Ms. Leila Benali, Minister of Energy Transition and Sustainable Development of Morocco, and Mr. Mohamed Ould Khaled, Minister of Energy and Petroleum of Mauritania, signed, on Thursday, January 23, 2025, at the headquarters of the Ministry in Rabat, a memorandum of understanding aimed at strengthening the partnership in the electricity and renewable energy sectors between the two countries.
The working visit of the Mauritanian Minister of Energy and Petroleum to Morocco is part of a dynamic of continuous consultation and coordination between the Kingdom of Morocco and the Islamic Republic of Mauritania, with the aim of strengthening bilateral relations and developing them in accordance with the aspirations of the two nations. This visit also concretizes the orientations of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, may God assist him, and His Excellency the President of the Islamic Republic of Mauritania, Mr. Mohamed Ould Cheikh El Ghazouani.
This agreement is a key step in accelerating cooperation between Morocco and Mauritania in the fields of electricity and renewable energy. It provides for the implementation of projects aimed at electrifying rural areas, promoting clean energy initiatives, and harmonizing electrical standards between the two countries. The Memorandum of Understanding also includes the exchange of expertise, technologies and best practices in network management and energy security, while strengthening human skills through joint training programs.
In addition, this cooperation aims to contribute to energy security, diversify sources of supply and study the establishment of an electrical interconnection project to stabilize networks and improve electricity supply.
Discussions between the two Ministers also focused on major strategic projects, such as the gas pipeline linking Morocco to Nigeria, as well as initiatives in new energies, including green hydrogen.
The two parties stressed that relations between Morocco and Mauritania are based on a common vision oriented towards sustainable development, thus reflecting their desire to strengthen Africa’s position as a continent with exceptional potential for growth and prosperity.
This meeting brought together, on the Moroccan side, the Director General of the National Office of Electricity and Drinking Water (ONEE), the Chairman and CEO of the Moroccan Agency for Sustainable Energy (MASEN), the Secretary General of the Department of Energy Transition and the Secretary General of the Department of Sustainable Development. On the Mauritanian side, Mr. Mohamed Mokhtar Ahmed Mouloud, Director General of Electricity and Renewable Energy, Mr. Kharembaly Lahbib, Project Manager and Head of the Hydrogen Sector, as well as Mr. Ahmed Fall Mohameden, Advisor to the Minister in Charge of Cooperation and Communication, were present.
