VIENNA, June 12 (AGCNewsNet) — Morocco is positioning itself as a continental hub for the peaceful use of nuclear technology, pledging deeper cooperation with African nations and a stronger role in global nuclear safety during the ongoing International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Board of Governors meeting in Vienna.

Speaking at the session, held from June 9 to 13, Morocco’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations and international organisations in Vienna, Ambassador Azzeddine Farhane, said the Kingdom was committed to leveraging its technical capacity and international partnerships to benefit African countries.

“Morocco has built internationally recognised expertise in civilian nuclear applications with the support of the IAEA, and we are determined to share this with our African partners,” said Farhane on Monday.

The 2024 IAEA Annual Report highlighted Morocco’s active role, referencing the Kingdom’s specialised training centres, robust research infrastructure, and notable initiatives such as the first regional meeting in Rabat under the IAEA’s ZODIAC initiative, aimed at building capacity to combat zoonotic diseases.

In February, Rabat also hosted a high-level meeting of the African Regional Cooperative Agreement for Research, Development and Training related to Nuclear Science and Technology (AFRA), bringing together representatives from 37 African IAEA member states to share best practices.

Morocco’s nuclear diplomacy includes chairing the Steering Committee of the Global Nuclear Safety and Security Network (GNSSN) and coordinating North African efforts within the Forum of Nuclear Regulatory Bodies in Africa (FNRBA).

Looking ahead, Morocco plans to integrate nuclear power into its national energy mix by 2030. The country is banking on its national nuclear reference centre and longstanding collaboration with the IAEA to develop civilian nuclear capabilities.

The IAEA report also cited Morocco’s significant natural advantage: it holds approximately 70% of the world’s phosphate reserves — a key source of uranium, vital for nuclear energy production.

“Morocco is not just a beneficiary of nuclear cooperation; it is increasingly becoming a provider of knowledge, infrastructure, and leadership,” said Farhane, reinforcing the Kingdom’s ambition to serve as a technological bridge between Europe and Africa.

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