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Morocco World
06-05-2025
- Business
- Morocco World
Morocco Aims to Become Regional Leader in Renewable Energy, Strategic Minerals
Rabat – Moroccan Minister of Energy Transition and Sustainable Development, Leila Benali, says that Morocco is on a steady path to becoming a regional hub for renewable energy and strategic minerals. She made the statement on Tuesday during the 4th edition of the Europe-Africa Forum, held in Marseille. Morocco was the guest of honor for this year's edition. Speaking during a session at the event, Benali outlined Morocco's strong commitment to clean energy and sustainable development. She explained that this direction is part of Morocco's vision that considers energy transition a strategic choice and a key driver of the country's new development model. Benali said that over the past 20 years, Morocco has invested heavily in energy infrastructure. These investments have allowed the country to produce competitive electricity from renewable sources. She noted that the cost of producing renewable energy in Morocco is less than one-third the cost of nuclear power in some European countries. This progress, according to the minister, follows Morocco's objective of making energy transition a central pillar for achieving energy sovereignty and strengthening energy security in a rapidly changing global context. Benali also said that Morocco is focusing on developing renewable energy, localizing technology, and building local industrial supply chains that create jobs. She pointed out that the country has strong potential to produce green hydrogen products such as methanol and ammonia, which could power international shipping fleets at lower costs than liquefied natural gas. In addition to energy, Benali spoke about the importance of including strategic minerals in the energy transition efforts. She explained that Morocco is working with African and international partners to update sustainability standards and ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) certifications for critical minerals. This is part of what she described as a 'super-region' stretching from Kazakhstan to South Africa through Morocco. The aim is to build strong, sustainable supply chains and strengthen African integration. Benali added that Morocco hopes to announce a new unified framework for sustainable mining practices during its upcoming national mining conference. Tags: leila benaliMiningrenewable energy
Ya Biladi
06-05-2025
- Business
- Ya Biladi
Morocco shines as country of honor at Europe-Africa Forum in Marseille
The fourth edition of the Europe-Africa Forum, a business gathering that brings together leaders, investors, and decision-makers from both continents in Marseille (southeast France), kicked off on Tuesday at the Palais du Pharo in the Phocean city, with Morocco as the country of honor. The kingdom is represented at this conclave, organized by the French economic publication La Tribune and the Aix Marseille Provence Metropolis under the theme «Innovate Together», by the Minister of Transport and Logistics, Abdessamad Kayouh; the Minister of Energy Transition and Sustainable Development, Leila Benali; the Minister Delegate in charge of Investment, Convergence, and the Evaluation of Public Policies, Karim Zidane; and the Moroccan Ambassador to France, Samira Sitaïl. Several economic decision-makers and leaders of public enterprises are also participating in this forum, notably the President of the General Confederation of Moroccan Enterprises (CGEM), Chakib Alj; the Director General of the Moroccan Agency for Investment and Export Development (AMDIE), Ali Seddiki; the CEO of the Tanger Med group, Mehdi Tazi Riffi; and the Director General of Casablanca Finance City (CFC), Saïd Ibrahimi. «Bound by complementary resources and common interests, the two continents must demonstrate boldness, innovation, and the ability to invent a new model», assert the organizers, stemming from the conviction that «with the Mediterranean as a unifying link and shared wealth, the desire to play a role in the next decade is possible, provided the foundations for equitable cooperation are laid». Throughout the day, participants will discuss topics such as financing innovation, «What cooperation strategy for the Mediterranean?», «Can the Mediterranean port be a model?», «Is Europe-Africa capable of challenging the new world order?», «Co-development, role of businesses and education: what winning triptych for both shores of the Mediterranean?», and «Agenda 2063: a new era for the Europe-Africa bloc?»
