Latest news with #Benali
Morocco World
2 days ago
- Business
- Morocco World
Morocco Launches Ambitious Public Sector Reform with ONHYM Restructuring
The Moroccan government has approved the transformation of the National Office of Hydrocarbons and Mines (ONHYM) into a joint-stock company. This marks the first concrete step in a broader public sector reform agenda. Draft law No. 56.24, adopted by the Government Council today, sets ONHYM on a new path aimed at strengthening strategic efficiency, improving institutional performance, and optimizing national resources. This decision falls in line with Morocco's broader vision which strives to achieve deep reform and address long-standing structural issues in public institutions. Leila Benali, Minister of Energy Transition described the transformation as a strategic shift, placing ONHYM at the center of Morocco's economic and institutional renewal. According to the minister, this reform did not emerge in isolation. It was shaped through collaboration among the Head of Government's Office, ONHYM, her ministry, and the National Agency for the Strategic Management of State Holdings and Monitoring of Public Enterprises' Performance (ANGSPE). The law draws directly from Framework Law No. 50.21 and Law No. 82.20, and seeks to introduce a new governance model for ONHYM. It also opens the door to stronger performance, diversified funding sources, and more effective use of national assets. Benali further noted that this change would boost economic and territorial value and allow the agency to contribute more significantly to Morocco's development goals. Created in 2003 through the merger of two specialized institutions, ONHYM has built a solid base of geoscientific data and technical expertise. It has played a key role in identifying numerous mineral deposits, and now stands to gain more autonomy and financial agility under the new structure. The minister pointed to recent reforms within the energy and mining sectors, including updates to legal frameworks, the withdrawal of inactive permits, increased investment in natural gas, and a push toward digitization and better public service. She said that transforming ONHYM is a natural continuation of these efforts. Under the new model, ONHYM will be allowed to form subsidiaries and take part in the capital of other companies. The state will retain majority voting rights, and employee rights will be preserved. ONHYM will also continue, on a transitional basis, to operate in gas transport and storage. Benali described this shift as a crucial mechanism for repositioning ONHYM within the national economy and linking it more effectively to global value chains. She said the reform supports Morocco's pursuit of energy sovereignty and industrial transformation and aligns with a larger national strategy to improve the performance of over 50 public institutions. This new reform represents a new phase in public investment, national development, and the responsible management of Morocco's strategic assets. As the North African country advances toward energy sovereignty and deeper integration into global value chains, this reform sets a precedent for future public sector transformations. Tags: Moroccomorocco infrastructureMorocco miningONHYM
Morocco World
4 days ago
- Business
- Morocco World
Morocco Targets 20 Gigawatts of Renewable Energy Capacity
Rabat — Morocco is positioning itself as a regional leader in renewable energy, with ambitious plans to produce 20 gigawatts of renewable energy capacity while simultaneously developing its natural gas infrastructure, according to Energy Transition and Sustainable Development Minister Leila Benali. Speaking during the weekly oral questions session in the House of Representatives on Monday, Minister Benali outlined Morocco's comprehensive energy strategy and pushed back against criticism that the government has failed to achieve energy sovereignty in the renewable sector. Doubling current energy capacity The minister noted that Morocco's 20-gigawatt renewable energy target represents twice its current installed capacity, an ambitious goal pursued through multiple projects involving more than 23 government institutions in coordination across the energy sector. 'We have not failed to achieve energy sovereignty in the field of green hydrogen,' Benali said. 'Morocco is a model in this field, and it is time to exploit the qualifications it enjoys thanks to its strategic location close to the European continent, as well as its infrastructure, logistics, and important renewable energy reserves,' she explained. Green hydrogen ambitions The minister likened Morocco's green hydrogen potential to Saudi Arabia's influence in traditional energy markets. She pointed to the North African country's strategic advantages, including its proximity to Europe, developed industrial infrastructure, and abundant renewable energy resources. Morocco's 'Green Hydrogen Offer' offers comprehensive incentive frameworks covering investment, taxation, and customs policies designed to support project developers and ensure better implementation outcomes, Benali added. This strategic approach demonstrates the