Africa's wealthiest king marks 27 years on the throne, but more people are leaving for Europe despite economic progress
King Mohammed VI marked 27 years on Morocco’s throne this week, presiding over a country that has become one of Africa’s leading centres for manufacturing, trade and investment, even as thousands of its citizens continued to risk dangerous crossings in search of opportunities in Europe.
Black News 
King Mohammed VI marked 27 years on Morocco’s throne this week, presiding over a country that has become one of Africa’s leading centres for manufacturing, trade and investment, even as thousands of its citizens continued to risk dangerous crossings in search of opportunities in Europe.
- King Mohammed VI marked 27 years on Morocco’s throne amid praise for the country’s economic growth and expanding global influence.
- The anniversary coincided with a mass migration crisis as tens of thousands of Moroccans crossed into Spain’s enclave Ceuta, straining local services and leaving dozens dead.
- The country has also bolstered its military capabilities, signing major defense agreements with the United States and other global partners.
- Despite economic advances, many Moroccans continue to face unemployment and inequality, leading to youth protests and ongoing migration pressures toward Europe.
Africa’s wealthiest monarch, King Mohammed VI, received praise from foreign leaders for Morocco’s economic progress and growing influence as he marked 27 years on the throne, shortly after the country overtook South Africa as the continent’s leading industrial economy.
However, the anniversary coincided with a mass migration surge into Ceuta, Spain’s territory on the North African coast, placing Madrid under pressure from other European capitals and drawing attention to the social challenges that remain despite Morocco’s economic gains.
The latest influx reflected a wider migration problem, with EU data showing about 275,000 cases of Moroccan citizens found irregularly present across the bloc between 2021 and 2025, including visa overstayers and possible repeat detections.
World Leaders Mark the Anniversary
Despite those domestic and regional pressures, Mohammed VI celebrated Throne Day at the Royal Palace in Tetouan, where congratulatory messages from kings and world leaders highlighted Morocco’s growing diplomatic reach.
Britain’s King Charles III, the Netherlands’ King Willem-Alexander, Belgium’s King Philippe, Sweden’s King Carl XVI Gustaf and Jordan’s King Abdullah II were among the monarchs who sent messages.
Oman’s Sultan Haitham bin Tarik, Bahrain’s King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman also congratulated him.
Elsewhere, messages came from Chinese President Xi Jinping, Russian President Vladimir Putin, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sissi and Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye.
Collectively, the messages reinforced the image of a monarch closely associated with Morocco’s economic transformation and expanding international influence.
Mohammed VI is widely regarded as Africa’s wealthiest king, with previous estimates placing his fortune at about $5.7 billion, largely linked to the royal family’s holdings in Al Mada.
From Slow Growth to an Industrial Hub
When Mohammed VI succeeded his father, King Hassan II, in 1999, Morocco had endured years of relatively weak growth.
At the time, the economy depended heavily on agriculture, tourism, phosphate exports and remittances from citizens abroad.
Industrial capacity remained limited, while unemployment and rural poverty continued to affect large parts of the population.
Since then, Morocco has invested heavily in ports, roads, high-speed rail, renewable energy and industrial zones.
Most notably, Tangier Med has developed into one of Africa’s leading ports, positioning Morocco as a logistics gateway linking the continent with Europe and global markets.
At the same time, the country has become a major automotive and aerospace manufacturing centre, attracting global companies to build factories and supplier networks because of its infrastructure, trade agreements and proximity to Europe.
As a result, Morocco’s per-capita gross domestic product has almost doubled since the late 1990s.
The economy grew by about 4.8% in 2025 and is expected to expand by about 4.4% in 2026, supported by agriculture and infrastructure investment.
Foreign direct investment inflows almost doubled to about $3.34 billion in 2025, partly driven by electric vehicles, battery manufacturing and clean-energy projects.
Expanding Military Influence
Alongside its industrial expansion, Morocco has strengthened its military position.
The country signed a 10-year defence cooperation roadmap with the United States covering 2026 to 2036.
Washington also approved possible sales of Stinger missiles worth $825 million and air-to-air missiles valued at more than $88 million.
In addition, Rabat has expanded military cooperation with Israel, France and Turkey while pursuing fighter aircraft, drones, missile systems and air-defence equipment.
Consequently, Morocco ranks among North Africa’s leading military powers, supported by record defence spending in 2025.
Economic Progress Meets Social Pressure
Despite Morocco’s economic gains, the benefits have not reached all citizens equally.
Youth-led protests erupted in September 2025 over unemployment, inequality and weaknesses in public health and education, with some demonstrations turning violent before the government promised dialogue and reforms.
The unrest highlighted the gap between Morocco’s industrial progress and the economic pressures facing many young people, an issue brought back into focus by the Ceuta crisis.
Morocco is now an automotive, aerospace, logistics and renewable-energy centre with greater influence across Africa and beyond.
Nevertheless, the scale of the migration surge suggested that many citizens remain unconvinced that the country’s economic progress is creating sufficient opportunities at home.
