Morocco “invited” to join the BRICS, without even asking for it!
The BRICS Group (Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, Iran, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Ethiopia, and Argentina) is showing great interest in Morocco’s membership, according to statements made by Yuri Ushakov, Advisor to the Russian President for International Affairs, on Monday, December 23, 2024. During his interactions with the press, Yuri Ushakov revealed that Morocco is listed among 20 countries that might be invited to join this group.
Morocco: A Resilient and Strategic Economy
With its modern infrastructure and free trade agreements spanning five continents, Morocco positions itself as a vital gateway between Africa, Europe, and the Arab world. Its role as an economic and logistical hub reinforces its international stature and attracts the attention of major emerging powers.
The Tanger Med Port, one of the largest in Africa and the Mediterranean basin, perfectly illustrates these ambitions. Furthermore, Morocco, through the development of advanced industrial zones like the Mohammed VI Tangier Tech City, confirms its capacity to establish itself as a pivotal center for global trade.
A Major Geopolitical Asset
For Moscow and other BRICS members, integrating Morocco would represent a strategic masterstroke. Thanks to its political stability and membership in various international organizations, Morocco is a reliable and influential player. Its position in North Africa and its openness toward Europe make it an ideal partner for diversifying alliances and reducing dependence on Western institutions.
Pragmatic Diplomacy
Staying true to its diplomacy of pragmatism and discretion, Morocco has not publicly expressed explicit interest in joining BRICS. Some observers view this as a proactive strategy aimed at preserving historical relationships with its European and North American partners. Others interpret this stance as a negotiation tactic, allowing Rabat to maximize benefits without premature commitments.
However, the reality is that Morocco is asserting itself as a rising power that is both respected and listened to. This is evident in its role in African sustainable development initiatives, major energy projects, and its ability to attract foreign direct investments.
No Official Application Yet
So far, Morocco has not officially submitted a request to join BRICS+. During the most recent BRICS+ summit held in October 2024 in Kazan, Russia, Morocco was not among the 13 countries that were granted observer status within the group.
Observer status allows countries to participate in the group’s activities without being official members. However, Morocco’s absence from the list of observers does not mean it is withdrawing from the scene. On the contrary, the Kingdom has expressed its intention to strengthen its cooperation with this group of emerging nations, notably through its participation in ministerial and economic meetings organized by BRICS.
BRICS’ Interest in Morocco
Yuri Ushakov’s statement reignites BRICS’ interest in Morocco, confirming that the Kingdom holds clear appeal within the group. For Moscow, Morocco represents a strategic asset due to its unique geographic position – linking Africa, Europe, and the Arab world – and its resilient economic growth.
Some analysts believe this silence from Morocco is a clever strategy. Rabat may have chosen to keep its intentions vague to avoid polarizing the debate or upsetting its historical allies in Europe and North America. Others see this as a negotiation tactic, with Morocco weighing the opportunities and challenges posed by collaboration with a group as diverse as BRICS, which is marked by internal tensions and often divergent ambitions among its members.
BRICS’ Opportunities with Morocco
As BRICS seeks to reshape the balance of the global system, particularly reducing reliance on Western institutions, Morocco emerges as a partner capable of delivering considerable added value. With its modern infrastructure, free trade agreements, and role as an African hub, the Kingdom stands as a privileged gateway to a rapidly expanding continent.
