Long before joining the African Union, Morocco had showed interest in the CEN-SAD since 2001 to extend its influence on the continent. After the fall of Gaddafi, in September 2011, Morocco has strengthened its presence in the regional grouping.
According to data made public by SIPRI’s 2018 Trends in International Arms Transfers, Morocco and Algeria are the largest arms importers in Africa. The USA and France were the main suppliers of arms to the Kingdom in 2014–18.
Morocco is ranked third in Africa and second in North Africa by the 2019 Inclusive Internet Index. The survey is issued by Facebook and conducted by the Economist Intelligence Unit.