Morocco

Morocco has an important service and manufacturing sector as well as a high share of its population engaged in agricultural activities. Situated in one of the aridest regions of the world, the country is vulnerable to climate change, with highly variable rainfall and recurrent droughts producing environmental, social and economic consequences. In light of these challenges, Morocco is working to reframe economic policies around sustainable development. 

Morocco’s overall commitment to an inclusive green economy transition is outlined in its 2017 National Sustainable Development Plan (SNDD) aiming to reconcile economic growth, social inclusion, protection and enhancement of the environment by 2030. The Moroccan government had already started to roll out several green economy initiatives prior to joining PAGE, across renewable energy, energy efficiency, water and waste management, sustainable agriculture and aquaculture, and eco-tourism.

With Morocco officially joining PAGE in March 2020, the launch of the programme was made difficult by the simultaneous outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic. Morocco moved quickly, securing USD 12 billion for COVID-19 recovery, including several recovery strategies with potential for green recovery promotion, such as the industrial recovery plan 2021-2023 and the Pact for Economic Recovery and Employment. PAGE’s targeted green recovery efforts work in line with these to green recovery plans and provide support to key industries. At the same time, the announcement in 2021 of a New Development Model that puts social equity and sustainability at the heart of all future government policies, and a new Ministry for Energy Transition and Sustainable Development tasked with leading the development of green economy, has strengthened green economy as a national priority and will further facilitate PAGEs efforts in Morocco.