Morocco Reaffirms Commitment to Supporting Green Transition in Africa
Leila Benali, the Minister of Energy Transition and Sustainable Development, reiterated Morocco’s steadfast commitment to supporting joint African efforts to build a green and prosperous future for the continent.
This statement was made in a recorded speech aired today, Thursday, during the opening of the first regional forum on the green economy held in Tangier, organized under the auspices of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, initiated by the Global Green Economy Organization.
The minister emphasized Morocco’s active engagement in collective continental efforts to address environmental challenges while ensuring the protection of the rights of current and future generations. She clarified that, in line with the royal vision, the Kingdom has made South-South cooperation a strategic choice to enhance solidarity and integration among African nations, pointing to significant initiatives such as the establishment of three climate committees during the “COP 22” climate summit in Marrakech and the royal initiative enabling Sahel countries to access the Atlantic Ocean.
She considered the forum a platform to discuss innovative solutions that would empower the continent to lead the transition towards carbon neutrality and promote sustainable development, stressing that the green economy is no longer an option but a strategic necessity to tackle climate, economic, and geopolitical crises. She highlighted Morocco’s commitment to implementing a national sustainable development strategy, incorporating sustainability principles into sectoral and territorial policies, aimed at building a robust green economy by 2035.
Additionally, she mentioned that the national strategy is currently being updated to align with the new development model and international agreements, while also noting Morocco’s progress in the field of energy transition through an ambitious strategy focused on developing renewable energy, energy efficiency, and regional integration. She pointed out that renewable energy currently accounts for more than 45% of national electricity capacity, underscoring the aim to reach 52% before 2030.
The minister announced the preparation of six sectoral plans for decarbonization and the enhancement of the national contribution to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 53% by 2035, as well as the development of a national roadmap for the circular economy by the end of the current year and the establishment of climate territorial plans at the regional level.
The forum’s opening witnessed the participation of prominent figures from international and national organizations, including the president of the Global Green Economy Organization, the president of the Tangier-Tetouan-Al Hoceima region, the governor of the Fahs-Anjra region, the UN resident coordinator in Morocco, along with numerous officials and experts in the fields of green economy and sustainable development.
