Morocco's energy transition success attributed to strategic choices, says Minister Leïla Benali
via Le Matin6 min read
Morocco's Minister of Energy Transition and Sustainable Development, Leïla Benali, asserts that the country's success in energy transition is not accidental. In an interview with "Asharq Business," Benali highlighted the strategic choices that have positioned Morocco as a model in this sector. She emphasized that Morocco's current standing in energy discussions stems from decades of experience in attracting private and international financing, familiarity with technological and geopolitical risks, and a consistent strategy since 2009. This continuity, she noted, is largely due to a stable vision at the highest levels of government, allowing for long-term planning and clear direction for investors and institutions. Benali prefers the term "corridor" over "hub" to describe Morocco's role, viewing it as a space for electrical, industrial, logistical, and mining flows, supported by institutions, ports, interconnections, and stable policies, rather than just a transit or export function. The Minister stressed that any energy project must be competitive to be effective, applying this principle to renewable electricity, infrastructure, gas, and green hydrogen. She clarified that for green hydrogen, the main challenge is not water availability but efficient resource use, governance quality, investor support, testing phases, and shared infrastructure, including desalination. The ultimate determinant of success will be the final project cost. Benali advocated for experimentation withou
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The third edition of the Comediablanca Festival was officially launched on Thursday, April 23, during a press conference in Casablanca. Following an international tour that included performances at the Olympia in Paris and the Cirque Royal in Brussels, and with a date scheduled in Montreal on May 9, the event is returning to the Moroccan metropolis. This year, the festival will expand from two to five days, running from June 2 to June 6, aiming to create an ecosystem that combines stage performances, knowledge transfer, and public engagement. The BMCI is supporting this edition, reaffirming its commitment to cultural development and national talent.
Adil El Bitar, representing the Authenticity and Modernity Party PAM, outlined the party's candidate selection process for the 2026 elections, emphasizing a renewed vision focused on collective decision-making, elite renewal, and electoral effectiveness. The process involves a collegiate leadership with centralized arbitration, prioritizing local consensus in consultation with regional actors and leaders through an ad hoc commission. In cases of persistent disagreement, the central leadership intervenes, basing decisions on objective criteria such as competence and electability. The party aims to maintain internal unity by making investment decisions consensually. Regional and local reports and recommendations inform the final candidate lists, with the collective leadership retaining ultimate decision-making authority. PAM prioritizes promoting new, younger profiles, including those from outside traditional political circles, to bring fresh dynamism and skills. The party also emphasizes female representation and the positioning of women and youth at the top of electoral lists, alongside competence and electability. El Bitar acknowledged public skepticism regarding the transparency of political parties' candidate selection processes, often perceived as lacking internal democracy and driven by loyalty and interests rather than competence. He stated that PAM is working to establish a transparent process through a dedicated commission and predefined criteria, aiming to break from
Must ReadSwitzerland has expressed support for Morocco's autonomy initiative for the Sahara, as stated in a joint communication adopted by Ignazio Cassis, Federal Councillor, Vice President of the Swiss Confederation, Head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs, and Nasser Bourita, Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation and Moroccan Expatriates. This position was articulated during Mr. Bourita's working visit to Bern. The joint document also highlights Switzerland's commendation of Security Council Resolution 2797, which suggests that "genuine autonomy under Moroccan sovereignty could constitute one of the most feasible solutions." Switzerland also reiterated its support for the central role of the United Nations and the efforts of the Personal Envoy of the Secretary-General. This reaffirmed support aligns with a growing international consensus. Mr. Cassis described Morocco, under the guidance of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, as a "key partner for Switzerland on the southern shore of the Mediterranean and in the African continent." Following their meeting, both officials expressed satisfaction with the progress made on objectives set in their December 2021 joint declaration, reaffirmed in June 2023. They reviewed advancements in trade, investments, climate and renewable energies, judicial assistance, training, and social security. Additionally, Mr. Cassis and Mr. Bourita welcomed the launch of a Swiss economic cooperation program in Morocco, funded by the State Secreta
The third edition of Comediablanca will feature two free days on June 2 and 3, dedicated to learning and knowledge transfer through master classes. Participants can interact with comedian Taliss and Amir Rouani, the festival's artistic director and filmmaker, who will share his creative vision. These sessions will conclude with an intervention by Mouna Fettou, a major figure in Moroccan cinema and theater, offering diverse perspectives on artistic professions. From June 4 to 6, the festival will take over the Mohammed V Complex for three themed evenings, also directed by Amir Rouani. The evening of June 4 will open with an all-Moroccan gala featuring eleven artists, with Taliss as master of ceremonies. Performers include Oussama Ramzi, Saïd & Wadie, Ayoub Idri, Rachid Rafik, Driss & Mehdi, Fadwa Taleb, Fatih, Zouhair Zair, and Wahiba Bouya. The following day, Jalil Tijani will present a revised and enriched version of his show "Jeux de Société," titled "La dernière," including surprises and special guests. The festival will close on June 6 with a Francophone gala orchestrated by Kheiron, bringing together Laurie Peret, Mimo Lazrak, Mehdi Boussaidan, Doully, John Sulo, and Hamaka, fostering a dialogue between different international comedic sensibilities. Beyond the performances, Comediablanca will offer an immersive village designed as a convergence point for the public. Organized by Myriam Bouayad Amine and Saad Lahjouji Idrissi of Tendansia agency, the festival anticipates