Renewable Energy to Feature in Morocco-Nigeria Strategic Dialogue in Abuja

Bennett Oghifo

The strategic role of renewable energy in Africa’s economic development will be thoroughly addressed at a brainstorming session organised by the Africa Economic Development Policy Initiative (AEDPI) and OCPPC Policy Center of Morocco in Abuja tomorrow.

The opening address /agenda setting will be done by Mrs. Obiageli Ezekwesili, Senior Economic Advisor, African Economic Development Policy Initiative (AEDPI) and by

Mr. Karim El Aynaoui, Managing Director, OCP Policy Center. The keynote speech will be delivered by Mr. Othman El Ferdaous, Secretary of State for investment, Ministry of Industry, Investment, Trade and Digital Economy, Kingdom of Morocco

The AEDPI and OCPPC Policy Center are jointly launching the first edition of the “Morocco-Nigeria Strategic Dialogues: Enhancing Opportunities for Growth and Development”.

The initiative, according to a statement by officials of OCPPC, aims to implement a platform for dialogue on topics related to economic development of African countries, partnerships in the energy sector, the mobilisation of financial resources and the role of youth. “The ‘Morocco-Nigeria Strategic Dialogues’ will constitute an opportunity to further explore the inputs of Morocco and Nigeria, as two strategic players within the African continent.

“The partnership between AEDPI and OCPPC plays a pivotal role in bridging the two countries, and places both institutions as catalyzers of ideas and knowledge related to Morocco and Nigeria,” the statement said.

Morocco and Nigeria, as emerging countries, have considerable leverage in multiple sectors such as energy. In 2016, both countries have brokered a deal on the construction of a gas pipeline from Nigeria to Morocco. Nigeria remains one of the leading producers of oil and gas in Africa while Morocco has developed an increasingly robust expertise in renewable energy.

The officials said this first edition would be an opportunity to discuss key issues and challenges faced by Morocco and Nigeria on the economic front, in order to deliver creative and edge-cutting solutions for cooperation and partnership in terms of growth and development. “The event will also constitute a forum for a better understanding of the sectoral similarities and complementarities, and a platform, for stakeholders that would facilitate experience-sharing on respective lessons learned and good practices.