Rabat – A new partnership signed in Rabat will fund 50 doctoral scholarships focused on energy transition and sustainable development.
The agreement, signed by Leila Benali, Minister of Energy Transition and Sustainable Development, and Azeddine El Midaoui, Minister of Higher Education, Scientific Research, and Innovation, is designed to boost Morocco’s research capabilities and train the next generation of sustainability experts.
Benali called the initiative “an investment in Morocco’s future and its youth,” highlighting that it will support 50 PhD researchers dedicated to renewable energy, energy transition, and climate change.
The program is aligned with Morocco’s long-term vision to center sustainability within its scientific research and innovation strategies, in line with the National Sustainable Development Strategy 2035.
This partnership, Benali explained, reflects Morocco’s strategic commitment to prioritizing human capital in its energy transition efforts.
“Morocco requires highly skilled specialists to design and implement the solutions that will drive its transition,” she emphasized.
El Midaoui expressed strong support for the initiative, stating that “youth are the backbone and one of the strategic levers for driving Morocco’s technological and scientific advancements.” He stressed the significance of equipping researchers to contribute to key national projects such as technological autonomy, digital transition, and environmental sustainability.
The program, running from 2026 to 2028, will be fully funded by the Ministry of Energy Transition and Sustainable Development with a budget of MAD 63 million ($6.1 million). The National Center for Scientific and Technical Research (CNRST) will oversee its implementation and monitoring.
The initiative aims to increase Morocco’s pool of specialized researchers and encourage doctoral students to develop innovative solutions to the country’s most critical environmental issues, including renewable energy, green hydrogen, circular economy, and climate resilience.