Morocco Strengthens Its Presence in Africa: Growing Military Cooperation with Ethiopia

26th April 2025

3 minutes read

Morocco Strengthens Its Presence in Africa: Growing Military Cooperation with Ethiopia

The visit of the Inspector General of Morocco’s Royal Armed Forces to Ethiopia, aimed at signing military agreements, fits into a broader vision led by Rabat to strengthen its presence in Africa by relying on soft power, as well as economic and security diplomacy, without neglecting the military and defense dimension.

Mohamed Berrid, Inspector General of Morocco’s Royal Armed Forces, met with Berhanu Jula, Chief of Staff of the Ethiopian Army, to discuss ways to develop and enhance military cooperation between the two countries during a meeting held in the Ethiopian capital, Addis Ababa.

This official visit confirms Morocco’s strategic approach to deepening ties with countries in the Horn of Africa, reflecting the Kingdom’s growing military and strategic influence on the continent, aligned with King Mohammed VI’s vision to consolidate Morocco’s presence in Africa.

The meeting, described as “positive and constructive,” addressed various aspects of military cooperation, including training, exchange of expertise, equipment maintenance, and defense technology.

It lays the groundwork for the signing of a bilateral military agreement in the near future, according to an official statement from Morocco’s Royal Armed Forces.

The four-day visit of the high-ranking Moroccan military official to Addis Ababa carries clear strategic significance, demonstrating Morocco’s determination to strengthen its African partnerships, especially with influential regional powers such as Ethiopia.

It falls within Rabat’s broader approach, combining economic diplomacy, soft power, and security cooperation, while affirming Morocco’s military role.

These efforts come at a time when Africa is witnessing increasing regional and international competition to expand influence, making military and defense alliances critical tools for maintaining an active presence and real impact.

In this context, the Moroccan army is seen as a model for modernizing African military institutions, leading several armies, including Ethiopia’s, to look towards Morocco’s experience for inspiration.

The Moroccan-Ethiopian cooperation also gains momentum due to the status now enjoyed by Morocco’s Royal Armed Forces across Africa.

In recent years, the Moroccan army has undergone a qualitative leap, acquiring advanced defense systems, expanding international partnerships in training and armament, and engaging in joint military programs with global partners.

The Moroccan military institution is now considered among the most professional and disciplined in Africa, thanks to a balanced policy combining internal development and external openness.

The Moroccan experience has attracted increasing attention from several African nations, who see in Rabat a trusted and experienced partner in fighting non-conventional threats like terrorism, cross-border crime, and cybersecurity—an area of particular concern for Ethiopia, which faces growing security challenges.

During his visit, Mohamed Berrid toured several Ethiopian military facilities, including the Information Network Security Department, the Artificial Intelligence Institute, Bishoftu Air Base, and the Ammunition Factory.

These visits reflect Ethiopia’s ambition to build advanced military capabilities, highlighting the importance of its partnership with Morocco, known for its technological and training expertise.

He also met with Ethiopia’s State Minister of Defense, Martha Luigi, emphasizing the importance of establishing a lasting and strategic military cooperation that goes beyond technical aspects to include planning, information sharing, and participation in training programs.

The Moroccan-Ethiopian rapprochement illustrates Morocco’s clear strategy of opening up to Sub-Saharan Africa and the Horn of Africa, part of King Mohammed VI’s vision to establish Morocco as a major actor and a trusted voice on security, stability, and development issues in Africa.

This approach has made Morocco a key player in African geopolitics, combining political stability, economic growth, and military readiness, positioning Rabat as a favored partner for many African countries, including Ethiopia, one of Africa’s largest and most geopolitically influential nations.

Military cooperation between Morocco and Ethiopia thus marks another step in Morocco’s growing presence in Africa, confirming that Rabat aims to be not just an economic or diplomatic actor but also a reliable security and defense partner.

Through steady progress and military professionalism, Morocco is reshaping Africa’s military influence maps, investing not just in force but in cooperation, trust, and shared interests.