Morocco’s Minister of Industry and Trade, Ryad Mezzour, met with Claver Gatete, United Nations assistant secretary-general and executive secretary of the UN Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA), on Friday in Rabat to discuss ways to strengthen cooperation and promote industrial development in Africa.
Mezzour and Gatete discussed the need to reinforce actions to build a stronger African industrial environment capable of supporting a more resilient and competitive economy, in line with common priorities. They also addressed progress on rules of origin, which are expected to be finalized soon, and the launch of Africa-wide value chains.
Speaking to the press after the meeting, Gatete highlighted the role of trade and industry in Africa’s economic development and welcomed Morocco’s active engagement in the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
The UN assistant secretary-general also pointed to Morocco’s achievements in areas such as the automotive industry, notably electric vehicles, as well as energy, technology, and AI, Morocco’s Press Agency (MAP) reported.
Gatete said his visit to Rabat is part of preparations for the 58th Conference of African Ministers of Finance (COM58), scheduled to take place in Tangier from March 28 to April 3.
The conference will examine emerging technologies and data through case studies inspired by Morocco’s experience. The event will also address major challenges such as domestic resource mobilization, high public debt in African countries, and climate change.