Analysis of Trade Relations Between Morocco and Anglophone African Countries: Economic Perspectives and Dynamics

Abstract

Trade relations between Morocco and English-speaking African countries play a fundamental role in regional economic integration and the diversification of Morocco's trade. These partnerships reflect Morocco's ambitions to strengthen its presence in sub-Saharan Africa.

This study examines these relationships, focusing on sectoral dynamics and trade indices. The main objective is to assess the intensity of trade, trade complementarities, and revealed comparative advantages (RCAs) across a panel of 17 English-speaking African countries. The methodology relies on a quantitative analysis of the indices IIC, IC, and RCA, allowing the identification of significant sectoral and geographical trends.

The results show that bilateral agreements significantly enhance trade intensity, particularly in the agricultural and industrial materials sectors, while weak or null indices for certain countries (such as Eritrea and Lesotho) reflect a lack of structured trade relations. Sectoral complementarities reveal untapped opportunities, especially in fertilizers and infrastructure.

However, the study is limited by the lack of comprehensive data for some countries and the exclusion of recent political and economic fluctuations. These findings provide insights for strengthening trade policies and promoting more effective economic integration between Morocco and English-speaking African countries..

Keywords: International trade, South-South Cooperation, Regional integration, Comparative  advantages, Trade complementarity.

JEL classification: F50

Paper Type: Empirical Research