This international summit is a continuation of the initiatives launched at the regional and international level to support African countries in their efforts to mitigate the repercussions of the COVID-19 pandemic, says a press release by the Department of Treasury and External Finances under the ministry of Economy.

The Summit, hosted by French President Emmanuel Macron, was aimed at planning joint and concrete actions that will help boost a strong and inclusive recovery in Africa.

Speaking at the Summit, Benchaaboun welcomed the initiative to organize this Summit in a context where African economies are facing the social and economic repercussions of an unprecedented pandemic crisis.

The minister reiterated, in this regard, the support of the Kingdom of Morocco for this initiative as well as for all the efforts of the international community aimed at achieving the ambitions of development and emergence of the African continent, in accordance with the enlightened vision of HM the King for a prosperous and autonomous Africa.

He also underlined the structural nature of the problem of financing African economies and the need to provide concrete and lasting solutions.

Benchaaboun also insisted on the need to pay particular attention to the financing needs of African middle-income countries due to the essential role that these countries could play as sub-regional growth poles.

The minister also reiterated Morocco's adherence to the recommendations contained in the Summit declaration and which focused mainly on meeting the financing needs of African countries, supporting the private sector as a major player in the growth dynamic and job creation and the emergence/financing of quality infrastructure projects.

The Summit was marked by the participation of several African and European Heads of State and Government, as well as leaders of the European Union, the African Union and the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa.

The meeting was also attended by officials of major regional and international financial institutions and multilateral organizations, including the International Monetary Fund, the World Bank Group, the African Development Bank and the World Trade Organization.