Morocco's Development Strategy
The Moroccan government is pursuing a coherent transformation strategy that combines economic diversification, environmental resilience, and social inclusion:
Morocco is regarded as a geostrategic bridgehead between Europe, Africa, and the Arab world—and as one of North Africa’s most dynamic countries in terms of sustainable development. With ambitious climate and energy policies, growing urban dynamism, and a willingness to undertake institutional reforms, the Kingdom offers fertile ground for forward-looking partnerships.
At the same time, the country faces major challenges: youth unemployment stands at over 32%, rural regions remain underserved, and nationwide water stress has reached critical levels, with less than 650 m³ per person per year. Demographic trends and the effects of climate change are exacerbating existing tensions—particularly in semi-arid and agriculturally dominated regions.
The Moroccan government is pursuing a coherent transformation strategy that combines economic diversification, environmental resilience, and social inclusion:

Supporting young farmers, strengthening rural economic activity, food sovereignty

Expansion of storage and desalination facilities, modernization of agricultural irrigation systems, protection of groundwater reserves
.jpg)
Industrialization, equal opportunity, and territorial cohesion as guiding principles—Regional Development Plans (RDPs)
.jpg)
Regionally based reform programs with differentiated priorities and budgetary frameworks
Regionally rooted reform programs with tailored priorities and budgetary frameworks Through digital agricultural platforms, hydrogen special zones, and climate-resilient infrastructure, Morocco is translating its climate goals into concrete actions. Targets include 350,000 new jobs in the agricultural sector and seven new desalination plants by 2030.
In arid regions such as Drâa-Tafilalet, annual precipitation sometimes falls below 200 mm. Agriculture accounts for approximately 83% of water resources—primarily through large-scale irrigation. The water table in the Souss-Massa Basin is dropping by more than one meter each year.
About half of young people aged 15 to 24 do not have a high school diploma. Vocational training opportunities are particularly scarce in rural areas. Despite the establishment of new training centers and dual programs, the transition to productive employment remains precarious.
About 20% of agricultural land is affected by erosion. Desertification threatens formerly cultivated areas, particularly on the slopes of the Atlas Mountains. Long-term programs for reforestation and sustainable land use are getting underway, but they require time and political continuity.
Thanks to the PERG program, the rural electrification rate now stands at over 99.7%. Nevertheless, many communities still lack reliable water and sanitation services, as well as access to clean energy for households and businesses.
Since COP22 in Marrakesh (2016), Morocco has positioned itself as Africa’s voice on climate issues. It is a co-founder of the Triple A Initiative (Adaptation of African Agriculture) and plays an active role in driving reform within multilateral processes, such as the Powering Past Coal Alliance.
The EU is providing €1.6 billion to support Morocco’s green and digital transformation. The AfDB is contributing an additional €600 million, including for climate-resilient agriculture, water security, and women-led transformation projects.
Flagship projects such as the NOOR solar complex (510 MW, CSP technology) and the German-Moroccan Energy Partnership (PAREMA) demonstrate how international technology transfer drives local innovation. The focus is on the integration of smart grids, storage technology, and green hydrogen.
Conclusion: Morocco is not a passive recipient of development cooperation, but rather an active shaper of global sustainability processes—with growing influence in the African and Euro-Mediterranean regions.
The Green Nations Foundation is working with partners in Morocco on four strategic priorities:
– Water and soil management in semi-arid and rural regions
– Promotion of agroecological production systems that generate local economic value
– Vocational training and entrepreneurship support in the green sector for young people
– Supporting regional development processes, particularly in areas with underdeveloped infrastructure
Our work makes measurable contributions to the following goals of the 2030 Agenda: