France and Morocco: Diplomatic Ties Warm Again

France and Morocco recently took clear steps to mend their relationship after a period of tension. A key breakthrough came with France’s public support for Morocco’s autonomy plan for Western Sahara. The plan proposes granting the region self-rule while keeping it under Moroccan sovereignty.

Morocco and the Polisario Front both claim Western Sahara, which has remained a flashpoint in North Africa for decades. By backing Morocco’s proposal, France aligns itself with a solution that enjoys the support of major international players, including the United States. French President Emmanuel Macron’s renewed focus on deeper collaboration with Morocco has further smoothed relations.  

The Western Sahara dispute also highlights France’s balancing act in North Africa. While France has strengthened ties with Morocco, its neighbour Algeria backs the Polisario Front, seeing it as the legitimate representative of the Sahrawi people. Algeria also plays a key role in France’s energy diversification plans, particularly as Europe seeks alternatives to Russian gas. These overlapping interests mean France must tread carefully in its dealings with both countries.  

Fixing Trade and Investment Hurdles  

Trade and investment form the backbone of France and Morocco’s relationship, but challenges remain.

The two countries enjoy strong economic links, with trade totalling over €14 billion in 2023, reports Morocco’s Ministry of Economy. France ranks as Morocco’s second-largest trading partner, behind Spain. Despite this, Morocco’s potential as an investment hub has yet to be fully realised. Unclear regulations and underdeveloped infrastructure often slow down foreign investments.  

French firms have shown growing interest in Morocco’s booming renewable energy and car manufacturing industries. The French Development Agency has pledged substantial funding for projects in solar power, wind farms, and urban transport systems. Yet, these investments are frequently bogged down by bureaucratic delays. For example, renewable energy projects in southern Morocco have faced hurdles due to slow permitting processes and land disputes. Both governments need to simplify legal frameworks and introduce mechanisms to ensure projects progress faster.  

French firms could also benefit from more local partnerships. Small and medium-sized Moroccan businesses have struggled to access funding or technical expertise, limiting their ability to collaborate with French companies. Strengthening these ties would open up fresh opportunities for both countries.  

Tackling Immigration Tensions  

Immigration policies have been a source of strain between Paris and Rabat in recent years. In 2021, France cut the number of visas issued to Moroccan citizens, citing Rabat’s refusal to accept its nationals who had overstayed in France. This decision sparked anger in Morocco, as many Moroccan families, students, and workers were impacted.  

Figures from the French Ministry of the Interior show that Moroccan nationals make up a significant share of skilled workers, students, and migrants seeking reunification with family members in France. Reducing visa quotas disrupted long-standing migration patterns and caused diplomatic rifts. In 2023, France reversed course by easing restrictions for Moroccan students. This marked a step towards rebuilding trust, but broader reforms are needed.  

Both countries would benefit from crafting fair and long-term agreements on migration. France, which faces labour shortages in sectors such as healthcare, construction, and engineering, could rely on Morocco as a source of skilled workers. For Morocco, allowing orderly migration would strengthen its ties with the diaspora while ensuring that labour mobility does not drain key talent needed for its own development.  

Boosting Cultural and Academic Links  

Cultural and educational ties have always played a key role in French-Moroccan relations. With shared history and the widespread use of French in Morocco, academic exchange programmes have flourished. However, such programmes need more support to keep pace with demand.  

Morocco’s Ministry of Higher Education has called for greater collaboration with French universities to bolster research and teaching. Current projects include language training and exchanges in fields such as engineering and technology, but funding shortfalls have held back wider efforts. Expanding scholarships and research grants could deepen academic partnerships and create opportunities for Moroccan students and researchers.  

Renewable energy also presents a ripe area for collaboration. Morocco’s ambitious target to generate 52% of its electricity from renewable sources by 2030 offers France a chance to lend expertise in nuclear and solar power. Joint research projects and technology transfers could yield long-term benefits for both countries while addressing global climate goals.  

Cultural links are equally important. Programmes promoting Moroccan art, film, and literature in France have strengthened people-to-people relations, while French cultural institutions in Morocco continue to draw large audiences. Expanding these initiatives could foster greater mutual understanding and goodwill.  

Balancing North African Diplomacy  

France’s efforts to rebuild ties with Morocco must also account for its broader strategy in North Africa. Algeria, Morocco’s rival, remains a critical partner for France, particularly in the energy sector. Tensions between Morocco and Algeria over Western Sahara and other regional issues create additional challenges for Paris.  

To maintain credibility as a mediator in the region, France must adopt a balanced approach. Supporting Morocco’s autonomy plan for Western Sahara has already tilted French policy towards Rabat, but Paris must avoid alienating Algeria. This will require carefully calibrated diplomacy and clear communication with both partners.  

A Path to Lasting Partnership  

The warming of relations between Paris and Rabat shows progress, but further steps are needed to ensure lasting gains. Streamlining trade and investment processes, agreeing on balanced migration policies, and boosting cultural ties will all be key to sustaining the partnership.  

France and Morocco must also build trust by delivering tangible results in areas of shared interest. Concrete actions, such as completing renewable energy projects or signing new academic agreements, would strengthen cooperation and set a foundation for future success. By taking practical steps, the two countries can ensure that their shared history and interests evolve into a stronger and more stable relationship.