Tangier: Morocco is committed to promoting joint African action to achieve a green and prosperous future, as emphasized by Minister Benali in a video message at the opening of the first Regional Green Economy Forum (RGEF). The forum, held under the High Patronage of HM King Mohammed VI and initiated by the World Green Economy Organization (WGEO), focused on empowering African cities to achieve carbon neutrality.
According to Agence Marocaine De Presse, Minister Benali highlighted Morocco’s strategic choice of South-South cooperation, which aligns with the farsighted vision of HM King Mohammed VI. This cooperation is a core axis of Morocco’s foreign policy, rooted in active solidarity and integration to build a resilient, united, integrated, and sustainable Africa.
Benali outlined several pioneering initiatives by Morocco in Africa, such as the creation of three African climate commissions during COP22 in Marrakech, which marked a significant milestone in strengthening continental climate action. Additionally, she mentioned the Royal Initiative to enable Atlantic access for Sahel countries, aimed at enhancing regional connectivity and integration through the deployment of Moroccan infrastructure for shared development.
The forum served as a valuable platform to discuss major topics that can aid African countries in their transition to carbon neutrality and develop innovative solutions to boost sustainable development momentum across the continent. Benali emphasized that transitioning to a green economy is an urgent and strategic necessity to address the complex challenges facing the continent, such as climate change, natural resource depletion, and geopolitical fluctuations.
At the national level, Benali affirmed that Morocco, guided by the High Guidelines of HM King Mohammed VI, has embarked on an ambitious path, making sustainability a key pillar of public policy. She highlighted Morocco’s adoption of the National Sustainable Development Strategy, which integrates sustainability principles into sectoral and territorial planning, aiming for an inclusive, resilient green economy by 2035.
This strategy is being updated to align with the New Development Model and international agreements. Morocco has also adopted an integrated energy strategy focused on developing renewable energy, enhancing energy efficiency, and strengthening regional integration. Renewable energies now account for over 45% of Morocco’s installed electricity capacity, with the goal of reaching 52% by 2030.
Benali mentioned the development of six integrated sectoral decarbonization plans, the update of the Nationally Determined Contribution aiming to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 53% by 2035, and the preparation of a national circular economy roadmap by the end of the year. The creation of regional climate plans aims to provide effective local mitigation and adaptation solutions.
The two-day event was organized with support from the Ministry of Energy Transition and Sustainable Development, the Regional Council of Tangier-Tetouan-Al Hoceima, and the United Cities and Local Governments of Africa (UCLG-Africa). It aimed to support African efforts toward low-carbon, sustainable urban development, strengthen cooperation among various actors, 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, the president of the Tangier-Tetouan-Al Hoceima region, the governor of the Fahs-Anjra province, the UN Resident Coordinator in Morocco, the Secretary-General of UCLG-Africa, and numerous officials and experts in the field.