Morocco is placing itself at the forefront of a new wave in African development, championing the peaceful use of nuclear energy to address the continent’s most urgent challenges, from healthcare to food security and environmental protection.

At the ongoing International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Board of Governors meeting in Vienna (June 9–13), Morocco emerged as a vocal advocate for Africa’s scientific self-reliance, reaffirming its pledge to share nuclear expertise with fellow African states. Ambassador Azzeddine Farhane, Morocco’s Permanent Representative to the UN in Vienna, emphasized the Kingdom’s commitment to safe and secure civilian applications of nuclear technology.

Farhane explained that Morocco is not just building national capacity; it’s building Africa’s future. he highlighted the country’s international recognition in areas such as disease detection, food security, and climate-smart agriculture. Morocco’s high-level technical infrastructure, backed by specialized training centers and bolstered through IAEA cooperation, has enabled it to serve as a regional leader.

This year’s IAEA Annual Report singled out several Moroccan-led initiatives, including hosting the first regional session of the ZODIAC initiative in Rabat. The initiative enhances Africa’s preparedness for zoonotic disease outbreaks, an area of rising global concern. 

Additionally, Rabat played host in February to 37 African countries under the AFRA program, creating a vibrant platform for sharing best practices in nuclear science and technology.

Beyond development, Morocco is also asserting its role in global nuclear governance. The Kingdom chairs the Steering Committee of the Global Nuclear Safety and Security Network (GNSSN) and plays a coordinating role within the Forum of Nuclear Regulatory Bodies in Africa (FNRBA).

Looking to the future, Morocco is preparing to integrate nuclear energy into its national grid by 2030, combining domestic scientific expertise with strategic partnerships. With 70% of the world’s phosphate reserves rich in uranium, Morocco has a natural head start in developing a sustainable nuclear sector that could benefit not just itself, but the entire continent.