At the “Mauritanides” conference held in Nouakchott, the Minister of Energy Transition and Sustainable Development, Leïla Benali, emphasized the urgent need to equip Africa with a mining governance framework based on environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles.
Represented by Ahmed Bouzid, Director General of Energy and Mining Production Development, Ms. Benali advocated for the adoption of a mechanism designed for and by Africa, during the upcoming meeting of African Mining Ministers scheduled for November in Marrakech.
### A Tailored African Model
According to the minister, the current frameworks, often inspired by international financial standards, do not meet the specific needs of the continent. She recalled that the international conference on the mining sector held in Marrakech last December had already laid the groundwork for a consensus around the creation of an African framework that promotes transparency and sustainability in the financing of mining projects.
This future mechanism should better regulate the extraction, transportation, and processing of resources, ensuring that the wealth generated directly benefits local populations and supports socioeconomic development.
### Morocco as a Pioneer
To illustrate this vision, Ms. Benali highlighted the Kingdom’s experience, particularly through the “Origin – Transit – Certification” (OTC) initiative. This mechanism, based on recognized environmental and social standards, has already received support from several African ministers and could become a reference tool for enhancing the value of strategic minerals used in the energy transition and cutting-edge technologies.
Morocco is also collaborating with the African Center for Mineral Development and other international organizations to enhance traceability and harmonize mining policies.
### An Integrated Vision within the Atlantic Initiative
This advocacy is also aligned with the Atlantic Initiative, championed by King Mohammed VI, which aims to transform the Atlantic space into a platform for South-South cooperation and regional integration. Minerals extracted or certified via Morocco would thus be subject to strict standards in governance and social responsibility.
### In-Depth Reforms
The minister finally underscored that Morocco is no longer content with a model based on the export of low value-added raw materials. Ongoing reforms aim for deeper integration into global value chains, particularly in energy, storage, and digital sectors, with a vision to establish a more equitable distribution of benefits and risks.
### A Strategic Meeting in Mauritania
The 7th edition of “Mauritanides,” inaugurated by President Mohamed Ould Cheikh El Ghazouani, brings together key stakeholders from the oil, gas, mining, and renewable energy sectors for two days. This event provides a unique space to explore investment opportunities, strengthen regional partnerships, and highlight Mauritania’s energy and mining potential, while also consolidating African economic integration.