Morocco’s State Secretary for Foreign Trade,Omar Hejira,reaffirmed the kingdom’s commitment to sharing renewable energy and electrification expertise with African nations during a major energy conference in Dakar.
Speaking at the opening of the African Confederation of Electricity,Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency touring exhibition,Hejira emphasized Morocco’s resolve to implement effective and supportive cooperation with African partners through tangible actions aimed at sustainable development.
Morocco’s initiative aligns with King Mohammed VI’s strategy,making South-South cooperation,particularly with African countries,a strategic choice dictated by common interests and spirit of solidarity and fraternity,Hejira stated.
As to universal electricity access,which remains a global challenge and absolute priority in Africa,the official highlighted energy’s vital role in citizens’ daily lives and the necessity of securing electrical energy supply for entering a new era of economic growth and development. He noted that energy represents a fundamental component of national sovereignty,with Africa possessing necessary assets for self-sufficiency and even export surplus.
Morocco’s Ambassador to Senegal,Hassan Naciri,emphasized that 600 million Africans still live without electricity,representing 43% of the population with only 50% overall electrification rate. Morocco’s integrated energy policy remains resolutely focused on Africa,with over 40 Moroccan companies participating in the exhibition demonstrating the kingdom’s commitment to balanced South-South cooperation.
The conference,previously held in Casablanca,Niamey,Abidjan,and Yaoundé,brings together 80 exhibitors from 20 African countries and expects 2,000 professional visitors. The event aims to strengthen Africa’s energy sovereignty through expertise sharing,developing local industrial champions,and advancing continental interconnection initiatives including the strategic Atlantic African Gas Pipeline project.
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