Energy in the Maghreb: Morocco deepens African partnerships to reshape continental energy future

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As energy concerns grow across Africa, a movement is taking root to forge sustainable, locally tailored solutions that challenge longstanding external dependencies.

Across the continent, countries are expanding rural solar access, building mini-grids, and upgrading aging infrastructure in a bid to meet the rising demand for power.

Amid these efforts, Morocco is emerging as a key player in fostering regional energy collaboration.

In a bold demonstration of this ambition, Morocco is preparing a major presence at the 2025 edition of Elec Expo Afrique, scheduled to take place from July 1 to 3 in Dakar.

Forty-four Moroccan companies from the electrical and energy sectors will attend under a unified national banner, with support from the National Federation of Electricity, Electronics and Renewable Energy Professionals and oversight by the State Secretariat for Foreign Trade.

More than a trade exhibition, Morocco’s participation signals a commitment to building robust, long-term partnerships with sub-Saharan Africa.

“We aim to move beyond trade to develop joint solutions for energy systems, rooted in the realities of each country,” said one federation representative.

The participating firms span the entire energy spectrum—from production and distribution to automation and efficiency—offering not only technology but collaborative expertise.

The goal is to support projects tailored to both urban expansion and rural electrification, by working closely with local actors.

Rather than simply exporting products, Morocco’s approach emphasizes co-development and the exchange of knowledge.

Officials say the initiative is part of a broader strategy to promote Moroccan technical know-how and build regional value chains that strengthen local energy autonomy.

Dakar’s selection as host city underscores the growing prominence of West African capitals in shaping the continent’s industrial and technological future.

For Morocco, the expo offers an opportunity to discuss key challenges facing the region—such as grid reliability, clean energy development, and equitable electricity access—while exploring avenues for co-investment and technical cooperation.

Ultimately, Morocco’s strategy reflects a forward-looking vision for African integration, where innovation, industrialization, and shared prosperity take precedence over competition.

The kingdom is positioning itself not merely as a supplier, but as a committed partner in Africa’s energy transformation.