Your account has been succesfully created.

EN FR

Spotlight | Morocco
From defence to energy, Rabat and Paris struggle to turn announcements into reality

By Alexia Van Rij

Published on 05.02.2026 at 05:40 GMT. Updated on 05.02.2026 at 12:00 GMT Reading time 6 min

French President Emmanuel Macron and Moroccan King Mohammed VI in Rabat in October 2024. © MAP/EPA/MaxPPP

More than a year after Emmanuel Macron's state visit to the kingdom, cooperation between the two countries is faltering on several strategic fronts. The hesitant alliance between Engie and OCP Group, Veolia's missteps over its future desalination plant, and Naval Group's waning momentum in Morocco all bear this out.

This article is free

Create an account to read more

Do you want a free trial before subscribing?

create a free account

Morocco
Hyundai at the heart of trade negotiations between Rabat and Seoul

Morocco and South Korea have just begun talks with a view to reaching a free trade agreement. The aim is to enable one of the Asian powerhouse's leading industrial firms to optimise its production costs in the kingdom.

Subscribers only Business 22.06.2026

Morocco
National rail operator tries to get back on track after train delays

Morocco's national railway company approached the South Korean manufacturer Hyundai Rotem, which is renowned for its ‘zero delay’ policy, in an attempt to make up for the delay caused by the Spanish firm CAF. The company said it couldn't help.

Subscribers only Infrastructure 19.06.2026

Morocco
As royal visit hangs in the balance, Rabat and Paris map out agenda

After much hesitation, the authorities of both countries appear to have agreed on a high-level meeting between their prime ministers in mid 2026. Energy, defence, and the bilateral friendship treaty will be at the heart of discussions.

Subscribers only Diplomacy 21.05.2026

French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu and his Moroccan counterpart, Aziz Akhannouch.

Morocco
New French ambassador Philippe Lalliot prepares to take up post in Rabat

Christophe Lecourtier’s successor will officially take up his post at the end of May. He will mainly be responsible for setting up the bilateral friendship treaty between France and Morocco.

Subscribers only Diplomacy 07.05.2026

Morocco
French energy firm Voltalia mulls pulling the plug

The renewable energy firm owned by the uber-rich Mulliez family is so frustrated about delays affecting its solar and wind farm projects that it is contemplating leaving Morocco altogether.

Subscribers only Energy 27.04.2026

Morocco
Italian arms giant Leonardo seeks to restore standing in Rabat

The defence systems group is attempting to repair its reputation in Morocco as it vies for a new contract with the air force, in a relationship strained by past commercial and technical disputes.

Subscribers only Defence 24.04.2026

The Italian Air Force’s Leonardo M-346 Master advanced jet trainer.

Morocco
Rabat and Cairo's military support for Gulf states in face of Iran bombs

Riyadh and Abu Dhabi turned to their North African partners to help counter the threat posed by Iranian drones and missiles. A cooperation focused on defence and intelligence.

Subscribers only Defence 21.04.2026

Morocco
Rabat boosts UNESCO funding

In November, the kingdom lost a "friend of Morocco" at the helm of the UN agency for education, science and culture with the departure of Audrey Azoulay as director-general. Since then, Rabat has decided to increase its financial contribution.

Subscribers only Politics, Diplomacy 17.04.2026

In Focus | Morocco
In the king's shadow, Prince Moulay El Hassan's path to the throne

The crown prince is playing an increasingly important role in managing the kingdom's affairs. Nevertheless, the background to his rise remains shrouded in a mystery that is carefully maintained by King Mohammed VI, who is overseeing every stage of his apprenticeship.

Subscribers only Politics 13.04.2026

© Illustrated by Ezinne Osueke Photos: S. Bozon/AFP; Morrocan Press Agency/AFP; Handout/MAP/AFP; M. Cohen/AFP; Cegalerba-Szwemberg/Hemis/AFP

Morocco
Gulf crisis slows acquisition of Mirage 2000-9s

Morocco's purchase of several dozen Dassault Aviation fighter jets from the UAE has had Paris's seal of approval since 2024. But the resurgence of conflicts in the Middle East is further delaying the implementation of the agreement between Abu Dhabi and Rabat.

Subscribers only Defence 09.04.2026

The United Arab Emirates Air Force flies the Mirage 2000-9 at the Dubai Airshow, on 20 November 2025.