government's commitment to creating favorable conditions for green hydrogen development. The implementation pace of Morocco's green hydrogen initiative has accelerated significantly, with six national and international investment consortium selected to develop seven green hydrogen projects, which span three regions in southern Morocco, namely Guelmim-Oued Noun, Laayoune-Sakia El Hamra, and Dakhla-Oued Eddahab. According to the minister, this development 'reflects Morocco's commitment to accelerating the transition to a low-carbon economy and achieving its sustainable energy objectives.' The geographic distribution across the southern provinces leverages these regions' exceptional solar and wind resources, positioning them as key drivers of Morocco's green hydrogen ambitions. Natural gas infrastructure development Alongside renewable energy expansion, Morocco is investing heavily in natural gas infrastructure. Minister Benali revealed that pipeline investments alone exceed $700 million to transport natural gas from Nador to the Maghreb-Europe Pipeline and industrial zones in Mohammedia and Kenitra. The government has conducted extensive consultations with several OPEC member countries despite successive global crises, demonstrating Morocco's commitment to achieving comprehensive energy sovereignty. Major infrastructure projects A key component of Morocco's energy strategy involves establishing the country's first liquefied natural gas (LNG) receiving terminal at the West Mediterranean port of Nador. This facility will connect to a new gas pipeline network linking to the existing Maghreb-Europe Pipeline. The infrastructure will supply both current and future power plants operated by the National Office of Electricity and Potable Water (ONEE), while also serving industrial zones extending to Kenitra and Mohammedia. Tags: leila benalinatural gasrenewable energy
Morocco World
07-06-2025
- Business
- Morocco World
France, Morocco Agree on Roadmap to Jumpstart Energy Cooperation
Doha – Morocco's Minister of Energy Transition and Sustainable Development, Leila Benali, has held strategic discussions with her French counterpart in Paris to advance bilateral cooperation on major energy projects. Benali met with Marc Ferracci during her working visit to Paris on Friday, with the pair pledging to strengthen energy cooperation between the two countries. The meeting focused on accelerating their two countries' partnership in renewable energy, electric interconnection, and low-carbon transition. This high-level encounter builds upon Emmanuel Macron's state visit to Morocco in October 2024, which the French president made at the invitation of King Mohammed VI. That diplomatic milestone resulted in several major agreements, including an ambitious strategic partnership in energy, electrical interconnections, and low-carbon transition. At the center of discussions was the innovative electrical interconnection project between France and Morocco. The bidirectional 'off-grid' underwater connection requires installing a cable at unprecedented depths. Both ministers reviewed the technical and regulatory steps needed to launch an international market test for this groundbreaking project. Holding shared commitments Industrial cooperation featured prominently in the talks. The ministers examined joint investment opportunities in renewable energy sectors, including cable manufacturing, solar and wind energy, battery production, and the development of strategic industrial components. 'Green molecules' such as hydrogen and ammonia were also on the agenda. Officials identified their potential use in land, air, and maritime transport, while calling attention to the need for coordinated industrial integration in these emerging sectors. Both parties stressed the importance of collaborative research and innovation, particularly around cutting-edge technologies like energy storage, electrolyzers, and sustainable mobility. They shared a commitment to developing concrete and competitive solutions. The meeting concluded with renewed political and institutional commitments from both countries. Their stated goal is to develop model projects that will contribute to energy sovereignty, industrial competitiveness, and climate transition acceleration. This partnership aligns with the royal vision of establishing Morocco as a regional clean energy hub and a key player in the international climate response. Read also: Portugal Turns to Morocco Power Link as France Blocks EU Grid Tags: leila benaliMorocco France Relations
Morocco World
03-06-2025
- Business
- Morocco World
Morocco Launches Updated Green Strategy to Achieve Sustainable Development by 2035
