The Minister of Energy Transition and Sustainable Development, Leila Benali, emphasized, on Wednesday in Rabat, the crucial importance of building sustainable energy infrastructure to support the economic development of the African continent.
### Tripling Investments in Renewable Energy
Speaking during a “Fireside chat” at the Africa Investment Forum (AIF), Ms. Benali stressed the need to triple annual investments in renewable energies, particularly in electricity production, to address the global challenge of climate change.
She also highlighted the decentralization of energy projects, stating that regional investments are essential to align initiatives with local needs while ensuring enhanced energy security through active participation from the private sector.
### An Inclusive National Strategy
Ms. Benali recalled the foundations of the national sustainable development strategy, an inclusive approach aimed at meeting the needs of all Moroccans. This strategy seeks to position Morocco as a strategic corridor linking Africa, Europe, and the Atlantic basin, thereby consolidating its role as a regional energy hub.
### Support from the EBRD
Odile Renaud-Basso, President of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), praised the commitment of private investors, including local companies, in the energy transition. She emphasized the multidimensional nature of this transition, which concerns not only large energy producers but also SMEs, industries, and households.
Ms. Renaud-Basso specified that the EBRD collaborates with all these actors to promote energy efficiency and enhance economic competitiveness in this new energy ecosystem. She also noted that the EBRD is actively working to encourage private initiative and entrepreneurship in Africa.
### A Key Platform for Investment in Africa
Under the theme **”Leveraging Innovative Partnerships to Scale Up”**, the AIF 2024 positions itself as an essential meeting point for investors. Since its launch in 2018, this platform has mobilized nearly $180 billion for strategic projects in key sectors such as energy, infrastructure, health, and agriculture, thus reinforcing its role as a driver of economic transformation for the African continent.
With strong partnerships and renewed ambitions, the AIF continues to pave the way for a more resilient and forward-looking Africa.