Global eco-industrial parks programme in Morocco

The signing of the implementation agreement for the Global Eco-Industrial Parks Programme in Morocco (GEIPP II) marks a decisive milestone for the Kingdom’s industrial future. This strategic act involves three major players: the Ministry of Industry and Commerce, the Swiss Government through the State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO), and the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO). Together, they are launching a project that does more than just modernize factories; it completely redefines how production is conceived across the national territory.

This collaboration is part of a long-term strategic vision. Morocco, driven by its national decarbonization policy, seeks to transform its industrial zones into true models of sustainability. The Global Eco-Industrial Parks Programme in Morocco is the operational lever that will make this ambition a reality. By focusing on resource efficiency and the circular economy, this program meets the growing demands of international markets, particularly in Europe, regarding environmental respect and social responsibility.

The goal is to simultaneously improve the environmental performance and economic profitability of the selected sites. It is no longer a secret: tomorrow’s competitiveness will depend on intelligent management of waste, energy, and water. The Global Eco-Industrial Parks Programme in Morocco GEIPP II offers an integrated approach that capitalizes on the successes of the pilot phase, known as “light touch,” while drawing inspiration from best practices observed in countries like Colombia or Vietnam.

A Solid Partnership for a Resilient Industry

The success of a project of this magnitude rests primarily on the strength of its institutional foundations. The Global Eco-Industrial Parks Programme in Morocco benefits from long-standing cooperation between the Kingdom and its international partners. The Swiss Confederation, through SECO, provides not only financial support of three million Swiss francs but also top-tier technical expertise. UNIDO, as the executing agency, ensures that the highest international standards for sustainable industrial development are applied on Moroccan soil.

This GEIPP II program consolidates the achievements of the Country Partnership Programme (PCP Morocco). Within this framework, Eco-Industrial Parks (EIPs) are identified as a key lever for transformation. It is not about creating isolated structures, but about durably anchoring the EIP approach within the local economic fabric. The idea is to move from classic industrial zone management to dynamic management where companies collaborate to optimize their flows. This is known as industrial symbiosis, a central concept of the Global Eco-Industrial Parks Programme in Morocco.

By learning from experiences in Peru or South Africa, experts have adapted GEIPP tools to the specific context of Moroccan regions. Each territory has its own water, energy, or logistical constraints. The program takes these specificities into account to offer tailor-made solutions. The signing of this agreement is therefore much more than an administrative formality; it is the signal for a progressive nationwide deployment that will change the face of our industrial regions by 2028.

Objectives of the Global Eco-Industrial Parks Programme in Morocco

The deployment of GEIPP Morocco over the 2026-2028 period is accompanied by quantifiable and ambitious objectives. The budget allocated by Swiss cooperation finances the technical support necessary to transform production processes. The first major axis is to promote circular economy approaches. Concretely, this means that the waste from one factory becomes the raw material for another. The Global Eco-Industrial Parks Programme in Morocco encourages this circularity to minimize the overall environmental impact.

The second major goal concerns the reduction of the climate footprint. Faced with the global climate emergency, Moroccan industry must imperatively decarbonize its activities to remain competitive, especially with the upcoming introduction of carbon border taxes. Finally, the third pillar is strengthening adaptation capacities to climate change. Industrial zones are vulnerable to extreme events (floods, heatwaves). The Global Eco-Industrial Parks Programme in Morocco helps park managers anticipate these risks to ensure the continuity of economic activities.

• Promoting resource efficiency: Optimization of water and energy consumption in each production unit.

• Reducing CO2 emissions: Implementation of renewable energy solutions and clean technologies.

• Fostering industrial symbioses: Creating material and service exchange networks between neighboring companies.

• Improving waste management: Systematic valuation of industrial by-products to limit landfilling.

• Integrating the social dimension: Improving working conditions and services for employees within the parks.

Selection of Pilot Sites for GEIPP II

To guarantee the success of the Global Eco-Industrial Parks Programme in Morocco, a rigorous selection process was put in place. A Call for Expression of Interest (CEI) was launched jointly by the Ministry of Industry and Commerce and UNIDO. The goal was to identify industrial zones with the highest potential for transformation and replication. After a concerted analysis, five parks were selected to benefit from intensive monitoring over three years. These sites will serve as technological and organizational showcases for the rest of the country.