Morocco
Sofia ambassador forced to react to investigation into her driver

Zakia el-Midaoui, the Moroccan ambassador to Bulgaria, has contacted her superiors in Rabat following the revelation by a Bulgarian media outlet of a case involving her driver Mario Alexandrov.

Subscribers only Diplomacy 09.04.2026

Morocco
An insight into the events company behind Gitex Africa 2026

The sole shareholder in JetSet Travels & Event, the businessman behind the scenes of the organisation of the annual tech event first cut his teeth in transport and real estate, before attempting an unsuccessful foray into investment with Moroccan cybersecurity leader Alomra.

Subscribers only Business 06.04.2026

Morocco
Attijariwafa Bank eyes French start-up Mistral AI

The Moroccan bank is considering investing in the company, which launched an artificial intelligence model for financial firms in early March.

Subscribers only Business 24.03.2026

Morocco
Led by Prince Moulay Rachid allies, NBI Ressources struggles to establish itself as a mining player

A newcomer to the extractive sector, NBI Ressources is launching copper and lead projects. To achieve this, it has constituted a board of directors made up of close associates of King Mohammed VI's younger brother, Prince Moulay Rachid.

Subscribers only Mining 12.03.2026

Morocco
Servier pharmaceutical group seeks buyer for its assets

Present in the kingdom for thirty years through its local subsidiary, the French laboratory is seeking to sell its portfolio of medicines and its Nouaceur facility.

Subscribers only Business 09.03.2026

Morocco
Starlink struggles to make a connection with the kingdom

Since 2024, Elon Musk's satellite internet access provider has been trying in vain to get a foothold in Morocco. The SpaceX constellation faces stubborn resistance from Morocco's major telecommunications firms.

Subscribers only Business 05.03.2026

Spotlight | Morocco
French defence industry rallies to rekindle ties with Rabat

Assisted by a well-connected consultant, French diplomats and companies are attempting to present solutions that could increase investment in the kingdom in the long term.

Subscribers only Defence, Diplomacy 24.02.2026

An Arquus armoured vehicle parading on the Champs-Élysées in Paris on 14 July 2025.

Morocco
The expert committee working on the future friendship treaty with France

Rabat and Paris have set up a group of a dozen prominent figures aimed at making proposals for bilateral relations. This work is expected to result in a friendship treaty between the two countries, which would be concluded during Mohammed VI's state visit, still under discussion.

Subscribers only Diplomacy 19.02.2026

OCP Group CEO Mostafa Terrab and French President Emmanuel Macron in Rabat, on 30 October 2024.

Morocco
Intelligence-economy giant Adit poised to gain access to Choiseul Associates's contacts

Represented in Morocco since 2024 by its director Doha Lkasmi, Next Step Influence, French firm Adit's strategic influence agency, is expected shortly to be able to draw on Choiseul's well‑established networks in the country.

Subscribers only Business 16.02.2026

Morocco
OCP Group's new lobbyist in Washington

The CEO of OCP North America has registered as a lobbyist for another subsidiary, OCP Nutricrops, in Washington.

Subscribers only Business 13.02.2026

Morocco
After Germany, Xlinks works on France-Morocco power interconnection project

The company, which hoped to supply the United Kingdom from the Guelmim-Oued Noun region, has launched a French subsidiary which aims to link France and Morocco via a subsea cable.

Subscribers only Energy, Business 10.02.2026

Southern Africa
Business France organises a defence and cybersecurity forum in Gaborone

After showcasing French military industry companies in Pretoria in 2025, Business France is continuing its efforts with a second event in March, geared towards southern Africa.

Subscribers only Defence 09.02.2026

Morocco
Sustainable energy agency sends mixed signals to investors on green hydrogen

Negotiations are dragging on between the sustainable energy regulator, MASEN, and the five groups selected in March 2025 under the green hydrogen "Offre Maroc" platform. Planned for late January, the signing ceremony should finally take place on 5 February.

Subscribers only Energy 04.02.2026

Morocco
Parliamentary dialogue with Paris disrupted by the cost of French schools

With the French-speaking elite's unwavering fondness for French international schools, the increase in tuition fees at these institutions is taking on diplomatic proportions.

Subscribers only Diplomacy 02.02.2026

Morocco
Two new South Korean companies covet the Casablanca shipyard tender

While the issue of its concessionaire has been dragging on for several years, it is now the turn of port construction firms Hanwha Ocean and Samsung Heavy Industries to apply to operate the shipyard in the economic capital.

