Context
The Africa Economic Development Policy Initiative (AEDPI) and OCPPC Policy Center are jointly launching the first edition of the “Morocco-Nigeria Strategic Dialogues: Enhancing Opportunities for Growth and Development”. The initiative aims to implement a platform for dialogue on topics related to economic development of African countries, partnerships in the energy sector, the mobilization of financial resources and the role of youth. The ‘’Morocco-Nigeria Strategic Dialogues’’ will constitute an opportunity to further explore the inputs of Morocco and Nigeria, as two strategic players within the African continent. The partnership between AEDPI and OCPPC plays a pivotal role in bridging the two countries, and places both institutions as catalyzers of ideas and knowledge related to Morocco and Nigeria.
Morocco and Nigeria, as emerging countries, have considerable leverage in multiple sectors such as energy. In 2016, both countries have brokered a deal on the construction of a gas pipeline from Nigeria to Morocco. Nigeria remains one of the leading producers of oil and gas in Africa while Morocco has developed an increasingly robust expertise in renewable energy.
This first edition will be an opportunity to discuss key issues and challenges faced by Morocco and Nigeria on the economic front, in order to deliver creative and edge-cutting solutions for cooperation and partnership in terms of growth and development. The event will also constitute a forum for a better understanding of the sectoral similarities and complementarities, and a platform, for stakeholders, that would facilitate experience-sharing on respective lessons learned and good practices.
Concept and Format
The cycle is composed of two seminars: the first one taking place in Lagos, Nigeria, and the second one in Rabat, Morocco. The conferences will be held, respectively, over two days, and will be addressing a number of issues of interest relating to economy and development of to the two countries. The panels will vary from keynote speakers highlighting experience sharing and expertise, to policy panels.
This first edition will explore the commonalities existing between Morocco and Nigeria, such as the role of energy in sustainable development, the possible contributions of financial markets with regards to mobilizing local resources, as well as the role and importance of the Moroccan and Nigerian diasporas.
Agenda
9:15- 9:30 Opening Address /agenda setting
Mrs. Obiageli Ezekwesili, Senior Economic Advisor, African Economic Development Policy Initiative (AEDPI
Mr. Karim El Aynaoui, Managing Director, OCP Policy Center
9:45-11:05 Panel I: Fiscal and Monetary Policies in Times of Uncertainty
Price stability is important in avoiding prolonged inflation and deflation, and it is a significant objective of monetary policy. Monetary and fiscal policies are both very important in having a stable economy, and Central Banks and Ministries of Finance have an important role to play. This session hopes to answer the question of what is the role of central banks and Ministries of Finance in mitigating the impact of commodity prices fluctuation on the economic activity and how can they work to ensure price stability?
Chair
Dr. Tayo Aduloju, Senior Fellow Public Policy, NESG
Speakers
Mr. Karim El Aynaoui, Managing Director, OCP Policy Center
Mr. Ben Akabueze, Director of Budget, Ministry of Budget and National Planning
Dr. Doyin Salami, Lagos Business School
11:05-11:25 Coffee Break
11:25-12:45 Panel II: Energy Policies: What are the complementarities between Nigeria and Morocco?
Climate change and the increasing scarcity of fossil fuels have positioned the debate on renewable energy at the forefront of the current global agenda. Morocco is a leading example in term of renewable energy, for sustainable development. Nigeria, on the other hand, remains one of the main suppliers of oil and gas in the African continent. The different profiles of Morocco and Nigeria, with regards to energy, raises the question of how we can reconcile the differences and find complementarities, in order to pave way for economic development. What are the complementarities between Nigeria and Morocco, Nigeria being the first producer of Oil and Gas on the African Continent, and Morocco being an economic power developing expertise in renewable energy
Chair
Mr. Patrick Okigbo III, Principal Partner, Nextier Power Limited
Speakers
Mr. Said Mouline, General Director, Moroccan Agency for Energy Efficiency (AMEE)
Mr. Ali Zerouali, Director of International Cooperation and Development Department, MASEN
Mr Segun Adaju, President, Renewable Energy Association of Nigeria
Mr. Erabor Okogun, Managing Dirctor, Neomante Limited
12:45-14:00 Lunch Break
14:00 –15:20 Panel III: Mobilizing local resources: The role of financial markets
A large majority of African countries are subjected to crippling foreign debts which could, ultimately, paralyze the economic capacities of the country if the foreign debt to GDP ratio remains dangerously high. This session aims at exploring the impact of the reliance on foreign financial markets on macroeconomic policies, as well as discussing the role that could be played by the domestic financial system in balancing the effects of the foreign financial aid systems.
Chair
Mr. Mohamed Loulichki, Senior Fellow, OCP Policy Center
Speakers
Mr. Bola Onadele Koko, CEO, FMDQ OTC Securities Exchange
Ms. Affi Williams, CEO of Real Fruit
15:20- 15:40 Coffee Break
15:40 –17:00 Panel IV: How to tap into the potential of youth and diaspora at the regional and continental levels?
Both Morocco and Nigeria are connected to a large community of their diaspora that is skilled, innovative and eager to contribute to their countries’ development. This panel session focuses on one the main challenges with regards to diaspora and youth, being how to build bridges with these communities, at the domestic level and abroad, and set up regional partnerships in order to realize the fullest potential of youth and the diaspora.
Chair
Mrs. Eniola Mafe, Project Lead, Regional Engagement, Internet for All
Speakers
Mr.Youssef Kobo, Strategic Innovation Consultant & Atlantic Dialogues Emerging Leaders Alumnus
Mrs. Selam Tekalign, Chargée de mission, OCP
Dr. Modupe Adefeso-Olateju, The Education Partnership Centre
Dr. Enase Okonedo, Dean, Lagos Business School (LBS)
Mr. Niyi Yusuf, Managing Director, Accenture Nigeria
17:00 – 17:10 Vote of Thanks
Mr. Laoye Jaiyeola, CEO, Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG)