Morocco Appoints H.E. Charafat Afailal as New Minister of Energy, Mines and Sustainable Development

Rabat, Morocco – October 17, 2026 — Morocco has officially appointed H.E. Charafat Afailal as its new Minister of Energy, Mines and Sustainable Development following a decision by His Majesty King Mohammed VI. The appointment was marked by a formal handover ceremony on October 17, during which Afailal assumed office from outgoing minister H.E. Leila Benali.

The leadership transition marks a new chapter for Morocco’s energy and mining sectors as the Kingdom continues to advance its economic diversification, renewable energy development, and sustainability objectives.

During the ceremony, H.E. Charafat Afailal expressed her gratitude for the royal confidence placed in her and reaffirmed her commitment to continuing the ministry’s major reforms while consolidating achievements made under the previous leadership.

She emphasized the importance of strengthening institutional capabilities, investing in human capital, and empowering the ministry’s professionals to contribute effectively to the implementation of Morocco’s strategic development priorities.

A central focus of her address was the interconnected nature of energy, mining, water resources, food sovereignty, and sustainable development. Afailal highlighted the need for greater coordination and integration across these sectors to strengthen policy coherence and support the Kingdom’s long-term economic and environmental objectives.

Her remarks reflected the importance of an integrated approach to resource management and sustainable growth, particularly as Morocco continues to develop its energy infrastructure, expand renewable energy capacity, and strengthen the contribution of its mining industry to the national economy.

For her part, outgoing minister H.E. Leila Benali congratulated Afailal on her appointment and expressed confidence in the continuation of the ministry’s ongoing initiatives and reform agenda.

Benali also extended her appreciation to the ministry’s officials and employees for their dedication and contributions during her tenure. She encouraged them to maintain their commitment to public service, institutional cooperation, and collective responsibility in supporting Morocco’s national development ambitions.

The transition comes at a time when Morocco is pursuing an ambitious energy transformation strategy aimed at increasing the share of renewable energy in its electricity mix, improving energy security, and attracting investment into sustainable infrastructure and industrial development.

The Kingdom’s mining sector also remains an important component of its economic strategy, particularly as global demand for critical minerals and resources associated with the energy transition continues to grow.

With H.E. Charafat Afailal assuming leadership of the ministry, attention will now turn to maintaining reform momentum, strengthening coordination between strategic sectors, and advancing policies that support Morocco’s long-term economic competitiveness and sustainable development.