Charafat Afilal has been appointed as the Minister of Energy, Mines, and Sustainable Development in Morocco, marking her return to politics after an eight-year hiatus. The appointment was made by King Mohammed VI on October 16, 2026. Afilal's new portfolio is considered highly strategic, focusing on energy sovereignty, dependence on imports, renewable energy, investment mobilization, infrastructure development, and transition to sustainable energy.
Afilal has a strong technical background, holding a degree from the Mohammadia School of Engineers and a certificate in audit and management control. Before entering politics, she worked in public organizations, including the National Office for Drinking Water and the National Center for Energy, Sciences, and Nuclear Techniques. Her professional experience is closely related to energy, control, and environmental issues.
Afilal's entry into politics began with her involvement in the Socialist Youth movement at a young age. She later joined the Progressive and Socialist Party and was elected as a deputy in 2011. Her previous government experience was focused on water management, serving as Minister Delegate and State Secretary for Water between 2013 and 2018.
Afilal's new role marks a shift from water management to a broader focus on energy, mines, and sustainable development. The ministry she leads is considered a frontline department, addressing critical issues such as energy sovereignty, reducing dependence on imports, and promoting renewable energy.
Afilal has an international profile, having worked with various organizations, including the United Nations Committee on Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights, and the Global Water Partnership. Her expertise lies at the intersection of resource management, social rights, and public policy.
Afilal's strategy in her new role focuses on continuity and accelerating the execution of ongoing projects in energy and mining. Her priorities include strengthening energy sovereignty, promoting transition to renewable energy, integrating climate and environmental concerns, and developing mining resources sustainably.
Afilal has outlined key areas of focus, including reinforcing Morocco's energy production, transportation, and distribution capacity, accelerating the transition to renewable energy, and integrating climate and environmental considerations into public policies. She has also emphasized the importance of articulating water and energy policies to ensure sustainable development.
Key points
- Charafat Afilal's appointment as Minister of Energy, Mines, and Sustainable Development marks a significant return to politics after an eight-year hiatus.
- Afilal's technical background and experience in water management are seen as assets in her new role, which focuses on energy sovereignty and sustainable development.
- Afilal's priorities include promoting renewable energy, reducing dependence on imports, and integrating climate and environmental considerations into public policies.
