By Ahmad Youssouf Ali

On the 27th anniversary of King Mohammed VI’s accession to the throne, Morocco’s Ambassador to Chad, Abdellatif Erroja, hosted a prestigious reception in N’Djamena on Thursday, July 30, 2026. The event drew key figures including the Secretary-General of Chad’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and African Integration, Mahamat Issa Zakaria, diplomatic corps representatives, and prominent local personalities.

Celebrating Morocco’s national heritage

Throne Day, observed annually on July 30, marks the anniversary of King Mohammed VI’s ascension in 1999. This year’s celebration in N’Djamena brought together government officials, ministers, parliamentarians, constitutional institution leaders, diplomats, and international organization representatives.

In his address, Ambassador Erroja emphasized the celebration’s significance, calling it “a profound expression of Morocco’s institutional and historical identity.” He highlighted July 30 as an opportunity to honor the nation’s foundations and acknowledge transformative progress achieved under King Mohammed VI’s leadership.

Morocco’s economic momentum

The Ambassador showcased Morocco’s robust economic indicators: 4.6% growth in Q1 2026, controlled inflation at 1.1%, and an 18.4% rise in agricultural value-added. The African Development Bank ranked Morocco as Africa’s top industrial power in May 2026, driven by competitive automotive, aeronautics, agro-industry, and renewable energy sectors.

Tourism continues to drive growth, with over 7.7 million visitors welcomed by May 2026, including 1.7 million in May alone. Casablanca Finance City climbed to 49th place in the Global Financial Centres Index, reflecting increased investor confidence.

With the 2030 World Cup co-hosted alongside Spain and Portugal, Morocco is investing heavily in modernizing sports, hospitality, airport, and highway infrastructure.

Diplomatic achievements on global stage

Ambassador Erroja praised Morocco’s diplomatic advancements, particularly UN Security Council Resolution 2797, which recognizes Moroccan autonomy as the sole basis for a lasting political solution in Western Sahara. October 31 was declared ‘Aïd Al Wahda’ (Unity Day) in recognition of this milestone.

Morocco’s African strategy emphasizes South-South cooperation, exemplified by the Africa-Atlantic Gas Pipeline project linking Nigeria to Morocco. The intergovernmental agreement was signed on July 19, 2026, during the Freetown summit by ECOWAS heads of state.

With over 1,600 cooperation agreements spanning diverse sectors, Morocco serves as a major training hub for African youth—training over 1,200 professionals in 2025—and stands as West Africa’s top investor and Africa’s second-largest continental investor.

Morocco-Chad partnership as model south-south cooperation

The Ambassador dedicated significant attention to Morocco-Chad relations, calling the partnership a model of South-South collaboration. Both nations collaborate extensively in higher education, healthcare, agriculture, livestock, housing, transport, energy, culture, vocational training, trade, and aviation.

Notable achievements include:

• Increased scholarships for Chadian students, rising to 250 for the current academic year from 150 previously, focusing on high-value fields
• The 2026 inauguration of N’Djamena’s Mohammed VI Mosque, a symbol of deep historical and spiritual ties
• Strengthened technical exchanges in health, urban planning, animal health, justice, vocational training, military cooperation, customs, anti-corruption, cybersecurity, and media
• The resumption of Royal Air Maroc’s direct Casablanca-N’Djamena route in September 2025, enhancing connectivity

Morocco maintains its position as Chad’s top African investor, thanks to strong private sector presence.

Vision for future growth with ‘Tchad Connexion 2030’

Ambassador Erroja praised Chad’s ‘Tchad Connexion 2030’ national development plan as a framework for high-value projects. He reaffirmed Morocco’s commitment to strengthening longstanding bilateral relations in line with the vision of King Mohammed VI and President Mahamat Idriss Déby Itno.

Gratitude to key contributors

In his closing remarks, the Ambassador expressed deep appreciation to individuals advancing bilateral relations, particularly First Counselor Hassan Bahadi, who is concluding his mission. He also honored Moroccan businesses, the Moroccan community in Chad, and organizations fostering human connections between the two nations, including the Chad Branch of the Mohammed VI Foundation of African Ulemas, the Association of Chadian Graduates and Friends of Morocco (ALTAM), and the Alumni Association of Moroccan University Hospital physicians.

Unlimited friendship and shared future

Concluding his speech, Ambassador Erroja reaffirmed the deep, enduring friendship between Morocco and Chad: “Our partnership with the land of Toumaï knows no limits. It is built on mutual trust, respect, and a shared commitment to delivering tangible, sustainable results that meet the aspirations of both our peoples.”