An international conference celebrating the 60th anniversary of the establishment of relations between Morocco and Senegal opened its doors April 7, 2025 in Rabat. The meeting hosted political, diplomatic, economic, and academic figures.
Held under the High Patronage of His Majesty King Mohammed VI and the Senegalese President, Bassirou Diomaye Faye, is an initiative of (the Timbuktu Institute – African Center for Peace Studies), in partnership with the International University of Rabat and the Caisse de Dépôt et de Gestion.
In her opening statement, Ms. Amal Seghrouchni, Minister Delegate in charge of Digital Transition and Administrative Reform, highlighted the historical bonds between Morocco and Senegal, particularly on the cultural and human levels. She said: “this fraternity is ancient and runs in our veins.”
Speaking about the two countries’ ambitions in the digital field, Ms. Seghrouchni said that Rabat and Dakar wish to make Africa a major player in global governance in the field of artificial intelligence.
She also stressed that “Africa cannot remain a spectator to the regulations imposed by other powers in this field, but must have its say,” calling for a unified continental approach.
For her part, the Secretary General of the Caisse de Dépôt et de Gestion, Latifa Chahabi, said that the commemoration of the agreement is an opportunity to celebrate the institutional and human ties that unite the two countries.
After mentioning the cooperation between the Caisse de Dépôt et de Gestion and dozens of similar African funds, Ms. Chahabi said that this cooperation has been strengthened by the creation of an exchange and dialogue platform within the framework of the Deposit Funds Forum launched in 2011 in Marrakech.
She also gave an overview of the cooperation agreements signed between the Caisse de Dépôt et de Gestion and the Caisse des Dépôts et Consignations of Senegal in a number of strategic areas, including savings, finance, and investment, noting that the two funds play a role in promoting comprehensive and sustainable development.
For her part, the Ambassador of the Republic of Senegal to Morocco, Zeinabou Diallo, highlighted the historical and exceptional relations between Rabat and Dakar, stressing that “Morocco is like our second country, just as Senegal is the second country for Moroccans.”
The Senegalese diplomat highlighted the agreement establishing relations between Morocco and Senegal, which guarantees freedom of movement, access to public service, and freedom of residence in both countries.
The ambassador also called for adapting the agreement to contemporary challenges, highlighting the key role of communities in strengthening the spirit of fraternity between the two countries.
Noureddine Mouaddib, the President of the International University of Rabat , highlighted the ties between the university and Senegal, particularly through partnerships with Gaston Berger University in Saint-Louis, Cheikh Anta Diop University in Dakar, and the Fundamental Institute of Black Africa – Cheikh Anta Diop, among others.
Mr. Mouaddib said that “this dynamic must be a driving force for African scientific research,” calling on African actors to think collectively about the economic integration of the continent. He added the number of African students in2030, will be rising from 9 to 27 million students.
For his part, the Regional Director of the Timbuktu Research Institute in Dakar, Bakary Sambe, praised the exceptional relations between the two countries, rooted in a common history and a unified vision for the future of the African continent.
He also pointed out that the Rabat-Dakar axis is a lever for African integration, capable of inspiring the entire African continent, adding that the partnership between Morocco and Senegal embodies an exemplary harmony. Adding that in a changing global context, this alliance is necessary for African countries to respond on global issues.
