Morocco has reinforced its regional leadership in the solar energy sector, with sharply rising local production and a leading position in African imports.
This is Driven by an ambitious strategy and flagship projects like Noor Ouarzazate and an unprecedented boom in solar energy.
According to the latest report from the British research group Ember, the kingdom stands out for its dual dynamics: a major importer of photovoltaic panels and a pioneer in local industrial production.
While African imports of solar panels from China have jumped 60 percent in one year, reaching 15,032 megawatts between July 2024 and June 2025, Morocco is among the top beneficiaries, with over 800 megawatts received.
But unlike the majority of African countries, which rely almost exclusively on these imports, Rabat has managed to
double its local production capacity to reach 1 gigawatt per year.
This strategy strengthens its security of supply and positions it as one of the few manufacturing centres on the continent.
The rise of solar power is part of the national strategy aimed at increasing the share of renewable energy to 52 percent of installed capacity by 2030. In 2023, the energy mix already included 40% renewables.
Law 13-09 on renewable energy, adopted in 2010, encouraged the entry of private investors and boosted the sector. The objectives are precise: to achieve 20 percent solar, 20 percent wind, and 12 percent hydroelectric power in total electricity production by 2030.
A symbol of this ambition, the Noor Ouarzazate complex, with a combined capacity of 580 MW, illustrates Morocco’s capacity to conduct world-class projects combining photovoltaic technologies and concentrated solar power plants (CSP). Beyond its technological scope, the project is a lever for employment, training, and applied research.
The kingdom also intends to capitalise on its 900 MW electricity interconnection with Spain to position itself as an energy hub between Europe and Africa.
As Ember points out, the true value of solar power no longer lies solely in the manufacture of panels, but in the
exploitation of electricity that is now competitive with fossil fuels.
By leveraging this strategy, Morocco aims not only to reduce its energy dependence, but also to assert its role as a regional leader.
In a continent where solar power is finally taking off, the kingdom is already at the forefront of the pack.
MK/Sf/fss/as/APA