Summary:

On 27 January 2026, Moroccan and Senegalese government officials and business leaders met in Casablanca for the Morocco–Senegal Economic Forum, underscoring the continued strength of bilateral economic cooperation despite recent tensions that emerged during the recent AFCON football matches played in Morocco. 

The forum, organized by the General Confederation of Moroccan Enterprises (CGEM), brought together Morocco’s Head of Government Aziz Akhannouch and Senegalese Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko to advance discussions on trade, investment, and joint projects. 

Participants reviewed existing economic ties, including the growth of Moroccan exports to Senegal, and examined opportunities aligned with Senegal’s long-term development strategy. Senegalese authorities also presented a pipeline of investment projects for the 2025–2029 period across multiple sectors, with both sides agreeing to pursue follow-up engagements to support implementation. 

Outlook: 

The Morocco-Senegal Economic Forum reflects Morocco’s ongoing efforts to expand its economic and strategic presence across Africa through partnerships and investment initiatives. Furthermore, this meeting and others like it confirms Morocco’s interest in attracting African trading partners amidst an unfolding competition with Algeria to become a major transit hub of intra-African trade. 

It also forms part of a broader approach to consolidate its regional position amid persistent tensions with Algeria over Western Sahara. The discussions illustrate Morocco’s pragmatic foreign policy of building multiple partnerships and maintaining influence in the region, which could support the expansion of its investment opportunities beyond its traditional markets. 

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