A landmark gathering in Morocco’s capital has set the stage for a fundamental shift in how the nation’s food processing sector tackles climate challenges. The National Forum on Decarbonizing Food Industries, convened in Rabat, brought together policymakers, industry leaders, financiers, and technical experts to map out a sustainable future for a sector that forms the backbone of the national economy.
Convened under the joint sponsorship of the Ministry of Industry and Trade and the Ministry of Energy Transition and Sustainable Development, the event served as a platform for stakeholders to align on strategies for reducing emissions while maintaining economic growth. With energy costs surging, water resources under strain, and international markets tightening their environmental standards, the timing could not have been more critical.
Why the food industry is central to Morocco’s economy
Morocco’s food processing sector is a powerhouse, generating nearly 191 billion Moroccan dirhams annually. It supports more than 2,600 companies nationwide, employs over 206,000 people directly, and contributes 44 billion dirhams to exports. The industry also meets 77% of domestic demand for processed food products, underscoring its vital role in food security.
Yet this economic strength comes with a significant environmental footprint. The sector consumes about 380,000 tonnes of oil equivalent in energy each year—nearly one-fifth of the country’s total industrial energy use. This reality makes decarbonization not just an environmental imperative, but a strategic necessity for long-term competitiveness.
A national roadmap for a low-carbon transition
In collaboration with the Ministry of Industry and Trade, the National Federation of Agri-Food Industries (FENAGRI) has launched a comprehensive national study to design a 2040 decarbonization roadmap for the sector. The goal is to identify emission hotspots, evaluate reduction levers, define feasible transition pathways, and establish practical implementation conditions.
During the forum, key findings were shared, sparking structured dialogue across the ecosystem. A clear consensus emerged: decarbonization should not be seen as a regulatory burden, but as a catalyst for economic competitiveness, industrial modernization, energy efficiency, market access, and long-term business resilience.
Collaboration as the cornerstone of change
The discussions underscored the need for coordinated action among public authorities, private enterprises, financial institutions, technical experts, and international partners. Success will depend on creating tailored support mechanisms, expanding access to green financing, strengthening technical expertise within companies, and fostering integrated policies that harmonize industrial, energy, environmental, and water strategies.
Particular emphasis was placed on supporting small, medium, and micro-industrial enterprises—essential components of Morocco’s productive fabric. Ensuring their inclusion in the transition is vital for achieving a fair, gradual, and effective decarbonization process.
From vision to action: next steps
Following the forum, FENAGRI reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining momentum. Future steps include establishing a monitoring framework for the roadmap, organizing sector-specific workshops, deepening collaboration with financial and technical partners, and guiding member companies in crafting and executing their own decarbonization strategies.
« The decarbonization of food industries is no longer a future concern—it is an urgent priority. It directly impacts our companies’ competitiveness, energy performance, market access, investment capacity, and resilience in the face of evolving climate and economic demands, » stated Abdelmounim El Eulj, President of FENAGRI.
