Energy Transition and Critical Minerals in Morocco

On December 10, 2025, the United Nations launched the Task Force on Critical Energy Transition Minerals. This task force is responsible for overseeing UN activities related to all principles and actionable recommendations for energy transition minerals. Chaired by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), and the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), it draws on expertise and resources from across the entire UN system.

According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), the demand for critical energy transition minerals needed for the global energy shift is projected to triple by 2030 and quadruple by 2040. Africa holds vast energy resources; however, more than 600 million of its people lack access to energy.

The African Development Bank has indicated that significant green mineral resources can act as essential inputs across various sectors such as mining, agriculture, manufacturing, transport, water, and renewable energy, to support the objectives of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

In Morocco, the mining sector plays a crucial role in the national economy, representing approximately 10% of GDP, more than 25–26% of national exports by value, and providing jobs for nearly 49,500 people. In 2021, the sector’s turnover reached 100 billion dirhams, including 85.7 billion dirhams in exports, supported by over 3,900 exploration permits and 1,160 operating licenses (CESE).

Despite ongoing transformations in this sector, on January 22, 2025, AESVT-Morocco and the Pan-African Climate Justice Alliance (PACJA), in collaboration with AMCDD and ENIM, organised a one-day workshop aimed at analysing how these changes are incorporated into national strategies, value creation, and effective implementation in Morocco.

The workshop was part of the second phase of the Galvanisation of Action for Resilient Development in Africa (GUARD-AFRICA PLUS) project, focusing on its Pathway 4 on the fair share, rights, and dignity of African people in the Just Transition discourse.

This pathway’s approach emphasises the need to safeguard the rights and interests of African people during the transition to a more sustainable and equitable economy.

PACJA has been advocating for sector-wide, equitable, gender-responsive transitions that consider the socio-economic and political realities of different regions and nations, as well as the imperatives of climate justice.

By promoting fair and inclusive policies that prioritise the well-being of local communities and encourage responsible resource management, PACJA aims to mitigate the negative impacts of mineral extraction, renewable energy waste, and trade on both people and the environment.

During the workshop, AESVT and PACJA, along with partners, were able to map out both the challenges and opportunities related to critical minerals in Morocco and Africa. They developed recommendations for integrating critical minerals into sectoral, territorial, and industrial plans.

The African Energy Chamber noted last year that the share of renewables in Africa’s power generation mix is expected to rise from over 27% today to more than 43% by 2030. North Africa is poised to play an expanded role in the Mediterranean by exporting electricity and green hydrogen to Europe. Additionally, decentralised power generation, such as solar home systems and mini-grids, is considered essential for electrifying Africa.

Workshop participants discussed clear guidelines for strengthening governance, financing, and regulation of value chains, as well as charting a roadmap for local value creation and low-carbon industrial development across the energy, digital, and mobility sectors.

Discussions also explored the role of the state and private actors in accelerating the transition and leveraging critical minerals. This raised important points about policy coherence, governance, national strategies, and the integration of critical minerals. Furthermore, non-state actors discussed the role of Just Energy Transition and Responsible Governance, emphasising the integration of critical minerals in the energy and digital transitions.

Key proposals included synergies between energy, mobility, and hydrogen storage, as well as the creation of industrial and digital value through public-private partnerships and innovation. The discussions underscored the importance of governance, international cooperation, the transfer of best practices, and multi-stakeholder partnerships.