Subscribers only Infrastructure, Business 15.12.2025

Morocco
OCP and Fortescue's short-lived green hydrogen dream

The two firms had earmarked around $13bn for a green ammonia and hydrogen venture in southern Morocco. But the phosphate giant and the Australian miner have since abandoned their pact, leaving the door open for France's Engie.

Subscribers only Energy, Mining 12.12.2025

Morocco
EDF hoping to see light at end of the tunnel for Noor Midelt I power plant

The arrival in the kingdom of an official from the French group has given new impetus to the difficult negotiations with Rabat over the future solar power plant, on hold since 2019.

Subscribers only Energy 05.12.2025

Spotlight | Morocco
A thousand and one permutations for Mohammed VI's state visit to France

Rabat and Paris have taken a hard look at their diplomatic calendars and are refocusing on the commemoration of the 70th anniversary of 2 March 1956, marking the end of the French protectorate.

Subscribers only Diplomacy 03.12.2025

Emmanuel Macron and Mohammed VI arrive at the Royal Palace in Rabat for a state dinner on 29 October 2024.

Morocco
New cultural centre in Paris appoints management

The king's project for the French capital, which had been on hold for a long time, will finally come to fruition, with an inauguration planned in the coming months.

Subscribers only 04.11.2025

Spotlight | Morocco
Boeing once again flying high in Moroccan skies

The American aircraft manufacturer does not lack sharp elbows, which should help it cement its dominant position with Royal Air Maroc.

Subscribers only Business 28.05.2025

A Boeing 737 from Royal Air Maroc over Barcelona, Spain, January 2025.

Spotlight | Morocco
Rabat and Paris lay the groundwork for Mohammed VI's state visit

Seven months after President Emmanuel Macron's Moroccan trip, the two countries are planning King Mohammed VI's upcoming official visit to France.

Subscribers only Diplomacy 13.05.2025

Moroccan King Mohammed VI at the Elysée Palace in Paris, 10 April 2018.

Morocco
Royal Air Maroc and Airbus locked in tense negotiations

The Moroccan airline and the European manufacturer have almost reached an agreement on the number of aircraft to be delivered from 2028 onwards. But related issues are slowing down discussions.

Subscribers only Business 12.05.2025

Morocco
Engie readies right-hand man for OCP megaproject

Rik de Buyserie, Engie's former Australia manager, has arrived in Casablanca and, although negotiations are in the works that are likely to see him appointed as regional director, he has already taken up the reins of its collaboration with OCP Group.

Subscribers only Energy 09.05.2025

Morocco
OCP-Engie venture not quite cooking with gas

The Moroccan phosphate giant and French energy company teamed up last year to carry out feasibility studies. However, they still do not have a clear vision for their green hydrogen production plans.

Subscribers only Energy 05.05.2025

Mostafa Terrab at the OCP headquarters in Rabat, 30 October 2024.

Morocco
France's energy representatives to head for talks in south of kingdom

Emmanuel Macron's special correspondent for France's energy partnership with Morocco Gérard Mestrallet, will head to Ouarzazate on 23 April, accompanied by Industry and Energy Minister Marc Ferracci.

Subscribers only Energy 01.04.2025

Morocco
Intense discussions between Veolia and Rabat over desalinated water price

Heralded as one day being the continent's largest desalination plant, the station that Veolia is to build in the capital is still the subject of an ongoing debate between the French group and the Interior Ministry.

Subscribers only Energy 17.03.2025

Veolia CEO Estelle Brachlianoff in Paris, June 2022.

Spotlight | Morocco
Naval Group and TKMS vie to supply Rabat with submarines

The Moroccan navy wants to acquire two military submarines, prompting fierce competition between suppliers. France's Naval Group is lobbying Rabat hard, while Germany's ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems is also making its move.

Subscribers only Defence 27.02.2025

A Naval Group submarine at the naval base in Cherbourg, France, on 25 March 2023.

Spotlight | Morocco
Paris lobbies for green hydrogen mega-project with help from Driss Benhima

French company MGH Energy, backed by former Royal Air Maroc boss Driss Benhima, is pulling out all the stops to get the Moroccan renewable energy agency to approve a €5bn project to produce e-fuel in the disputed territory of Western Sahara.

