Leila Benali, Minister of Energy Transition and Sustainable Development, participated in the Europe-Africa Forum in Marseille, where she presented the outlines of Morocco’s strategy to become a regional hub for energy and minerals. She spoke about a clear royal vision that places energy transition at the heart of the development model, viewing it as a lever for economic sovereignty and an opportunity to strengthen international partnerships.
During her address, she highlighted that Morocco has significantly invested over the past two decades in energy infrastructure, enabling the production of renewable electricity at a lower cost than nuclear energy in several European countries. These investments are part of a long-term path aimed at developing a local industry capable of creating job opportunities, localizing technology, and ensuring stable energy supply amid global changes.
She also pointed out that Morocco has substantial potential for green hydrogen production, particularly methanol and ammonia, allowing it to play a pivotal role in supplying the international market with clean fuel at competitive prices.
In the minerals sector, she discussed Morocco’s efforts to integrate mineral value chains into the energy transition process. The Kingdom is working with African and international partners to redefine sustainability standards and ESG certifications, within the framework of what she described as the “super-region” initiative extending from Kazakhstan to South Africa, passing through Morocco.
This approach aligns with the royal vision aimed at enhancing Morocco’s position in sustainable global supply chains, especially in sectors that have a significant impact on regional economic transformation. She also announced Morocco’s readiness to introduce a new unified reference framework in this area during the upcoming national mining conference.
The forum dedicated a special session to Morocco as the guest of honor, providing a platform to highlight the dynamics of its economy and its rising role as a strategic bridge between Europe and Africa, particularly in the fields of energy and minerals.
