Memorandum of Understanding Strengthens African Mineral Partnership Between Morocco and AMSG at IMC 2025 Conference
Morocco signed a strategic memorandum of understanding on the sidelines of the IMC 2025 conference in Marrakech with the African Minerals Strategy Group, a move aimed at enhancing continental integration and bolstering the path toward African mineral sovereignty.
The signing took place in Marrakech on Monday, November 24, 2025, between the Ministry of Energy Transition and Sustainable Development, represented by Minister Leila Benali, and the African Minerals Strategy Group, represented by its Secretary-General Moussa Michael. This agreement was part of the activities of the second edition of the International Mining Conference of Morocco, which is one of the foremost continental gatherings in the mining industry.
This agreement reflects the shared will of Morocco and its African partners to construct a more responsible and sustainable mining governance system, against a backdrop of increasing global demand for strategic minerals. The African Minerals Strategy Group, established in January 2024 in Riyadh during the Future Minerals Forum, aims to unify mineral policies to face the profound global transformations affecting the sector.
The new memorandum focuses on accelerating the implementation of projects Morocco has already launched, particularly the development of an African framework for environmental, social, and governance (ESG) standards—the first standardized reference dedicated to the continent, taking its peculiarities into account while adapting international standards to its needs. The agreement also supports the “Origin–Transit–Certification” (OTC) corridor, established in December 2024 to ensure tracking of African minerals, secure their marketing chains, and enhance their added value.
The cooperation between the two sides will encompass several priorities, including improving sector governance, digitizing mineral value chains, launching continental certification platforms, and organizing major events that bring together various institutional, industrial, and research stakeholders concerned with mineral wealth in Africa.
Through this partnership, Morocco reaffirms its position as a pivotal player in promoting a more integrated and innovative African mining model, one that is based on creating local value and strengthening continental sovereignty. The IMC 2025 conference further solidifies its role as a platform for gathering insights and commitments to shape a more competitive and sustainable African mining future.
