Steven Hoefner, the Resident Representative of the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung, opened the session by emphasizing that this luncheon provided an opportunity to exchange perspectives following the recent election of the new African Union Commission in Addis Ababa. He highlighted the importance of examining current relations between Morocco and the AU in light of this institutional renewal.
Lukas Kupfernagel, Head of the KAS Office in Ethiopia and the African Union, then presented the key discussion points. He underlined the converging needs of Morocco and the AU, recalling that since its return in 2017, Morocco has established itself as a key player on the continent. He emphasized Morocco’s role as a bridge to Europe and as a strategic partner in South-South cooperation. Economically, Lukas praised Morocco’s position as one of the most developed African countries, thanks to its infrastructure, trade strength, and investments in renewable energy. He also underlined the importance of academic dialogue with West African countries on issues of regular and irregular migration, as well as Morocco’s ability to contribute to security, not only militarily but also in intelligence.
The debate continued on the role of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), identified as a major lever for strengthening economic integration. Lukas stressed Morocco’s advantageous position economically, geographically, and diplomatically, and the need for gradual regional engagement to consolidate the AfCFTA. He concluded by affirming that the AU needs Morocco and invited participants to share their insights on the topic.
Steven Hoefner then raised a question about the new AU Commission's vision and how European countries might support the implementation of Agenda 2063. Lukas Kupfernagel responded by noting that both African and European institutions are relatively young and that rebuilding trust is essential. He pointed out that the EU sometimes confuses its own structure with that of the AU, whereas the AU, concerned with safeguarding its member states' sovereignty, moves more cautiously and in a more fragmented manner. He suggested exploring cooperation areas beyond security, such as public health, vaccine production, and pandemic preparedness, drawing lessons from the Ebola crisis.
Steven Hoefner also brought up the Mauritanian presidency of the AU and asked about its performance. Lukas noted that the AU presidency remains largely symbolic, with limited decision-making power, while real influence lies with the Chairperson of the Commission.
Mehdi Rais, founding president of Diplomatic Bridge, shared his experience on central issues such as free movement, South-South cooperation, AfCFTA, and multi-level governance. He emphasized the importance of involving local institutions and strengthening regional cohesion. Regarding Morocco’s return to the AU, he highlighted Morocco’s strategy of acting as a unifying leader rather than a dominating force, illustrated by the Royal Atlantic Initiative. According to him, Morocco is strategically reinforcing its influence within the AU in a mutually beneficial interdependence.
Lukas agreed with this analysis and raised a question about the evolution of regional blocs, linking it to the waning influence of traditional African power centers, while new dynamics and alliances are beginning to take shape.
Moussa Mahamat Djibrine, a Master’s student in International Security at the International University of Rabat, addressed the Royal Initiative for the Sahel, stressing the need to boost intra-African trade and supply chains.
Julien Durand de Sanctis, a Political Science professor at the International University of Rabat, pointed out the lack of complementarity between formal and informal economies as a major obstacle to African integration. He emphasized the need to rethink the "integration software," meaning the tools and methods of cooperation between African states.
Steven Hoefner then addressed environmental issues, including the reduction of green spaces and climate-related disasters. He stressed the need for Africa to sustainably manage its natural resources by investing in renewable energies, while maintaining a realistic approach to climate commitments that are often ambitious but not always feasible.
The discussion also touched on infrastructure funded by external actors, such as China and Europe. Several participants stressed the importance of returning ownership of such projects to African control. Said Temsamani, international adviser to the Secretary-General of the Istiqlal Party, mentioned analyses from American think tanks observing a shift in Morocco’s Africa policy, now focused on defending the continent’s interests on the international stage within a new governance framework.
In closing remarks, Steven Hoefner and Lukas Kupfernagel commended Morocco’s trajectory in Africa. Lukas highlighted a security approach based on sharing and reiterated that Africa must remain in charge of its own development. Morocco, he concluded, is well positioned to actively contribute to strengthening the continent at a time when international actors are finally beginning to take Africa’s rising global role seriously.
