PROJECT DATA Morocco

GIZ has been working in Morocco on behalf of the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) since 1975. GIZ is now taking on an increasing number of commissions in Morocco for other clients, such as the German Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety (BMU), the Federal Foreign Office (AA), the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy (BMWi), the European Union, and Moroccan companies. It opened its office in Rabat in 1999. Currently 228 national and 44 international employees and one integrated specialist are working in the country (as of 31.12.2018).

PROJECT DATA

Morocco

In the context of developments in the MENA region, Morocco has remained stable so far. However, almost a quarter of its people, especially in rural areas, live in poverty. There is a huge disparity between the levels of development in urban and rural areas. A substantial budget deficit, high unemployment and poor vocational skills still pose major challenges. Water is scarce, and climate change threatens the resources on which the population depends. Applying the laws on renewable energies, for example, and implementing environmental and resource protection measures also pose challenges, but offer prospects for sustainable economic development.

Sustainable economic development

The challenge facing Morocco is to create broad-scale income generation and employment opportunities. On behalf of the German Government, GIZ is assisting Morocco to create and safeguard jobs, primarily by promoting microenterprises, small and medium-sized businesses, and youth employment.

Conservation and management of water resources

Morocco’s average water availability is well below the internationally accepted minimum standard and is subject to extreme seasonal and spatial fluctuations. GIZ is therefore helping to build the capacities of water authorities to adopt Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) in Morocco.

Renewable energies and energy efficiency

Morocco currently relies on fossil energy imports for 95 per cent of its fuel supply, and yet it has outstanding potential for renewable energy use. In order to harness this potential to a greater extent, GIZ has been commissioned by the German Government to help Morocco introduce a model for developing a sustainable energy production system and supply.

Environment and climate change

Morocco’s future development will depend to a large extent on whether it can reduce environmental damage and conserve its natural resources so that they are available for use on a sustainable basis. To achieve this, GIZ is assisting its Moroccan partners to introduce a development model which minimises the negative impacts on the environment and mitigates climate change.

Good governance

The constitution, which entered into force in 2011, establishes more stringent requirements in terms of good governance and the performance of public institutions. Good governance is mainstreamed in all GIZ’s programmes in Morocco. GIZ also provides support to its Moroccan partners in the fields of equality, human rights, decentralisation and improving dialogue with citizens.

Health

Health care provision for the Moroccan people has numerous weaknesses. On behalf of the European Investment Bank (EIB), GIZ supports the Moroccan Ministry of Health in planning and implementing the renovation or construction of 17 hospitals throughout Morocco.

Skills development for the partner country’s health professionals is a key element of the services provided by GIZ. In addition, the participants in these programmes are offered numerous opportunities to engage in networking, also on a regional basis, and thus benefit from new contacts and sharing of experience.