Across Africa, Morocco’s direct rivals are expanding their footprint through mass openings of places of worship, preacher training programs, and large-scale charitable ventures. Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Turkey, and Iran are leveraging their substantial financial resources to bolster religious and diplomatic influence. Yet the outcome of these efforts remains uncertain.

Not long ago, Morocco faced a tough battle to maintain its standing on the continent. Its competitors operated with considerable financial muscle in a largely favorable context. Today, the dynamic has shifted. Saudi Arabia has undergone a profound transformation in how it wields power and religious authority, reshaping the competition.