Rabat – Morocco has announced an updated national strategy for sustainable development, aimed at creating a fair and inclusive green transformation by the year 2035. Minister of Energy Transition and Sustainable Development Leila Benali presented the revised strategy to the House of Representatives' Committee on Infrastructure, Energy, Minerals, Environment, and Sustainable Development on Tuesday. Benali explained that the updated strategy builds on the achievements of the first version launched in 2017, which helped improve institutional coordination, develop clear sectoral plans, and launch a digital platform for monitoring progress. However, she noted that some challenges remain, such as the lack of local monitoring systems and the need for more measurable indicators. The new strategy takes a flexible and inclusive approach that focuses on six key transformation areas. These include protecting and valuing natural resources, fair access to basic services, transitioning to a low-carbon green economy, ensuring energy, water, and food security, promoting territorial justice, and preserving Morocco's cultural heritage. Minister of Energy Transition and Sustainable Development Leila Benali These areas will be supported by five tools, including developing human capital, accelerating digital transformation, promoting innovation, improving legal and tax systems, and strengthening sustainable financing. The strategy was developed through a wide national consultation process. It included regional meetings across Morocco, sectoral and community discussions, and an online platform to gather input from citizens and Moroccans living abroad. Benali said the strategy reflects the vision of King Mohammed VI, the New Development Model, the government program, and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. A multi-level governance system will be used to implement the strategy. This includes a national committee led by the head of government, as well as sectoral and regional committees. A three-year budget planning system aligned with sustainable development goals will also be introduced, along with a monitoring and evaluation system to be updated every two years. Tags: Environment in Moroccogreen strategysustainable development
Morocco World
22-05-2025
- Business
- Morocco World
Morocco, Mali Strengthen Environmental Cooperation Through Strategic Dialogue
Rabat – Leila Benali, Minister of Energy Transition and Sustainable Development, held extensive virtual talks today with her Malian counterpart Mariam Tangara Doumbia. The discussions focused on strengthening bilateral cooperation to address climate and environmental challenges, advancing joint projects based on solidarity, knowledge transfer, and regional integration. During the meeting, Minister Benali emphasized that under the guidance of King Mohammed VI, Morocco places its relationship with the rest of Africa at the heart of its strategic priorities. She highlighted Morocco's commitment to a new generation of South-South partnerships centered on efficiency, solidarity, and tangible results . Benali also shed light on Morocco's initiatives to promote sustainable development in the region, such as the Royal Atlantic Initiative for the Sahel countries and Mali's active participation in the Sahel Climate Committee, which serves as a crucial platform for regional climate coordination. The Moroccan minister stressed the importance of practical discussions to activate bilateral cooperation, especially in areas of expertise sharing, technology transfer, capacity building, and innovative climate adaptation solutions. She commended Mali's strong commitment to environmental and sustainable development issues, recalling past coordinated efforts, including close cooperation during Morocco's presidency of the UN Environment Assembly. For her part, Minister Tangara Doumbia lauded Morocco's leadership in energy transition, climate financing, and environmental policy governance, recognizing the country's expertise in supporting environmental projects across Africa. She also expressed Mali's keen interest in benefiting from Morocco's experience in renewable energy , waste valorization, and the enhancement of training and capacity-building systems. Tangara Doumbia outlined several pressing challenges facing Mali, notably the energy crisis, solid waste management, water pollution caused by unregulated mining, and rapid degradation of agricultural lands. She emphasized the need for innovative and integrated approaches involving environmental transformation projects and circular economy solutions, particularly converting waste into energy and organic fertilizers to support sustainable agriculture. In response, Minister Benali expressed Morocco's readiness to share its expertise with Mali in these fields and expressed the desire to deepen cooperation in agricultural research, sustainable land management, and the use of renewable energy in agriculture. She pointed to the key role of the OCP Group, through its academic branch with Mohammed VI Polytechnic University and its R&D subsidiary InnoVx, in driving research and innovation related to sustainable agriculture and soil management, including desert soils. Both sides agreed on the urgency of accelerating technical discussions between their ministerial teams to establish a cooperation framework on these priorities, aiming to sign an agreement as soon as possible. They also pledged to launch joint field projects focused on waste valorization, climate adaptation, and circular economy development, reaffirming their shared commitment to building a sustainable environmental future anchored in climate sovereignty.
