Casablanca – The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) has adopted a new climate-focused strategy to expand its role in financing energy and environmental transition across its regions, with Morocco explicitly identified as a central partner. The strategy, covering 2026–2030, commits the bank to mobilize at least $162 billion in cumulative green financing, combining its own capital with private investment to support low-carbon economic development.
The plan, called the Green Economy Transition (GET) Strategy 2026–2030, was approved by the EBRD’s board this month. It represents the bank’s most ambitious climate financing commitment to date and aims to guide governments and the private sector in sustainable investment while aligning with international climate goals.
Morocco’s role in EBRD’s climate agenda
In its strategic documents, the EBRD highlights Morocco’s strong climate policy engagement and financial market development, positioning the country as a strategic partner. Morocco has submitted core climate frameworks to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), including its Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC), long-term carbon neutrality strategy, and national adaptation plans, demonstrating a commitment to emission reduction and climate resilience.
The bank also emphasizes Morocco’s potential to issue more green, social, and sustainability bonds (GSSS). Several such bonds have already been issued on Moroccan markets with international partners, helping structure a sustainable finance ecosystem. EBRD data shows it has supported sustainable energy, private sector finance, and infrastructure reform in Morocco since 2012.
Expanded green investment targets
Under the strategy, the EBRD plans to dedicate at least 50% of annual business volume to green investments by 2030, increase projects with climate-resilience components by 50%, and promote “nature-positive” initiatives. The strategy targets six key economic systems — energy, industrial, agrifood, transport, urban, and financial sectors — for coordinated action.
The bank aims to treble the renewable energy capacity it finances or facilitates, adding an estimated 35 gigawatts by 2030. This is designed to improve mitigation, adaptation, energy access, and economic competitiveness.
Strategic context and domestic priorities
Morocco has pursued an ambitious climate agenda, aiming for 52% of electricity from renewables by 2030 and developing multi-billion-dollar green hydrogen projects for domestic and export markets. Moroccan financial authorities are promoting sustainable finance, including raising holdings of green, social, and sustainable bonds to attract international capital.
External climate challenges and opportunities
The strategy notes challenges such as the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) in the European Union, which could affect exports from carbon-intensive sectors. The EBRD, however, sees this as an incentive for industrial modernization and accelerated decarbonization to strengthen long-term competitiveness.
Multilateral climate finance landscape
The EBRD has invested over $81 billion in green projects since 2006, with more than half of its 2025 annual financing dedicated to climate initiatives. Other development banks are also scaling up climate finance, such as the European Investment Bank, which pledged over $1.1 billion for renewable energy access in Sub-Saharan Africa.
Outlook
Analysts say the EBRD strategy reflects a global shift among development banks toward systemic climate frameworks integrating environmental goals with economic competitiveness and resilience. For Morocco, the alignment of national climate policy with the EBRD’s financing agenda reinforces its role as a regional hub for climate action.
