What Country Is Not In The African Union?

Quick Fact: As of 2026, Morocco is the only African country not a member of the African Union (AU), with a population of approximately 37.8 million and coordinates at 31.7917° N, 7.0926° W.

Morocco left the African Union in 1984 over the admission of Western Sahara as the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic.

Here's the thing: Morocco didn't just walk away from the OAU (the AU's predecessor) in 1984. It withdrew after the organization recognized Western Sahara as the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic (SADR). That territorial dispute? Still the main reason Morocco stays out of the AU in 2026.UNESCO

Morocco is located in North Africa, bordered by Algeria, Western Sahara, the Atlantic Ocean, and the Mediterranean Sea.

Picture this: Morocco sits right where Africa meets Europe, with Algeria to its east, Western Sahara to the south, and both the Atlantic Ocean and Mediterranean Sea hugging its coasts. That geography? It's made Morocco a cultural and economic bridge between the two continents for centuries.CIA World Factbook

Regional context

• Bordering countries: Algeria, Western Sahara
• Coastal access: Atlantic Ocean (west), Mediterranean Sea (north)
• Major cities: Casablanca, Rabat (capital), Marrakech, Fes

Western Sahara is a disputed territory; Morocco controls about 80% of it, but the AU recognizes the SADR’s claim to independence.

Western Sahara's been a powder keg since the 1970s. Morocco runs roughly 80% of the territory, while the Polisario Front—backed by Algeria—fights for an independent state they call the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic (SADR). The AU backs the SADR's position, which is why Morocco can't rejoin the union.United Nations

Key details on the dispute

• Morocco’s claim: Sovereignty over Western Sahara
• Polisario Front claim: Independence for Western Sahara as SADR
• Current status: UN-mediated ceasefire since 1991, stalled negotiations
• Economic impact: Morocco exploits phosphate reserves and fisheries in the territory

Morocco joined the OAU in 1958 and left in 1984 after the SADR was admitted.

Morocco was there at the OAU's founding in 1963. But in 1984, everything changed when the OAU admitted the SADR as a member state. Morocco wasn't having it—they've claimed Western Sahara for decades—and walked away.UNESCO

Timeline of Morocco’s engagement

• 1958: Morocco joins the OAU
• 1984: Morocco withdraws after SADR admission
• 2016–present: Morocco applies for AU readmission multiple times
• 2026: Morocco remains outside the AU but holds observer status

Yes, Morocco interacts with the AU despite not being a full member; it holds observer status and collaborates on technical and economic issues.

Morocco isn't completely cut off from the AU. It still holds observer status, joins technical committees, and works on economic programs. Plus, it stays engaged through regional groups like the Arab Maghreb Union.African Union

Forms of engagement

• Observer status at AU summits and assemblies
• Participation in AU technical and economic programs
• Bilateral agreements with AU member states
• Membership in the Arab Maghreb Union and Arab League

Morocco is Africa’s second-largest steel producer and a leading exporter of phosphate and fertilizers.

Morocco's economy runs on mining, agriculture, and manufacturing. It's the continent's second-biggest steel producer and one of the world's top exporters of phosphate rock, phosphoric acid, and fertilizers. That economic muscle keeps it connected to Africa, even without AU membership.World Bank

Economic profile (2026 estimates)

Sector	Contribution to GDP	Key Products
Mining	~10%	Phosphate, cobalt, silver
Manufacturing	~15%	Automotive, aerospace, textiles
Agriculture	~12%	Citrus, olives, seafood

Morocco’s official languages are Arabic and Berber (Tamazight), with French widely used in business and government.

Morocco's a multilingual country. Modern Standard Arabic and Berber (Tamazight) are official languages, but French dominates business, government, and education thanks to its colonial history.Britannica

Language distribution

• Arabic (official): ~90% of population
• Berber (Tamazight, official): ~30% of population
• French (widely used): ~35% of population
• Spanish (limited): ~5% of population, especially in northern regions

Morocco covers approximately 710,850 km², making it one of Africa’s larger countries.

At about 710,850 km², Morocco's a big player in Africa. Its landscape runs from the towering Atlas Mountains to the vast Sahara Desert, giving it everything from alpine climates to arid plains.CIA World Factbook

Geographic highlights

• Highest point: Toubkal, 4,167 m
• Lowest point: Sebkha Tah, -55 m
• Major rivers: Oum Er-Rbia, Sebou
• Climate zones: Mediterranean, arid, semi-arid, alpine

Morocco’s population is approximately 37.8 million as of 2026, with steady growth driven by natural increase and urban migration.

Morocco's population has grown steadily—from about 36 million in 2020 to an estimated 37.8 million in 2026. Cities are pulling in more people every year, with over 60% of Moroccans now living in urban areas.World Bank

Population trends

• 2020: ~36.0 million
• 2024: ~37.4 million
• 2026: ~37.8 million
• Urban population: ~63%
• Median age: ~29.5 years

Travelers to Morocco need a valid passport and should check visa requirements before arrival.

Most visitors to Morocco can enter visa-free for up to 90 days—including citizens from the U.S., UK, and EU nations. Just bring a valid passport, proof of accommodation, and a return ticket if asked. Easy enough.Moroccan Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Entry and travel tips

• Passport validity: Must be valid for at least six months beyond arrival
• Visa-free access: Up to 90 days for citizens of 60+ countries
• Currency: Moroccan dirham (MAD); credit cards widely accepted in cities
• Health: No mandatory vaccinations, but tap water is not safe to drink
• Transport: Trains connect major cities; domestic flights available

Morocco has a well-developed infrastructure with international airports, rail networks, and highways connecting major cities.

