Africa Places Its Confidence in Morocco’s Approach to Nuclear Energy
Morocco’s chairmanship of the African Commission on Nuclear Energy paves the way for a meaningful contribution to the development of decisions based on sound scientific principles, providing fresh momentum for South-South cooperation in the field of advanced technologies.
Morocco was unanimously elected as a Commissioner to the African Commission on Nuclear Energy (AFCONE) for a three-year term during the seventh session of the Conference of the States Parties to the Pelindaba Treaty establishing a Nuclear-Weapon-Free Zone in Africa. The meeting was held on Friday at the headquarters of the continental organization in Addis Ababa.
This election reflects the broad recognition across Africa of Morocco’s approach, which rejects any separation between security concerns and the development agenda. The Kingdom has developed a balanced model that combines strict compliance with international nuclear non-proliferation agreements and the dynamic use of nuclear technologies for peaceful civilian purposes that serve the peoples of the continent.
The election further strengthens Morocco’s presence within one of the continent’s most important institutions responsible for the governance of the peaceful nuclear sector in Africa. The Commission plays a central role in implementing the provisions of the Pelindaba Treaty, which seeks to prevent the proliferation of nuclear weapons while promoting security and stability across the continent.
This new distinction also reflects the high level of confidence that African countries place in the Kingdom, owing to its approach based on the close connection between security and development, as well as its commitment to promoting the peaceful uses of nuclear technology.
The appointment is also fully aligned with Morocco’s strategic vision of strengthening its position as a regional African hub for the peaceful applications of nuclear energy, particularly in vital sectors such as healthcare and agriculture. The Kingdom is also seeking innovative solutions to address water stress and enhance food security.
This combination of diplomacy and technical expertise demonstrates that Morocco’s participation in the African Commission on Nuclear Energy will extend beyond political representation to make a tangible contribution to shaping decisions grounded in sound scientific principles, thereby opening new opportunities for South-South cooperation in the field of advanced technologies.
The position of Commissioner within the African Commission on Nuclear Energy carries significant strategic, technical, and diplomatic importance, as it contributes to the formulation of continental policies governing the peaceful uses of nuclear energy and to the coordination of African efforts in this highly sensitive field.
Morocco participated in the proceedings of the conference through a delegation headed by Ambassador Mohamed Arouchi, Permanent Representative of the Kingdom to the African Union and the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa. The delegation also included representatives from the National Center for Energy, Nuclear Sciences and Technologies and the Moroccan Agency for Nuclear and Radiological Safety and Security, underscoring the institutional and technical dimensions of the Kingdom’s commitment to this field.
