in eastern Morocco.
• Sustainable Industry Initiatives: The French Development Agency (AFD) pledged €350 million to support Morocco’s phosphate industry in reducing its carbon footprint. Meanwhile, OCP and Engie entered a partnership to drive Morocco’s broader energy transition strategy.

Additional Partnerships

The agreements extended beyond energy and transportation, covering fields from civil protection to education and even video game development. Noteworthy signings included a collaboration between CMA CGM and the Tanger Med port complex, and a Safran agreement to establish a maintenance hub for aircraft engines.

• Civil Protection and Education: Agreements were signed to improve Morocco’s emergency response systems and educational framework, fostering innovation and research between both nations.
• Agriculture and Water Management: Additional memoranda of understanding focus on sustainable agriculture, forestry, and water resources, essential for Morocco’s environmental and economic resilience.

Diplomatic Significance: A Path to Reconciliation

This economic collaboration also reflects a diplomatic thaw. Following a period of strained relations due to France’s outreach to Algeria and disagreements over Western Sahara, the two countries seek to rebuild trust. Recent diplomatic efforts, including France’s acknowledgment of Morocco’s claim over Western Sahara, have strengthened ties.

Long-term Implications

As both nations turn a new page, this series of agreements is seen as a milestone in Franco-Moroccan relations. The €10 billion partnership is expected to bolster Morocco’s infrastructure and renewable energy sectors, reinforcing the nation’s strategic importance in the region. For France, the partnership signals a commitment to solidify economic and cultural ties with Morocco, a move that both countries hope will bring enduring mutual benefits.