Morocco is taking part in the 2026 Ministerial Meeting of the International Energy Agency (IEA), held on February 18–19 at the headquarters of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) in Paris.
The Kingdom is represented by Leila Benali, Minister of Energy Transition and Sustainable Development, who is leading a delegation of senior officials from her department. Morocco’s participation highlights its growing role in global energy governance and its commitment to accelerating the clean energy transition.
Morocco’s Role Within the International Energy Agency
Morocco became an associate member of the IEA in 2016, making it the first country in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region to join the organization. Since then, the country has consistently reaffirmed its dedication to sustainable energy development, energy security, and strengthened international cooperation.
The 2026 IEA Ministerial Meeting provides a platform to:
- Review the agency’s achievements
- Address global energy market trends
- Discuss policy responses to emerging challenges
- Strengthen collaboration among member and associate countries
In addition to energy ministers, the meeting brings together CEOs from the energy sector, leaders of strategic industries, international organizations, and civil society representatives. Discussions center on energy security, affordability, sustainability, and long-term resilience.
Energy Innovation at the Core of Global Strategy
A key theme of the 2026 Ministerial is energy innovation, recognized as a critical driver of secure, sustainable, and affordable energy systems. Innovation is also essential to industrial competitiveness and economic growth.
The Ministerial coincides with the 3rd annual IEA Energy Innovation Forum, which gathers:
- High-level government officials
- Corporate executives and startup leaders
- Investors and research institutions
The forum reviews recent technological advances and explores policy frameworks that support innovation ecosystems and accelerate the global energy transition.
High-level discussions at the Ministerial include:
- Energy security in the “electricity age”
- Investment in safe, affordable, and sustainable energy systems
- Strengthening global cooperation to enhance sector resilience
Global Electricity Demand Enters the “Age of Electricity”
The timing of the 2026 IEA Ministerial Meeting is particularly significant. According to recent IEA analysis, global electricity demand is projected to grow by approximately 3.5% to 3.6% annually through the second half of the decade—significantly faster than overall energy demand growth.
This surge is driven by:
- Industrial electrification
- Expansion of electric transport systems
- Increased cooling needs
- Rapid growth in digital infrastructure, including data centers and artificial intelligence
The IEA describes this transformation as the “Age of Electricity,” where power consumption is expected to rise at least 2.5 times faster than total energy demand through 2030.
By 2030, renewables and nuclear energy combined are projected to generate around 50% of global electricity, up from approximately 42% today. Achieving this target will require a 50% increase in annual grid investment to ensure reliability and meet growing demand.
Morocco Strengthens Its Energy Diplomacy
Morocco’s participation in the 2026 IEA Ministerial Meeting underscores its strategic positioning in global energy discussions. As the country advances its renewable energy ambitions and energy transition strategy, engagement with international partners remains central to ensuring energy security, sustainable growth, and industrial competitiveness.
Through active involvement in global energy governance forums, Morocco continues to consolidate its role as a regional leader in clean energy and a key partner in shaping the future of sustainable power systems.
