By Achich Kholoud/ Fajraoui Nourhouda/Department of Research, Strategic Studies and International Relations 04-10-2024

Introduction

        The New Silk Road, launched by China in 2013, aims to enhance trade and infrastructure connections linking Asia, Europe, and Africa. The Maghreb holds a key strategic position in this initiative as a bridge region between these three continents.

With its proximity to Europe and important ports like Tanger Med in Morocco, the Maghreb can play a central role in facilitating maritime trade.

Additionally, Algeria’s energy resources and the growing economic partnerships with China further underscore the region’s importance in achieving the objectives of the Belt and Road Initiative.

 How can the Maghreb effectively leverage its strategic geographical position within the Belt and Road Initiative to maximise economic benefits, while addressing the challenges of debt dependency, geopolitical competition, and sustainable development?

The Maghreb: a key Geostrategic position in the BRI

   The Maghreb holds a strategic crossroads position between Europe and Africa, making it a critical hub for trade and geopolitical dynamics between these two continents. Located near the Mediterranean Sea and the Strait of Gibraltar, the region enjoys direct connectivity with Europe while serving as a natural gateway to Africa, a continent experiencing rapid economic growth. Infrastructure such as Tanger Med Port in Morocco strengthens this role, acting as a key maritime hub for trade between European and African markets.

Within the framework of China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), this crossroads position gains even greater geopolitical importance. The Maghreb, with its transportation networks, energy resources, and proximity to major markets, becomes essential in facilitating exchanges between Asia, Europe, and Africa, thus solidifying its role as a gateway for modern global trade routes.

The role of infrastructure

  In the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), infrastructure plays a crucial role as the foundation for enhancing economic and trade connectivity among participating countries. Key infrastructure projects, such as roads, railways, ports, and airports, facilitate international trade by improving supply chain efficiency and reducing logistics costs. The initiative aims to strengthen regional connectivity, integrating developing and developed economies into a global network.

 By investing in infrastructure, the BRI stimulates economic and social development in host countries, creating jobs and enhancing living conditions.

Additionally, it allows China to access vital natural resources through pipelines and transport networks, bolstering its economic growth. Furthermore, these infrastructure investments enhance China’s geopolitical influence by establishing economic and diplomatic ties with partner nations.

Lastly, the BRI incorporates sustainable infrastructure initiatives, promoting green technologies and addressing environmental concerns. Overall, infrastructure is at the heart of the BRI, serving as a catalyst for trade, economic development, and geopolitical strategy while raising important questions about sustainability and economic dependency.

Logistics and Commercial Cooperation

      Logistics and commercial cooperation are key pillars of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), driving global trade and economic integration. The development of logistics infrastructure—such as ports, railways, and highways—helps streamline supply chains, reducing transit times and costs, and enabling faster movement of goods across continents.

This facilitates trade flows and opens new markets, while regional cooperation through joint logistics ventures and harmonized regulations enhances cross-border efficiency. The BRI also supports the rise of e-commerce by investing in digital infrastructure, improving the speed and transparency of online trade.

Furthermore, commercial cooperation under the BRI fosters partnerships between Chinese and local businesses, promoting knowledge transfer and strengthening industries. Overall, by enhancing logistics and promoting commercial collaboration, the BRI aims to reshape global trade and deepen economic ties across Asia, Europe, and Africa.

Economic and Geopolitical Challenges for the Maghreb Countries

    The Maghreb region, comprising Algeria, Morocco, Tunisia, Libya, and Mauritania, faces significant economic and geopolitical challenges that complicate its integration and cooperation. Political tensions and historical rivalries, particularly between Algeria and Morocco due to disputes like the Western Sahara conflict, impede regional collaboration and create an environment of mistrust.

 Additionally, the economic disparities among Maghreb nations, characterized by different levels of development and resource endowments, complicate efforts to establish a unified economic framework.

 These disparities are exacerbated by trade barriers, inadequate infrastructure connectivity, and a lack of robust regional institutions that could facilitate cooperation and integration. Furthermore, the growing influence of external powers, particularly China and Europe, adds another layer of complexity.

 While the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) has positioned China as a key investor in the region, offering opportunities in infrastructure and energy, it also raises concerns about debt dependency and the risk of “debt-trap diplomacy.” Conversely, Europe plays a crucial role in security cooperation, technology transfer, and investment, which can further complicate the geopolitical landscape.

As the Maghreb navigates these challenges, it must balance its relationships with these global powers while addressing internal divisions and fostering a more cohesive regional identity.

 Perspectives for the Future: Toward a Regional Integration Reinforced or at Risk of Fragmentation

      Looking ahead, the Maghreb region stands at a crossroads, where the potential for reinforced regional integration coexists with the risk of fragmentation. Engaging with both China and Europe provides Maghreb countries with opportunities to diversify their trade relationships, leverage their geographic position, and enhance their role as a strategic trade hub.

Collaborative projects with both powers could serve as catalysts for greater economic cooperation and infrastructure development, fostering deeper ties among Maghreb countries themselves. However, this strategic balancing act is fraught with challenges, as differing interests and priorities may lead to increased competition rather than collaboration.

Additionally, the region’s historical rivalries and nationalistic tendencies may hinder efforts to forge a united front in pursuing common goals. As countries like Algeria and Morocco continue to navigate their complex relationship, the potential for economic growth must be tempered with a focus on fostering regional stability and cohesion.

If managed well, the Maghreb could unlock significant economic benefits, strengthen its regional identity, and enhance its standing in the international arena. Yet, if political tensions and economic disparities remain unaddressed, the region risks falling into further fragmentation, undermining its potential for meaningful integration and cooperation in a rapidly changing geopolitical landscape.

     Conclusion:

  In conclusion, the Maghreb region stands at a pivotal crossroads between China and Europe, presenting both opportunities and challenges in the context of the New Silk Road. Engagement with these powers can drive investment, infrastructure development, and economic diversification, enhancing the region’s global position. However, political tensions, historical rivalries, and economic disparities threaten regional integration.

 To capitalize on its strategic location, the Maghreb must prioritize dialogue and collaboration while managing risks such as debt dependency on Chinese investments. By addressing internal divisions and leveraging its strengths, the Maghreb can turn challenges into opportunities for enhanced cooperation, ultimately securing a prosperous future as a vital link between China and Europe in an interconnected world.