Morocco Co-Chairs OECD Forum on Critical Minerals in Istanbul

Agadir – Morocco and Türkiye co-chaired the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) Forum on Critical Minerals held in Istanbul on April 28 and 29, 2026, under the theme “Unlocking Investment and Growth through Partnership.”

The high-level forum brought together international policymakers, institutional actors and industry stakeholders to address the strategic importance of critical minerals in supporting global energy transition efforts and securing resilient supply chains.

Representing Morocco, Energy Transition Minister Laila Benali highlighted the country’s ongoing reform drive in the mining sector and its active engagement in global discussions on critical minerals governance and investment frameworks.

“Laila Benali, Minister of Energy Transition and Sustainable Development, took part in the proceedings of the OECD Forum on Critical Minerals, held in Türkiye on April 28 and 29, 2026, co-chaired by Morocco and the Republic of Türkiye under the theme: Unlocking Investment and Growth through Partnership,” the ministry announced on Tuesday. 

Benali underlined Morocco’s strategic positioning as a country deeply rooted in Africa, closely linked to Europe, and fully integrated into global markets, stressing Morocco’s role as a bridge between continents in shaping future resource and energy dynamics.

She also highlighted Africa’s evolving role in the global mining landscape, noting that the continent is increasingly moving beyond its traditional position as a supplier of raw materials to become a key partner in innovation, value creation, and the green transition.

The minister further referred to the African common framework on environmental standards, social responsibility, and governance adopted by African mining ministers during the International Mining Conference in Marrakech, describing it as a reference point for advancing more sustainable and responsible mining practices across the continent.

According to the ministry, Benali also called for “the establishment of a new global framework for critical minerals that is fairer, more transparent, and more balanced, grounded in stability, strengthened international cooperation, and the reduction of unnecessary trade restrictions, in order to build resilient supply chains capable of withstanding long-term global transitions and crises.” 

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