Decentralized South–South Cooperation: Morocco as a Catalyst for Inclusive Regional Development in Africa[Coopération décentralisée Sud-Sud : le cas du Maroc comme vecteur d'un développement régional inclusif en Afrique]

This theoretical article investigates decentralized South–South cooperation as a driver of inclusive regional development across Africa, with Morocco serving as the primary case study over the period 2011-2025. Drawing on contemporary scholarship in territorial governance, multi-level governance, and South–South collaboration, it constructs a conceptual framework that connects subnational partnerships—between Moroccan municipalities and regions—to key outcomes in capacity enhancement, infrastructure development, and integration into African value chains. The framework delineates three principal mechanisms by which Moroccan subnational entities advance inclusive regional development: (1) transfers of technical and institutional expertise; (2) targeted infrastructure and public service initiatives that mitigate territorial inequalities; and (3) network-driven market and investment connections that bolster continental integration. These mechanisms are positioned within the overarching context of African continental reforms, particularly the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). The analysis addresses theoretical ramifications for territorial diplomacy and plural territory models. It concludes by proposing quantifiable indicators and empirical research methodologies for subsequent validation, while underscoring the necessity of verified official data for assessing partnership scale and financial dimensions.