The new development plan, which has erected the question of sustainable development in priority in the Moroccan roadmap, focuses on a balance between economic development and environmental preservation.
On March 14, 2025, in London, Leila Benali, Minister of Energy Transition and Sustainable Development, took part in a ministerial round table devoted to the problem of water safety in the context of climate change and the challenges of sustainable development.
The meeting, marked by the participation of representatives of international organizations, was an opportunity to examine several questions relating in particular to the means to ensure better water management in the context of climate change. Strengthening the economic stability of countries and the protection of vulnerable populations to climate change were also on the menu for debates. It should be recalled that Morocco was the only North African country invited to take part in this meeting, gathered on the initiative of Wateraid, an NGO under the patronage of King Charles III and which works in favor of sustainable development and environmental protection.
On this occasion, Ms. Benali stressed that Morocco has made sustainable development a “strategic choice” under the leadership of SM King Mohammed VI.
In this context, it recalled the new development plan, which has erected the question of sustainable development in priority in the Moroccan roadmap which is betting on a balance between economic development and preservation of the environment. Ms. Benali highlighted the avant-garde role that the Kingdom plays on the questions of sustainable development and the fight against climate change at continental and international levels. It is that Morocco remains resolutely engaged in favor of active international cooperation putting in its agenda the sustainable development and environmental protection. Morocco’s development strategy is mainly based on the question of water and the preservation of this vital resource. The Moroccan minister thus recalled the measures taken by Morocco for better management of its water resources, citing in particular water highways. Morocco’s action turns out to be fundamental, especially since the country is exposed to the risks of drought, which requires constant and continuous action to meet the challenges of climatic hazards, continued Ms. Benali.
It should be remembered that almost a year ago, during a meeting with the National Council of the Company (CNE) organized by the CGEM, the same minister had highlighted the strategies and programs of his department by 2030. Starting with the low carbon strategy by 2050.
Carbon neutrality by 2050
By launching an ambitious low carbon strategy, with the ultimate objective of reaching carbon neutrality by 2050, Morocco has taken a giant step towards a more sustainable future. An initiative which is based on four fundamental pillars that will guide the country in its transition to a cleaner and environmentally friendly energy model.
The first pillar of this strategy is the strengthening of the deployment of renewable energies. Morocco is committed to accelerating the strong development of renewable energies and promoting the development of green hydrogen to decarbonize the industry.
In addition, the acceleration of electrification and the generalization of energy efficiency in all sectors occupy a central place. The country plans to electrify transport and industry, while implementing measures to improve the energy efficiency of buildings and devices. The new value chains in the circular economy and the recovery of waste is also encouraged.
The third pillar of this strategy concerns the development of ecological agriculture and sustainable forest ecosystems, suitable for climate change and resilients.
Finally, promoting a new generation of sober and intelligent regions and cities. To this end, the country plans to develop public transport and digital and multimodal logistics, while promoting mild travel methods.
To materialize this ambitious vision, Morocco adopts a rigorous methodological approach, including the modeling of low carbon trajectories by 2050 and a close collaboration with national and international partners, accompanied by the implementation of an assessment of the macroeconomic impacts of the decaronation scenarios of the key sectors, with proposals for operational measures. The expected results are significant, with the planned creation of 400,000 jobs, projected growth of GDP of 5% and the achievement of carbon neutrality by 2050. This strategy will be regularly followed and evaluated, with an annual modeling update and continuous collaboration with national and international stakeholders.
The national strategy on sustainable development: CAP on 2035
This strategy (SNDD) is the fruit of a large national and territorial concertation as well as international with the Moroccans residing abroad. It has been developed in close collaboration with all stakeholders, through thematic workshops, regional seats and a citizen consultation on the wesahimo.gov.ma platform.
The SNDD is a real public policy tool for the government, local authorities and all actors, public and private, in an inclusive and collaborative approach.
To materialize its national vision 2035, six intersectoral transformation (DT) are identified, namely: the green and inclusive economy, human and social capital, sustainable and resilient territories, open and efficient governance, culture and heritage, innovation and scientific research.
The implementation of the SNDD also requires an adjustment of the governance of sustainable development in order to promote sectoral synergies and convergences to common objectives. Rigorous monitoring of the SNDD will be carried out thanks to a national dashboard including key indicators such as the energy dependence rate, the national recycling rate of household waste or the rate of literacy and economic losses linked to natural disasters.
Circular economy and mining strategy
In a sustained effort towards a greener and inclusive economy, Morocco puts the circular economy at the heart of its new national sustainable development strategy by 2035. This approach is accompanied by legislative reforms.
Within the framework of this transition, Morocco takes various measures to manage waste more efficiently, in particular reduction at source, selective collection, recycling, eco-elimination and energy recovery, as well as the integration of the expanding liability of the producer and energy recovery.
Pilot projects are also launched in six host cities of the 2030 World Cup to promote a circular economy adapted to local needs, through the adoption of a specific management mode adapted to municipalities whose quantity of waste does not exceed 50,000t/year.
The mining sector transformation strategy is based on six major strategic axes, which aim to reposition this sector at the heart of the Moroccan economy. First of all, institutional restructuring aims to adapt the structures and processes to meet new challenges and opportunities in the sector. Then, the digitalization and simplification of administrative procedures aim to modernize operations and make the processes more effective and transparent.
The legislative and regulatory reform is another essential component of this strategy, aimed at creating a legal environment conducive to investment and innovation in the mining sector. At the same time, the valuation and industrial transformation of mining resources are key objectives, aimed at creating a value chain and diversifying the economy.
The attractiveness of investment and responsible territorial development are transversal axes that underlie the entire strategy. It is a question of creating an environment conducive to private investment, while ensuring that the development of the mining sector contributes positively to the economic and social development of local communities and the regions concerned.
Energy strategy and investment needs
Morocco’s energy strategy is based on three essential pillars. First of all, it aims to accelerate the deployment of renewable energies, such as solar and wind energy, to meet the growing electricity needs of the country. Then, it emphasizes energy efficiency in energy production and consumption, with the aim of reducing dependence on fossil fuels. Finally, it encourages regional integration for better management and use of available energy resources.
Natural gas and green hydrogen for durable energy transition
For natural gas, Morocco faces a strong short and medium -term demand, especially in the industrial sector. To meet these needs, the country plans to develop new gas production capacities for gas and explore alternatives such as green hydrogen. The strategic objectives include the consolidation of Morocco’s energy independence by contributing to the decarbonation of the Moroccan electrical system and the reduction in the use of fossil fuels and by promoting the emergence of a national carbon -shaped national industry. The implementation of flexible infrastructure for the transport and distribution of gas and green hydrogen is also envisaged to guarantee the long -term viability of the project.
The current projects include the creation of access to liquefied natural gas and the development of a roadmap for the development of the gas industry. In the short term, the gas roadmap specifically provides for the creation of a gas terminal at the port of Nador West Med, accompanied by a gas pipeline connecting to the Maghreb-Europe pipeline (GME). Finally, and to ensure the competitiveness of green hydrogen, the emphasis is placed on essential elements to obtain competitive hydrogen, in particular economies of scale, coordinated infrastructure planning and rigorous resource management.