Subscribers only Energy 28.10.2024

Former Royal Air Maroc CEO Driss Benhima, in June 2022.

Spotlight | Morocco
Airbus, Naval Group and Alstom eye big dividends from Macron's Rabat trip

As the French leader makes his first official visit to Morocco, his announcements will be keenly awaited by France's industrial giants, who are vying for a huge range of strategic projects.

Subscribers only Business 24.10.2024

Emmanuel Macron and Aziz Akhannouch during the 79th Session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York on 25 September 2024.

Morocco
What's on the agenda for Emmanuel Macron's state visit to Rabat?

The French president will visit Morocco from 28 to 30 October. He will be welcomed on arrival by King Mohammed VI, and will attend a state dinner at the royal palace the following day. He is also scheduled to address the Moroccan parliament and meet with the French community.

Subscribers only Diplomacy 22.10.2024

French president Emmanuel Macron with King Mohammed VI of Morocco in Rabat on 15 November 2018.

Morocco
Paris shifts its position on Western Sahara

France's U-turn on Western Sahara was personally supported by Mohammed VI and Emmanuel Macron, while the role of French diplomats and the king's foreign affairs adviser in the talks was decisive.

Subscribers only Diplomacy 02.08.2024

Morocco's King Mohammed VI attending a ceremony of allegiance to mark the 25th anniversary of his enthronement at the Tetouan palace on 30 July 2024.

Spotlight | Morocco
Moroccan air force helicopter contract pits Airbus against US and Italian firms

Airbus Helicopters is in pole position to sell several dozen transport and reconnaissance helicopters to Morocco's air force and its gendarmerie. But the competition is stiff, with the US firms Sikorsky and Bell and Italy's Leonardo keen to get a piece of the pie.

Subscribers only Defence, Diplomacy 15.09.2022

Text size

Once registered, you will be notified by a short message on your computer or mobile phone as soon as a new edition of our publication or an alert is published. Stay informed anytime, anywhere!

Ibrahim Traoré

Virtus Minerals

Paul Kagame

Savannah Energy

Denis Sassou-Nguesso

Spotlight | Morocco From defence to energy, Rabat and Paris struggle to turn announcements into reality

This article is free

Create an account to read more

create a free account

Related topics to this article

Read also

Morocco Hyundai at the heart of trade negotiations between Rabat and Seoul

Morocco National rail operator tries to get back on track after train delays

Morocco As royal visit hangs in the balance, Rabat and Paris map out agenda

Morocco New French ambassador Philippe Lalliot prepares to take up post in Rabat

Morocco French energy firm Voltalia mulls pulling the plug

Morocco Italian arms giant Leonardo seeks to restore standing in Rabat

Morocco Rabat and Cairo's military support for Gulf states in face of Iran bombs

Morocco Rabat boosts UNESCO funding

In Focus | Morocco In the king's shadow, Prince Moulay El Hassan's path to the throne

Morocco Gulf crisis slows acquisition of Mirage 2000-9s

Morocco Sofia ambassador forced to react to investigation into her driver

Morocco An insight into the events company behind Gitex Africa 2026

Morocco Attijariwafa Bank eyes French start-up Mistral AI

Morocco Led by Prince Moulay Rachid allies, NBI Ressources struggles to establish itself as a mining player

Morocco Servier pharmaceutical group seeks buyer for its assets

Morocco Starlink struggles to make a connection with the kingdom

Spotlight | Morocco French defence industry rallies to rekindle ties with Rabat

Morocco The expert committee working on the future friendship treaty with France

Morocco Intelligence-economy giant Adit poised to gain access to Choiseul Associates's contacts

Morocco OCP Group's new lobbyist in Washington

Morocco After Germany, Xlinks works on France-Morocco power interconnection project

Southern Africa Business France organises a defence and cybersecurity forum in Gaborone

Morocco Sustainable energy agency sends mixed signals to investors on green hydrogen

Morocco Parliamentary dialogue with Paris disrupted by the cost of French schools

Morocco Two new South Korean companies covet the Casablanca shipyard tender

Morocco OCP and Fortescue's short-lived green hydrogen dream

Morocco EDF hoping to see light at end of the tunnel for Noor Midelt I power plant

Spotlight | Morocco A thousand and one permutations for Mohammed VI's state visit to France

