Morocco is focusing on renewable energy in its drive to end its dependence on imported fossil fuels. By 2030 its goal is to acquire half of the energy it needs from regenerative sources. Sustainable energy is also a promising employment sector. With over a fifth of young people unemployed, it holds great potential. Many young Moroccans are currently leaving their home country in search of work and prospects. However, they represent Morocco’s future and could provide the solution to its severe skills shortage. While there has been a lack of well-trained energy technicians to shape the energy transition, the situation is now changing.
Career prospects thanks to renewable energy in Morocco
On behalf of the German Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation, Building and Nuclear Safety (BMUB) and the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), GIZ is helping construct a new vocational training centre in Oujda. The Institut de Formation aux Métiers des Energies Renouvelables et de l´Efficacité Énergétique (IFMEREE) will provide training in wind and solar power, and in generating energy from biomass.
Almost half a million people in North Africa and the Middle East found employment thanks to GIZ’s support between 2010 and 2015. Nearly 30,000 people in Morocco are benefiting from better working conditions.
June 2017
The IFMEREE vocational training centre in Morocco combines theory and practice. © GIZ/Yana Wernicke
The campus in Oujda is where experts receive training in wind and solar power, and in generating energy from biomass. © GIZ/Yana Wernicke
Practical exercises are an important part of the training. © GIZ/Yana Wernicke
Solar panels are tested and optimised using models.© GIZ/Yana Wernicke
Further information
Akzente interview with German energy expert Frank Schillig who has been supporting IFMEREE
Akzente report: Training for the energy transition
GIZ in Morocco
Project: German Climate Technology Initiative (DKTI I)
Feature Project ‘Green Mosques and the transition to clean energy’
Advisory Service: Economic development and employment