Addis Ababa, November 9, 2026 (FMC) – Strengthening cooperation between Ethiopia and Morocco through shared development experiences, investment in human capital, regional stability and South-South collaboration offers opportunities to advance their respective national development priorities and contribute to Africa’s wider progress, a Moroccan youth leader has emphasized.
Dr. Limam Boussif, President of the Youth Pioneer Organization from Morocco’s southern provinces, made the observation in an exclusive interview with Fana Media Corporation on the sidelines of the Second African Political Party Summit in Addis Ababa.
He pointed to the development changes experienced by both Ethiopia and Morocco over the past 10 to 15 years, expressing confidence that the two countries could learn from each other’s experiences and build on their respective progress in the years ahead.
His remarks placed particular emphasis on the value of exchanging development approaches, strengthening investment in people and expanding cooperation among African countries rather than treating national development as an isolated undertaking.
For Ethiopia, such an approach speaks to the importance of building partnerships with African countries around practical areas of mutual interest, including human capital development, investment, knowledge-sharing and regional cooperation.
Boussif argued that Africa’s young and educated population represents a major asset, but that the continent must invest more deliberately in its people and give them meaningful opportunities to participate in decision-making.
He stressed that young Africans need access to quality education, opportunities to develop their capabilities and the space to contribute to shaping national and continental priorities. He also highlighted the importance of preparing the younger generation to engage with emerging technologies, particularly artificial intelligence, and compete in a rapidly changing global environment.
The Moroccan youth leader further connected development prospects with peace and stability, arguing that armed conflicts divert attention and resources from the priorities needed to improve people’s lives.
He emphasized mediation, political will and regional cooperation as important elements in addressing conflicts, maintaining stability and creating conditions conducive to development.
His argument is particularly relevant to the broader African development agenda, where economic cooperation, stability and investment in human capital are closely interconnected. For Ethiopia, strengthening engagement with African partners around these priorities can contribute to a wider framework of cooperation based on shared interests and development aspirations.
Boussif also underscored the importance of South-South cooperation, arguing that countries should learn from one another and work toward greater equality in international relations. He identified environmental protection and combating pollution among the areas requiring collective attention.
He further noted that political participation should not be reduced to voting and selecting representatives. Citizens, particularly young people, should also have opportunities to contribute to policymaking and influence decisions affecting future generations.
Reflecting on Addis Ababa’s continental significance, Boussif noted that Ethiopia’s capital is not only hosting African political gatherings but also serves as the seat of the African Union. He described the city as an important place for advancing discussions on human rights and the continent’s future.
The Second African Political Party Summit, held in Addis Ababa from November 5 to 7 under the theme “Governing for Growth: Political Parties as Architects of Africa’s Economic Future,” brought together political parties and stakeholders from across Africa to discuss governance, development and the role of political institutions in shaping the continent’s future.
Boussif’s reflections point to the potential for Ethiopia and Morocco to deepen mutual understanding and draw practical lessons from each other’s development experiences, while contributing to a wider African agenda centred on human capital, peace, environmental protection and cooperation.