Morocco New cultural centre in Paris appoints management

Spotlight | Morocco Boeing once again flying high in Moroccan skies

Spotlight | Morocco Rabat and Paris lay the groundwork for Mohammed VI's state visit

Morocco Royal Air Maroc and Airbus locked in tense negotiations

Morocco Engie readies right-hand man for OCP megaproject

Morocco OCP-Engie venture not quite cooking with gas

Morocco France's energy representatives to head for talks in south of kingdom

Morocco Intense discussions between Veolia and Rabat over desalinated water price

Spotlight | Morocco Naval Group and TKMS vie to supply Rabat with submarines

Spotlight | Morocco Paris lobbies for green hydrogen mega-project with help from Driss Benhima

Spotlight | Morocco Airbus, Naval Group and Alstom eye big dividends from Macron's Rabat trip

Morocco What's on the agenda for Emmanuel Macron's state visit to Rabat?

Morocco Paris shifts its position on Western Sahara

Spotlight | Morocco Moroccan air force helicopter contract pits Airbus against US and Italian firms

About Africa Intelligence

Subscription

Africa Intelligence on social media

Indigo Publications' websites

Spotlight | Morocco
From defence to energy, Rabat and Paris struggle to turn announcements into reality

Morocco
Hyundai at the heart of trade negotiations between Rabat and Seoul

Morocco
National rail operator tries to get back on track after train delays

Morocco
As royal visit hangs in the balance, Rabat and Paris map out agenda

Morocco
New French ambassador Philippe Lalliot prepares to take up post in Rabat

Morocco
French energy firm Voltalia mulls pulling the plug

Morocco
Italian arms giant Leonardo seeks to restore standing in Rabat

Morocco
Rabat and Cairo's military support for Gulf states in face of Iran bombs

Morocco
Rabat boosts UNESCO funding

In Focus | Morocco
In the king's shadow, Prince Moulay El Hassan's path to the throne

Morocco
Gulf crisis slows acquisition of Mirage 2000-9s

Morocco
Sofia ambassador forced to react to investigation into her driver

Morocco
An insight into the events company behind Gitex Africa 2026

Morocco
Attijariwafa Bank eyes French start-up Mistral AI

Morocco
Led by Prince Moulay Rachid allies, NBI Ressources struggles to establish itself as a mining player

Morocco
Servier pharmaceutical group seeks buyer for its assets

Morocco
Starlink struggles to make a connection with the kingdom

Spotlight | Morocco
French defence industry rallies to rekindle ties with Rabat

Morocco
The expert committee working on the future friendship treaty with France

Morocco
Intelligence-economy giant Adit poised to gain access to Choiseul Associates's contacts

Morocco
OCP Group's new lobbyist in Washington

Morocco
After Germany, Xlinks works on France-Morocco power interconnection project

Southern Africa
Business France organises a defence and cybersecurity forum in Gaborone

Morocco
Sustainable energy agency sends mixed signals to investors on green hydrogen

Morocco
Parliamentary dialogue with Paris disrupted by the cost of French schools

Morocco
Two new South Korean companies covet the Casablanca shipyard tender

Morocco
OCP and Fortescue's short-lived green hydrogen dream

Morocco
EDF hoping to see light at end of the tunnel for Noor Midelt I power plant

Spotlight | Morocco
A thousand and one permutations for Mohammed VI's state visit to France

Morocco
New cultural centre in Paris appoints management

Spotlight | Morocco
Boeing once again flying high in Moroccan skies

Spotlight | Morocco
Rabat and Paris lay the groundwork for Mohammed VI's state visit

Morocco
Royal Air Maroc and Airbus locked in tense negotiations

Morocco
Engie readies right-hand man for OCP megaproject

Morocco
OCP-Engie venture not quite cooking with gas

Morocco
France's energy representatives to head for talks in south of kingdom

Morocco
Intense discussions between Veolia and Rabat over desalinated water price

Spotlight | Morocco
Naval Group and TKMS vie to supply Rabat with submarines

Spotlight | Morocco
Paris lobbies for green hydrogen mega-project with help from Driss Benhima

Spotlight | Morocco
Airbus, Naval Group and Alstom eye big dividends from Macron's Rabat trip

Morocco
What's on the agenda for Emmanuel Macron's state visit to Rabat?

Morocco
Paris shifts its position on Western Sahara

Spotlight | Morocco
Moroccan air force helicopter contract pits Airbus against US and Italian firms