As the BRICS New Development Bank (NDB) expresses interest in Morocco’s potential accession, local experts are urging caution, citing geopolitical risks and unresolved diplomatic tensions. Speaking to Asharq Bloomberg, Anand Kumar Srivastava, Chief Procurement Officer at the NDB, confirmed the bank’s openness to Morocco’s future membership, noting that expansion remains a key objective.
However, experts quoted by Hespress AR argue that “the time has not come yet” for Morocco to join the BRICS alliance. Concerns center around internal divisions within BRICS, notably India’s tensions with Pakistan, and the bloc’s lack of consensus on Morocco’s sovereignty over the Western Sahara.
Economic analyst Rachid Sari warned that accession could undermine Morocco’s diplomatic achievements, especially in relation to the Sahara issue. He noted that countries like Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and the UAE—despite being invited—have yet to formally commit to full membership. He also highlighted Morocco’s strained ties with Iran and South Africa’s recognition of the ‘Sahrawi Republic’ as key barriers.
Economist Yassine Alia added that Morocco has never submitted a formal application to BRICS and mentioned its strategic alignment with the United States. Recalling Morocco’s decision not to retaliate during the Trump-era tariff dispute, Alia said premature membership could be “economic and diplomatic suicide.”
While the NDB’s interest is clear—it has begun financing projects in Egypt and recently participated in an environmental procurement conference in Rabat— some experts believe that any move toward BRICS must be carefully weighed against Morocco’s existing alliances and broader regional dynamics.
