Morocco\u2019s infrastructure model could play a central role in strengthening Africa\u2019s economic resilience as countries seek to build integrated industrial ecosystems and reduce dependence on external markets, according to Africa Finance Corporation Chief Economist Dr. Rita Babihuga-Nsanze.<\/p>\n
In an interview, Babihuga-Nsanze said Africa\u2019s future resilience depends on producing more of what it consumes, processing more of its natural resources domestically, and financing development with local capital. She argued that industrialization has become an economic necessity rather than simply a long-term development objective, helping African economies withstand global shocks while strengthening trade balances.<\/p>\n
The economist noted that Africa continues to export raw materials such as iron ore and natural gas while importing higher-value products including steel and fertilizers. At the same time, imports of steel-intensive manufactured goods from Asia expanded significantly in 2025, pushing the continent\u2019s trade deficit with China beyond $60 billion.<\/p>\n
She also emphasized that Africa already possesses more than $4 trillion in domestic savings. The challenge, she said, is directing those financial resources toward productive long-term investments instead of concentrating them in short-term government securities. Stronger capital markets and investment mechanisms would reduce reliance on increasingly volatile external financing.<\/p>\n
Babihuga-Nsanze described economic resilience as the ability of countries to define priorities, finance projects, and execute development strategies on their own terms. Regional cooperation through integrated transport corridors, power pools, and industrial value chains, she added, strengthens economies against external disruptions.<\/p>\n
The economist said Africa\u2019s infrastructure challenge has evolved from building individual assets to creating interconnected systems. According to the Africa Finance Corporation\u2019s 2026 State of Africa\u2019s Infrastructure Report, future investments should connect energy, transport, industry, and finance into integrated regional ecosystems that support production, trade, and investment.<\/p>\n
She stressed that expanding electricity generation alone is insufficient. Countries also need transmission networks, cross-border interconnections, energy storage, and regional electricity markets to ensure power reaches industries and neighboring economies. Recent global energy disruptions exposed Africa\u2019s dependence on imported refined fuels and fertilizers despite abundant oil and gas reserves, reinforcing the need for downstream industrial development.<\/p>\n
Transport infrastructure should follow the same integrated approach. Railways, ports, and logistics corridors should connect mines, industrial zones, agricultural production, and processing facilities while supporting trade under the African Continental Free Trade Area.<\/p>\n
Babihuga-Nsanze explained that the Africa Finance Corporation focuses on making large infrastructure projects financially viable by structuring investments, providing early capital, and attracting additional financing once projects become bankable. She highlighted the Lobito Corridor linking Zambia and Angola and Djibouti\u2019s Ghoubet Wind Farm as examples of projects that demonstrate the corporation\u2019s approach to regional development.<\/p>\n
She added that the organization also invests in long-term industrial platforms such as Infinity Power and ARISE Integrated Industrial Platforms while producing research that helps governments and investors identify strategic investment opportunities across Africa.<\/p>\n
Turning to Morocco, Babihuga-Nsanze described the country as one of Africa\u2019s strongest examples of integrated infrastructure planning. She said Morocco has developed ports, railways, industrial zones, and energy infrastructure as interconnected components of a broader national industrial strategy rather than as isolated projects.<\/p>\n
She pointed to Morocco\u2019s phosphate sector as a key competitive advantage. Holding roughly two-thirds of global phosphate reserves and ranking as the world\u2019s second-largest producer, the country supplies fertilizers, phosphoric acid, and related products to markets across West, East, and Southern Africa.<\/p>\n
The economist identified Jorf Lasfar as a model industrial platform that combines mining operations, railway infrastructure, a deep-water port, and downstream manufacturing. She also noted Morocco\u2019s expansion into lithium iron phosphate cathode production, building on its phosphate resources to support the growing battery industry.<\/p>\n
According to Babihuga-Nsanze, Morocco\u2019s position between Europe and Africa has also attracted major automotive manufacturers alongside Asian battery-material companies, reinforcing the country\u2019s role as a bridge between regional and international supply chains. She cited Morocco\u2019s leading position in the Fraser Institute\u2019s 2024 mining investment attractiveness index as evidence that institutional quality remains a decisive factor for investors.<\/p>\n
She said Morocco\u2019s continued investment in fertilizer production, renewable energy, battery materials, and automotive manufacturing demonstrates how infrastructure, industrial policy, and natural resources can reinforce each other to create globally competitive industries. Regional initiatives such as the Nigeria-Morocco Gas Pipeline could further strengthen energy integration and industrial development across the continent.<\/p>\n
Despite global uncertainty, Babihuga-Nsanze expressed confidence in Africa\u2019s long-term prospects, citing population growth, rapid urbanization, and increasing demand for electricity, steel, and fertilizers as structural drivers of future expansion.<\/p>\n
For Morocco, she identified three priorities for sustaining growth: moving further up the phosphate value chain into fertilizers and battery materials, integrating water and energy planning as desalination capacity expands, and investing in workforce skills to prepare young people for emerging industries.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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