Morocco and DRC Build Economic Partnership at AFCON 2025

Two African nations are proving that the continent's future lies in working together, not waiting for outside help.

During AFCON 2025 in Morocco, leaders from the Democratic Republic of Congo and Morocco signed partnership agreements designed to boost trade and investment between their countries. The gathering brought together business leaders, government officials, and young entrepreneurs from across Africa, all focused on one goal: turning conversations into real economic action.

The timing matters. Currently, African countries account for just 3% of global trade, despite the continent's vast resources and growing population. The DRC and Morocco believe they have the formula to change that through what they call complementary strengths.

The DRC brings strategic minerals, agricultural potential, and a market of 90 million people spread across a territory that borders nine countries. Morocco offers something equally valuable: proven logistics systems, institutional experience, and a track record of completing major infrastructure projects on tight deadlines. Together, the partnership pairs resources with execution capability.

Moroccan business leader Bouthayna Iraqui shared lessons from her country's economic transformation. She pointed to three pillars that attract investment: political stability, controlled inflation, and strong governance. Morocco's efforts to reduce bureaucracy and corruption have built investor confidence, leading to more jobs and opportunity.

The DRC highlighted its own untapped potential, particularly in tourism. With exceptional biodiversity and its central location on the continent, the country sees sustainable tourism as a major economic driver waiting to happen.

The Ripple Effect

The partnership goes beyond government agreements. Leaders emphasized that small and medium businesses create about 80% of Morocco's jobs, and cooperation should include entrepreneurs at every level. Young African leaders took center stage too, with 100 emerging leaders from across the continent receiving recognition for their impact and potential.

Dr. Nizar Chaari, founder of EPIK Leaders, captured the evening's spirit perfectly. "Africa's wealth has long been said to lie beneath its soil," he said. "In reality, it is also cultivated in the minds of its youth."

The message from Rabat was clear: Africa doesn't need charity or empty promises. It needs strategic partnerships between nations willing to leverage their unique strengths for mutual benefit. With the DRC's resources and Morocco's systems working together, this partnership could serve as a model for the entire continent.

As one speaker put it, a cooperating Africa is an Africa that progresses.