In a significant development for international finance, the New Development Bank (NDB), the financial arm of the BRICS group, has expressed interest in welcoming Morocco as a member. This move signals the NDB’s ongoing efforts to expand its global reach and foster economic collaboration beyond its founding nations.
Understanding the BRICS and the NDB
Established in 2015 by Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, the BRICS group aimed to create a multipolar world order and reduce dependency on Western financial institutions. The NDB was conceived as a development bank to finance infrastructure and sustainable development projects in member countries. Since its inception, the NDB has approved over 122 projects, totaling approximately $39 billion in funding.
Morocco’s Strategic Importance
Morocco’s potential inclusion in the NDB is not surprising given its strategic geographical location, bridging Europe and Africa, and its growing economic influence in the region. The country has been proactive in establishing strong bilateral relations with several BRICS nations, notably China, India, and Russia. Morocco’s stable political environment, progressive economic reforms, and commitment to sustainable development make it an attractive candidate for NDB membership.
The First Official Visit
In May 2025, the NDB made its first official visit to Morocco, attending a forum in Rabat focused on sustainable public procurement. Anand Kumar Srivastava, the NDB’s Chief Operating Officer, highlighted the bank’s interest in expanding its membership and expressed hope that Morocco would consider joining. He emphasized that the path to membership begins with a formal expression of interest, followed by an approval process and a capital contribution.
Potential Benefits for Morocco
Joining the NDB could offer Morocco several advantages:
- Access to Funding: Membership would provide Morocco with access to funding for infrastructure and sustainable development projects, complementing existing financial partnerships.
- Diversification of Financial Partners: Aligning with the NDB would diversify Morocco’s financial partnerships, reducing reliance on traditional Western institutions.([7news Morocco][1])
- Enhanced Global Influence: Being part of the NDB could amplify Morocco’s voice in global economic discussions and decision-making processes.
Challenges and Considerations
Despite the potential benefits, Morocco’s path to NDB membership is not without challenges. Diplomatic tensions, particularly with South Africa over the Western Sahara issue, could complicate the approval process. South Africa’s support for the Polisario Front, which seeks independence for Western Sahara, contrasts with Morocco’s stance on the region. These geopolitical dynamics may influence the consensus required for new NDB memberships.
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Global Economic Collaboration
Morocco’s potential inclusion in the NDB represents a significant opportunity for both parties. For the NDB, it aligns with their goal of expanding global reach and fostering inclusive development. For Morocco, it offers access to new funding sources and a platform to enhance its role in global economic affairs. As discussions progress, the outcome will depend on diplomatic negotiations and the alignment of strategic interests among existing NDB members.