Tangier has welcomed over 100 countries for the inaugural African Green Economy Forum, a landmark event focused on positioning African cities at the heart of the continent’s ecological transformation.
The forum, which opened on 24 July 2025 under the theme “Strengthening African Cities, Paving the Way to Carbon Neutrality,” brought together government officials, experts, and stakeholders committed to advancing sustainable urban development.
In a video address, Morocco’s Minister of Energy Transition, Leila Benali, reaffirmed the Kingdom’s dedication to fostering a resilient and united Africa aligned with its vision for South-South cooperation. “Morocco has launched numerous pioneering initiatives across the continent to catalyse climate action, particularly through renewable energy deployment and territorial adaptation strategies,” she said.
Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, President of the World Green Economy Organization (WGEO), underscored African cities’ dual role as frontline victims of climate change and essential drivers of solutions. Speaking on behalf of WGEO’s Global Alliance for the Green Economy (GAGE), he highlighted Africa as “the cornerstone” of inclusive growth rooted in decarbonization, sustainable waste management, and green mobility.
Omar Moro, President of the Regional Council of Tangier-Tetouan-Al Hoceima, shared ambitions to transform the region into a green economy hub. “This forum is a platform to strengthen partnerships among communities, businesses, and civil society to develop urban projects aligned with carbon neutrality,” he said.
Jean Pierre Elong Mbassi, Secretary General of UCLG-Africa, noted Africa’s low share of global emissions but high vulnerability to climate impacts, emphasizing the continent’s unique opportunity to “build sober, resilient, and inclusive territories” that avoid polluting development pathways.
Nathalie Fustier, UN Resident Coordinator in Morocco, praised the forum’s role in peer learning and accelerating bankable green projects, assuring full UN support for Africa’s urban climate transition.
Mounir Laymouri, mayor of Tangier and president of AMPCC, stressed that empowering African communities with technical, human, and financial resources is crucial for a successful green transition.
Jointly organised by WGEO, Morocco’s Ministry of Energy Transition, the Regional Council, and UCLG-Africa, the two-day event features debates on climate policies, financing, circular economy, smart water management, low-carbon urban planning, green industrialization, and waste-to-energy — all aimed at shaping Africa’s sustainable urban future.
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