GITEX Africa : Morocco’s Energy Efficiency Agency Aims to Strengthen Energy Saving Amid Growing Digitization

In an interview with MAP on the sidelines of GITEX Africa 2025, Benyahia emphasized that AMEE relies not only on a robust legislative and regulatory framework to promote best practices, but also on incentives, training, and awareness tools.

“Energy efficiency requires technical and financial resources, as well as a shift in societal behavior,” he said.

Among the Agency’s key initiatives is the development of regional energy efficiency and decarbonization plans in collaboration with all 12 regions of the Kingdom, aiming to equip local authorities with planning tools to encourage more rational energy consumption, in line with powers granted under Morocco’s organic law. A national system for monitoring energy performance indicators is also being rolled out.

Benyahia also highlighted the ongoing rehabilitation of AMEE’s training center in Marrakech, which will host certification programs for various economic stakeholders. The agency is also enhancing the technical and material capacity of its laboratory, which specializes in certifying solar and photovoltaic equipment.

Addressing the impact of digital technology, Benyahia warned of the high energy consumption driven by digital usage, particularly data centers, streaming services, and emails with attachments. “A single email emits 4 grams of CO₂, and with an attachment, that figure jumps to 35 grams,” he noted, underscoring the need for digital sobriety.

In this context, AMEE is conducting an awareness campaign during GITEX to highlight the environmental effects of digital technologies Benyahia explained, adding that the development of digital infrastructure requires constant energy supply—often carbon-based—and intensive cooling systems. He urged innovation to reduce the ecological footprint of digital tools.