Among the winners is the Atlantic Free Zone in Kenitra, a major automotive hub that must now integrate high-level ecological standards. The Jorf Lasfar industrial zone, with its high concentration of heavy industries, represents an exciting challenge for the Global Eco-Industrial Parks Programme in Morocco in terms of energy efficiency. In Agadir, the Tassila I and II zones will allow for experimentation with sustainable management in a context of pronounced water stress, which is crucial for the resilience of the Souss-Massa region.

The Ain Johra park in Khemisset and the Selouane industrial zone in Nador complete this strategic list. These choices are not coincidental; they cover a wide geographical and sectoral diversity. The Global Eco-Industrial Parks Programme in Morocco aims to demonstrate that the eco-industrial approach works just as well in agro-industry as in chemicals or metallurgy. By successfully transforming these five sites, the government will then be able to generalize the model to all 150 industrial zones in the Kingdom.

A National Ecosystem Favorable to Eco-Industrial Parks

Beyond the direct support of the five pilot sites, the Global Eco-Industrial Parks Programme in Morocco aims to structure a favorable global environment. This involves strengthening the regulatory and legislative framework. The Ministry of Industry is actively working so that new laws on industrial zones natively integrate sustainability principles. GEIPP II acts as a catalyst here, fostering synergies with existing public policies, notably the National Sustainable Development Strategy (SNDD).

The dynamic of complementarity with other financial partners is also a strong point of the program. The World Bank Group and the German GIZ are already involved in similar initiatives in Morocco. The Global Eco-Industrial Parks Programme in Morocco ensures there is no overlap, but rather a convergence of efforts to maximize impact on the ground. This collective intelligence allows for the mobilization of more resources for financing the green infrastructure essential for the ecological transition.

Creating a favorable ecosystem also means training Moroccan managers and engineers in circular economy professions. The program provides capacity-building sessions for industrial zone managers and ministry officials. Ultimately, the Global Eco-Industrial Parks Programme in Morocco must leave behind a local expertise capable of driving sustainable innovation without permanent foreign assistance. This is the guarantee of the long-term sustainability essential for our industry’s future.

Climate Impact and Social Dimension of the Project

It would be reductive to see the Global Eco-Industrial Parks Programme in Morocco solely through a technical or financial lens. The human dimension is at the heart of the UNIDO methodology. A high-performing eco-industrial park is one that takes care of its workers and surrounding communities. The GEIPP II intervention integrates strict social criteria, aiming to improve workplace safety, gender equality, and access to basic services (transport, health) for the thousands of employees in the pilot zones.

On the climate front, the expected impact is significant. By optimizing thermal processes and encouraging the installation of rooftop solar panels, the Global Eco-Industrial Parks Programme in Morocco directly contributes to Morocco’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) under the Paris Agreement. Reducing greenhouse gas emissions will no longer be seen as a constraint, but as an opportunity to modernize production tools and reduce energy bills for companies, which are often very heavy.

Finally, resilience to the effects of climate change is an absolute priority. Morocco is one of the most water-stressed countries in the world. The Global Eco-Industrial Parks Programme in Morocco encourages the recycling of industrial wastewater for green space irrigation or for certain cooling processes. This circular water management secures factory supplies while preserving groundwater for the population’s needs. It is a perfect example of inclusive and sustainable industrial development.

FAQ on the Global Eco-Industrial Parks Programme in Morocco

What exactly is GEIPP II?

GEIPP II (Global Eco-Industrial Parks Programme) is the second phase of a global program funded by Switzerland and implemented by UNIDO. In Morocco, it aims to transform classic industrial zones into eco-industrial parks that perform well economically, environmentally, and socially.

Which industrial zones were selected in Morocco?

Five pilot parks were chosen: the Atlantic Free Zone (Kenitra), Jorf Lasfar (El Jadida), Tassila I and II (Agadir), Ain Johra (Khemisset), and Selouane (Nador). They were selected for their high transformation potential.

What are the benefits for Moroccan companies?

Companies benefit from a reduction in their costs (energy, water, raw materials) through resource efficiency. They also improve their brand image and access to international markets demanding sustainability.

What is the duration and budget of this program?

The Global Eco-Industrial Parks Programme in Morocco spans three years (2026-2028). It has an indicative budget of three million Swiss francs, allocated by the Swiss government.

In conclusion, the signing of this agreement for the Global Eco-Industrial Parks Programme in Morocco is further proof of the Kingdom’s commitment to green growth. By combining economic competitiveness with respect for planetary boundaries, Morocco is positioning itself as a leader in sustainable industry in Africa and the Mediterranean. The official launch of activities will soon bring together all stakeholders to turn these ambitions into concrete realities on the ground.