Morocco and Uganda have expressed interest in strengthening bilateral cooperation in areas of common interest. The two countries' foreign ministers, Nasser Bourita and Adonia Ayebare, met on the sidelines of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York. Their talks focused on deepening cooperation and supporting efforts benefiting the African continent.
During the meeting, Bourita congratulated Ayebare on his appointment as Uganda's Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation. The two diplomats exchanged views on regional and international issues of common interest. This meeting comes amid growing trade between Morocco and Uganda, with bilateral exchanges recording significant increases in recent years.
According to data from the Observatory of Economic Complexity (OEC), Morocco exported $22 million worth of goods to Uganda in 2024, up from $2.64 million in 2019. This represents an annualized growth rate of 52.9%. Morocco's main exports to Uganda in 2024 included documents of title, bonds, and unused stamps worth $16.1 million, followed by processed fish at $4.52 million and refined petroleum at $328,000.
Uganda's exports to Morocco also saw significant growth, reaching $70.5 million in 2024, compared with $20.7 million in 2019. This marks an annualized growth rate of 27.8%. Coffee accounted for almost all of Uganda's exports to Morocco, reaching $70.4 million in 2024. Uganda also exported chocolate worth $38,800 and packing bags worth $8,400.
The total recorded two-way trade between Morocco and Uganda was about $92.5 million in 2024. At the broader trade level, Morocco exported $63.3 billion in goods globally in 2024, ranking 54th worldwide, while Uganda recorded $8.89 billion in exports, ranking 108th.
The growing commercial exchanges between Morocco and Uganda come as Morocco continues to strengthen economic ties with African countries and expand cooperation across the continent. Morocco's efforts to enhance economic relationships with other African nations are part of its broader strategy to increase its presence in the region.
The meeting between Bourita and Ayebare demonstrates the commitment of both countries to fostering stronger bilateral relations. By exploring new avenues for cooperation, Morocco and Uganda aim to build on their growing trade relationship and promote mutual interests.
Key points
- Morocco and Uganda are seeking to strengthen bilateral cooperation in areas of common interest.
- Trade between Morocco and Uganda has increased significantly in recent years, with total recorded two-way trade reaching $92.5 million in 2024.
- The two countries' growing commercial exchanges come as Morocco continues to strengthen economic ties with African countries and expand cooperation across the continent.
