Morocco is actively pursuing membership in the BRICS group, signaling its growing ambitions on the global economic stage. At the same time, its automotive industry is making headlines, especially with the recent assembly of the Fiat Doblo by Algeria, which relies heavily on Moroccan-made parts.
On December 24, 2024, Algeria celebrated the assembly of its first vehicle, the Fiat Doblo. To the surprise of many, and especially the Algerians themselves, approximately 98% of the components used to build the car were manufactured in Morocco, which all bear the "Made in Morocco" label. This has sparked discussions within Algerian media and among local activists, especially with the increasing demand for the Fiat Doblo.
Walid Kabir, an Algerian activist, reacted critically to this development, sarcastically remarking on Algeria's celebration of what he deems Moroccan success. He stated, "They think they are the guardians of Morocco! Make one part yourself first and then ban the Italians from importing parts from Morocco." Kabir derogatorily labeled the Algerian regime as "the demon of North Africa," highlighting the tensions surrounding the situation.
Interestingly, the backdrop of this automotive development plays against Morocco's impressive progress within the sector. Morocco has established itself as the largest auto producer on the African continent and ranks third worldwide, following India and China, when it come to competitiveness within the automotive industry. It boasts over 250 factories dedicated to vehicle production, generating more than 700,000 vehicles yearly for export to over seventy countries. This success has created jobs for nearly 250,000 individuals across the nation.
Conversely, Algeria is now contending with the realization of its heavy reliance on Moroccan industry. Recently, Algerian authorities have imposed new conditions on the sales of the Fiat Doblo because of its reliance on Moroccan parts for assembly. This situation raises questions about the future of Algeria's automotive industry and the practicality of its isolationist policies.
Fast forward to December 25, 2024, reports emerged about Morocco being one of more than twenty countries expressing interest in joining the BRICS group—a political and economic alliance comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa. The announcement was made during a press conference by Yuri Oushakov, international affairs advisor to the Russian president. This coalition seeks to strengthen ties and expand their influence, welcoming new partnerships as they prepare to solidify their international presence.
At the recent summit held in Kazan, it was agreed upon to create "a new category of partners" to engage at high levels of discourse and contribute significantly to policy documentation. Morocco's strong relationships with Russia and its fast-developing global role make it well-positioned to benefit from joining this group. The potential for Morocco to host various BRICS meetings enhances its diplomatic leverage moving forward.
Morocco's automotive industry, characterized by rapid expansion and international competitiveness, aligns with its ambitions within BRICS and could significantly boost its position within the global economy. The country's commitment to enhancing its infrastructure and production capabilities attests to its forward-looking strategy.
The inquiry over Algeria's recent automotive initiatives serves as both a reflection and critique of the country's progress and dependence on its neighbor. Analysts view Morocco’s automotive triumphs and aspirations to join BRICS as interconnected aspects of its efforts to solidify its status not only on the African continent but also within the broader spectrum of international relations.
While Morocco is riding high on its automotive success, Algeria's reality check may influence regional dynamics as both countries navigate their socio-economic programs and international networks. The shifting tides of power, particularly concerning economic collaborations and partnerships, will remain pivotal as the world watches Morocco's next moves.
Overall, the convergence of Morocco's automotive success and its intentions to engage with BRICS encapsulates the ambitious vision the nation holds for its future. The intersection of geopolitics and industry is set to become increasingly complex and will likely redefine inter-country relationships as Morocco asserts itself on the world stage.
