Casablanca – The Italian government plans to establish in Morocco a training center focused on renewable energy, electrical infrastructure, and energy efficiency. This initiative, part of the “Mattei Plan” aimed at bolstering development across Africa, underscores Italy’s commitment to fostering sustainable growth and strengthening partnerships in clean energy innovation throughout the continent.

Expanding Africa’s renewable energy capacity 

To support the “Mattei Plan,” Italy has allocated approximately $5.8 billion in funding, including roughly $3.1 billion from the Italian Climate Fund and an additional $2.7 billion from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. This significant investment will be directed toward enhancing renewable energy infrastructure, improving electrical grids, and boosting energy efficiency across Africa, with Morocco serving as a key regional hub.

The new training center aims to elevate the skills of a broad range of professionals, including technicians and managers, in modern energy solutions. Beyond Morocco, its impact is set to benefit other African nations, fostering expertise and strengthening capabilities in renewable energy across the continent.

Promoting green collaboration 

The establishment of this training center follows discussions during the International Conference on Green Growth in Africa, where key stakeholders—including representatives from the Moroccan Embassy in Rome and the Italian Climate Fund—explored avenues for promoting sustainable and circular economies. This center is a concrete outcome of those deliberations, emphasizing practical steps to advance clean energy development and professional expertise through hands-on training.

Fabio Massimo Ballerini, head of the diplomatic office at the Italian Prime Minister’s Office, highlighted that the initiative reflects Italy’s strategy for sustainable investment and regional collaboration. It is part of a focused effort to drive clean energy adoption and capacity-building within a defined timeframe.

Supporting Morocco’s renewable energy objectives 

This initiative aligns with Morocco’s goal of increasing renewable energy’s share to 52% of its national energy mix by 2030. In addition to strengthening Morocco’s clean energy workforce in creating about 50,000 new jobs in the sector and deepen its partnerships with the European Union. The training center will be pivotal in building essential skills for renewable technologies, energy efficiency, and modern infrastructure.

Addressing climate and energy challenges 

The establishment of this training facility will aid Morocco and its African partners in addressing pressing climate challenges and facilitating the transition to clean energy solutions. By developing expertise in renewable energy, energy efficiency, and sustainable infrastructure, the Italian-funded center will play a key role in fostering cooperation and building a greener, more sustainable future for Africa and Europe.