Minister Benali: Morocco committed to join African action for a green, prosperous future
Morocco Pledges Green Support for Africa's Future
Tangier - Morocco Reasserts Commitment to Sustainable Development at Regional Green Economy Forum
Morocco's Minister of Energy Transition and Sustainable Development, Leila Benali, has reaffirmed the Kingdom's dedication to supporting African nations in building a green, resilient, and prosperous future. Speaking at the opening of the first Regional Green Economy Forum (RGEF) held in Tangier under the High Patronage of HM King Mohammed VI, Benali emphasized Morocco's unwavering commitment "in order to meet the aspirations of its people and preserve the rights of current and future generations."
The forum, themed "Empowering African Cities: Paving the Path to Carbon Neutrality," highlights Morocco's position as a leader in South-South cooperation. Benali highlighted several pioneering initiatives launched by Morocco in Africa, including the creation of three African climate commissions during COP22 in Marrakech, marking a significant milestone for continental climate action.
"The transition to a green economy is no longer merely a development option but an urgent and strategic necessity," stated Benali, underscoring the urgency for addressing challenges like climate change, vulnerability, natural resource depletion, and geopolitical fluctuations.
Morocco's Ambitious Green Strategy
At the national level, Morocco has implemented an ambitious path towards sustainability, making it a core pillar of public policy and national development. The National Sustainable Development Strategy serves as a framework for integrating sustainability principles into sectoral and territorial planning, aiming for an inclusive, resilient green economy by 2035.
Morocco's integrated energy strategy focuses on renewable energy development, enhanced energy efficiency across sectors, and strengthened regional integration. Currently, renewables account for over 45% of Morocco’s installed electricity capacity, with the country on track to reach its 2030 goal of 52%. Additional initiatives include six integrated sectoral decarbonization plans, an updated Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC 3.0) aiming for a 53% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2035, and a national circular economy roadmap scheduled for completion this year.
Regional Collaboration for Sustainable Development
The two-day RGEF, organized with support from the Ministry of Energy Transition and Sustainable Development, the Regional Council of Tangier-Tetouan-Al Hoceima, and UCLG-Africa, aims to foster African efforts towards low-carbon, sustainable urban development. It seeks to strengthen cooperation among local, national, and international actors, encourage the sharing of experiences and best practices, and promote investment in green infrastructure, renewable energy, and sustainable mobility.
The forum's opening ceremony was attended by prominent figures including the President of WGEO, regional officials, UN representatives, UCLG-Africa Secretary-General, and numerous experts in the field.