On Friday, the French Finance Minister, Bruno Le Maire, declared that France is willing to provide funding for a 3GW power line project that would link Casablanca and Dakhla in Morocco.
This action is part of France’s attempts to improve relations with Morocco, especially because of the most recent events in the Western Sahara. Morocco’s authority over the area has evolved as France’s position has evolved. Le Maire’s remarks are consistent with the previous endorsement of Morocco’s investments in Western Sahara by French Foreign Minister Stephane Sejourne, as well as his readiness to support Rabat’s proposal for autonomy.
France is interested in working with Morocco on renewable energy projects, such as solar, wind, green hydrogen, and nuclear power, in addition to the power cable project. Le Maire also stated how France is helping Morocco’s OCP Group with its decarbonisation efforts by providing a €350 million loan through the French development agency AFD.
Even though France is the country that invests in Morocco more than any other country, Morocco’s sovereignty over Western Sahara has not yet been formally recognised. However, French officials have consistently expressed interest in supporting Morocco’s development in the region.
