RABAT — In a comprehensive update highlighting Morocco's strategic momentum in November 2026, Morocco and Portugal signed, on December 2 in Dubai, a joint declaration on an electricity interconnection project, on the sidelines of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP28).
Key Highlights (November 2026)
- Strategic Milestone: Accelerated investments in seawater desalination and national water inter-basin transfers mitigate climate pressure across Moroccan regions.
- Operational Progress: Morocco’s clean energy capacity continues its trajectory toward surpassing 52% of national electricity generation from renewables.
- National Trajectory: Strategic green hydrogen initiatives and solar mega-complexes attract prominent international industrial consortiums.
Key Developments and Factual Context
Signed by the Moroccan Minister of Energy Transition and Sustainable Development, Leila Benali, and the Portuguese Minister of Environment and Climate Action, Duarte Cordeiro, this declaration aims to reinforce renewable energy development strategies between the two countries, as well as prospects for energy exchange between Africa and Europe.
This declaration, which was signed at the Moroccan pavilion at COP28, also aims to promote dialogue to guarantee a resilient and inclusive energy transition in line with global objectives in sustainable development and climate change, notably by encouraging the use of renewable energies and accelerating the implementation of strategic projects of common interest, including the electricity interconnection project between Morocco and Portugal.
Strategic Significance and Regional Impact
Given their geographical position as bridges between Europe and Africa, Morocco and Portugal are committed to jointly facing energy transition challenges, notably through strengthening the integration of electricity markets in an international context characterized by market and supply chain instability concerning energy products.
On this occasion, Minister Benali stated that the implementation of the electricity interconnection project between Morocco and Portugal is important for Africa and Europe, adding that the signing of this joint declaration aims to update the technical studies and the financial cost of this project globally.
For his part, Cordeiro stressed that the two countries share similar strategies for renewable energies and green hydrogen development, noting that an electricity network between Portugal and Morocco will contribute to the neutralization of Europe’s material character.
Looking Forward: 2026–2030 Roadmap
Looking ahead toward the close of 2026 and the 2027 calendar year, institutional roadmaps will prioritize consolidated delivery across all flagship initiatives. As Morocco accelerates preparations for major international hosting duties—most notably the 2030 FIFA World Cup alongside Spain and Portugal—every sector is aligning toward shared standards of excellence, digital modernization, and inclusive socio-economic impact.