Morocco's got one of Africa's most modern transport networks. High-speed rail zips between Casablanca and Tangier, while highways link cities across the country. International airports in Casablanca, Marrakech, and Rabat serve as key regional hubs.ONCF (Moroccan Railways)

Transport infrastructure overview

Mode	Coverage	Key Routes
High-speed rail (Al Boraq)	Casablanca–Tangier	2h 10m journey time
Standard rail	Nationwide	Casablanca–Marrakech, Fes–Oujda
Highways	~10,000 km	A1 (Casablanca–Tangier), A2 (Rabat–Fes)
International airports	18+	Casablanca (CMN), Marrakech (RAK), Rabat (RBA)

Morocco actively seeks readmission to the AU and contributes to African development despite not being a member.

Since 2016, Morocco's applied for AU readmission multiple times. It's positioning itself as a major player in African economic and security initiatives, even without full membership. Its absence leaves a noticeable gap in the AU's representation.African Union

Morocco’s African initiatives

• African Atlantic Action Plan (fisheries, maritime security)
• Contributions to AU peacekeeping training programs
• Infrastructure investments in West and Central Africa
• Participation in AU-led climate and renewable energy forums

The future of Morocco’s AU membership depends on progress in Western Sahara negotiations.

Morocco's return to the AU hinges entirely on resolving the Western Sahara conflict. The SADR's recognition by the AU remains the biggest hurdle. Any real progress in negotiations could completely change the game.United Nations

Possible scenarios

• Status quo: Morocco remains outside, engaged through observer status
• Compromise: AU grants Morocco special status without full membership
• Breakthrough: Western Sahara settlement leads to Morocco’s reintegration
• Alternative: Morocco strengthens ties with regional blocs outside the AU

Morocco’s absence from the AU highlights how unresolved territorial disputes can stall African unity and continental cooperation.

Morocco's exclusion shows just how hard it is for the AU to balance national interests with its vision of continental unity. The Western Sahara standoff is a perfect example of how old grievances can block progress across Africa.United Nations

Is Mexico a member of the African Union?

Mexico has been a Permanent Observer of the AU since 2005 , and the Mexican embassy in Ethiopia has been in charge of the relationship since its opening in 2007.

Which African countries are not part of African Union?

The short answer? Only one: Morocco. Togo and Morocco signed up back in 1963, but Morocco withdrew in 1985 after the OAU admitted Western Sahara. Now it's the sole African state outside the AU.

Is Egypt a member of African Union?

Member State Abbreviation Date of joining the OAU or AU	Arab Republic of Egypt Egypt 25 May 1963	Libya Libya 25 May 1963

Is Cape Verde a member of African Union?

Absolutely. Cape Verde is a member of the African Union, which aims for a common currency, a single defense force, and an African Union head of state. Recently, it's been building closer ties with the EU while stepping back from some regional African partnerships.

Which country is the richest in Africa?

Nigeria takes the crown as Africa's richest and most populous country. With 211 million people, its massive population is a big driver of its large GDP. It's a middle-income, mixed economy with booming financial, service, communications, and technology sectors.

Which country is not a member of Who?

The World Health Organization has 194 member states—every country except Liechtenstein. It's a UN member but not part of the WHO.

Is Mauritius in African Union?

State	Mauritius	Accession	1968-08-01	Population	1,279,000	Area (km 2 )	2,040	Capital	Port Louis

Who funds the African Union?

The AU's funding situation? Not great. It's heavily reliant on donor money because more than 40% of member states don't pay their yearly dues. That unpredictability makes it hard to plan long-term.African Union

What are the problems of African Union?

The AU's biggest challenges all tie back to insecurity and endless conflicts. Add in overdependence on foreign aid, corruption, weak leadership, poor infrastructure, and a lack of good governance—you've got a perfect storm of issues holding the continent back.

What are the 54 states in Africa?

• Algeria
• Angola
• Benin
• Botswana
• Burkina Faso
• Burundi
• Cameroon
• Cape Verde
• Central African Republic
• Chad
• Comoros
• Congo (Brazzaville)
• Congo (Kinshasa)
• Côte d'Ivoire
• Djibouti
• Egypt
• Equatorial Guinea
• Eritrea
• Eswatini
• Ethiopia
• Gabon
• Gambia
• Ghana
• Guinea
• Guinea-Bissau

• Kenya
• Lesotho
• Liberia
• Libya
• Madagascar
• Malawi
• Mali
• Mauritania
• Mauritius
• Morocco
• Mozambique
• Namibia
• Niger
• Nigeria
• Rwanda
• São Tomé and Príncipe
• Senegal
• Seychelles
• Sierra Leone
• Somalia
• South Africa
• South Sudan
• Sudan
• Tanzania
• Togo
• Tunisia
• Uganda
• Zambia
• Zimbabwe

Are there 54 or 55 countries in Africa?

#	54	Country	Seychelles	Population (2020)	98,347	Subregion	Eastern Africa

How old is the African Union?

The African Union officially launched in July 2002 in Durban, South Africa. But its roots go back to September 1999, when the OAU decided to create a new continental organization to carry on its work.

Is Cape Verde considered Africa?

Yes, but with a twist. Cape Verde is part of Africa geographically and politically, even though it's an island nation in the Atlantic Ocean off West Africa's coast. It's part of the Macaronesia ecoregion.

Who owns the Cape Verde Islands?

The Cape Verde Islands became a Portuguese crown colony in 1495.

Does Cape Verde belong to Africa?

It does. Cape Verde is an island nation in the Atlantic Ocean, about 600 km west of Senegal. Today, it's one of Africa's most developed democracies.