Morocco and the Development of a Navy: A Strategy to Secure Maritime Routes on the West African Coast 🇲🇦

In a global context marked by increasing maritime threats, such as piracy, terrorism, and illegal trafficking, Morocco is uniquely positioned to play a leadership role in securing maritime routes along the West African coast. With its strategic geographic location, economic growth, and diplomatic ambitions, the Kingdom could transform its navy into a key player in regional stability and global trade.

1. The Importance of Maritime Routes for Morocco

Maritime routes along the West African coast are vital for global trade. The Strait of Gibraltar, through which approximately 20% of global maritime trade passes, is a crucial artery connecting Europe, Africa, and the Americas. Additionally, coastal routes along West Africa are rich in natural resources and essential for commercial exchanges.

For Morocco, these routes are directly linked to strategic economic assets like the Tanger-Med port, Africa’s largest, which serves as a logistics hub connecting the continent to the rest of the world. However, these routes face growing threats from illegal activities: in 2023, the International Maritime Bureau reported a resurgence of piracy in the Gulf of Guinea, located south of the region.

2. Why Morocco Must Strengthen its Navy

Securing Economic Interests

Maritime trade represents a critical component of Morocco’s economy. A strengthened navy would enable the Kingdom to protect its Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZs), especially given the promising prospects of offshore hydrocarbon exploitation. This would also boost foreign investor confidence in Moroccan infrastructure.

Regional Leadership

By developing a capable navy, Morocco could become a central player in addressing maritime threats in Africa. This would enhance its status as a regional power and allow it to wield greater diplomatic influence within international organizations.

Regional Stability

Maritime security in the region cannot be ensured by a single country. By actively participating, Morocco could collaborate with other African nations to form a coalition capable of addressing security challenges effectively.

3. Key Steps to Develop Morocco's Navy

Modernization and Acquisition

Developing a capable navy requires significant investments:

• Acquisition of Modern Ships: Morocco could procure frigates, corvettes, and patrol vessels suitable for coastal surveillance and rapid interventions.
• Advanced Technology: Integrating maritime drones and satellite surveillance systems to monitor sensitive maritime zones.
• Submarine Development: A submarine fleet would address covert threats and enhance deterrence.

Training and Human Resources

• Naval Academies: Establishing modern academies to train highly skilled officers and sailors is essential.
• Exchange Programs: Collaborations with the navies of the United States, France, and Israel could accelerate capacity building.

Strengthening Strategic Alliances

• Bilateral Cooperation: Morocco could leverage its strong relations with partners like the European Union and the United States for technology transfers and joint exercises.
• Participation in Regional Initiatives: The kingdom can strengthen regional alliances, such as with ECOWAS and NATO to coordinate maritime security efforts.

4. Morocco’s Role in Regional Maritime Security

A Key Player in Africa

Morocco can leverage its leadership in Africa, already evident in its diplomatic and economic efforts, to act as a pivot in securing maritime routes. By supporting local initiatives, such as training African navies, the Kingdom can solidify its influence.

Protecting Regional Infrastructure

Moroccan ports such as Tanger-Med, Casablanca, and Dakhla are critical links in the global logistics chain. A capable navy would ensure their protection against external threats.

5. Economic and Strategic Opportunities

Boosting the Blue Economy

Investing in a modern navy could stimulate Morocco’s shipbuilding industry and encourage research and innovation in related sectors.

Diplomacy and Influence

A strong navy would allow Morocco to enhance its leverage in international negotiations, whether in economic partnerships or security agreements.

6. Challenges and Solutions

Challenges

• Investment Costs: Developing a modern navy requires massive investments, both for acquiring equipment and training personnel.
• Regional Coordination: Securing maritime routes necessitates close cooperation with neighboring countries, some of which are politically unstable.

Solutions

• International Funding: Morocco could benefit from international funds and grants, particularly from the European Union and organizations like the UN.
• Collaborative Approach: Strengthening regional alliances, such as with ECOWAS, to coordinate maritime security efforts.

Conclusion

By developing a modern navy, Morocco has a unique opportunity to position itself as a key player in maritime security in Africa. This would not only strengthen its economic and strategic interests but also enhance its regional and international leadership. The Kingdom stands at a crossroads: by turning this ambition into reality, it could secure its waters and play a central role in the prosperity of an entire continent.

Aïssa Christophe Agostini

Founder & CEO

Prosper Atlas

prosperatlas.com

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