London — Morocco’s economic prospects, its position in global supply chains and the Moroccan-British partnership were at the heart of a roundtable held in London on Tuesday. The event was organised by the independent British think tank ODI Global, which specialises in international affairs, economic development and public policy, in partnership with the Policy Center for the New South.
The discussion examined Morocco’s role in strengthening the resilience of value chains amid growing fragmentation in global trade, the rising importance of economic security and continuing disruptions caused, in particular, by geopolitical tensions and regulatory changes.
Participants said these developments had made supply-chain resilience a strategic priority, particularly through diversifying partnerships and securing access to markets and industrial inputs.
The roundtable highlighted Morocco’s role as a link between Europe and Africa, drawing on its geostrategic location, expanding industrial base, port and logistics infrastructure, and openness to international markets.
Participants also noted that Morocco’s integration into the African Continental Free Trade Area, together with the Royal Atlantic Initiative, is opening new prospects for making the most of Africa’s economic opportunities, expanding trade within the continent and strengthening regional value chains.
Speaking at the event, Morocco’s ambassador to the United Kingdom, Hakim Hajoui, stressed the importance of seizing the opportunities offered by the enhanced strategic partnership between the two kingdoms to deepen economic complementarity, particularly in the maritime sector.
The ambassador called for a more inclusive approach based on mutual benefit, through encouraging joint investment in promising sectors, establishing innovative industrial partnerships and strengthening coordination on evolving regulatory frameworks. These efforts, he said, could help build supply chains that are more competitive and resilient.
The event also featured the presentation of The Oxford Handbook of the Moroccan Economy by Karim El Aynaoui, Executive President of the Policy Center for the New South. He co-edited the book with Arkebe Oqubay, former Ethiopian Minister of State and Special Adviser to the Prime Minister.
Published in 2026 by Oxford University Press, the volume brings together analyses of the transformation of Morocco’s economy, its industrialisation and its development prospects.
In his remarks, El Aynaoui outlined the key factors behind the resilience and performance of the Moroccan economy, particularly in the period following the COVID-19 pandemic.
Oqubay, in turn, discussed Morocco’s model of industrialisation and the lessons it offers for strengthening value-chain resilience and supporting development across Africa.
The roundtable brought together representatives of think tanks, policymakers, experts, and figures from the business and academic communities.
