While not matching the standard of developed nations, African nations invest heavily in large-scale energy initiatives. In some cases, it is with the help of overseas companies that the projects are completed because Africans cannot always afford all the resources. The continent’s ambitious plans are demonstrated through projects like that of Morocco, which has decided to increase land earmarked for large-scale green hydrogen developments.
Morocco pushes to become a global hub in green hydrogen production
Morocco’s leadership is understanding of how difficult it will be to become one of the powerhouses in hydrogen generation, but this has not stopped them from letting the world know that the nation has groundbreaking plans in its near future.
The government officially launched the Morocco Offer initiative in 2024 as a framework to attract both foreign and domestic companies into large-scale green hydrogen projects. This is a strategy that has been used by many African nations as they hope to send a message that they are open for business and are willing to work with anyone.
Under the initiative, the government identifies almost 2.5 million acres of public land for potential energy developments. In the preliminary stage, an estimated total of 740,000 acres of land will be divided into small parts and made available to investors.
Ultimately, the strategy aims to attain billions of dollars in private investment and accelerate Morocco’s energy transition. The African nation has a massive advantage because of its plentiful solar and wind resources and its close association with European markets.
Delving deeper into the details and implications of the Morocco Offer initiative
The Morocco Offer is a type of formula that is tried and tested when it comes to energy developments that have been executed over the years. The most recent agreements signed in February 2026 have formalized land reservation deals with multiple renowned project developers who were pre-selected in March 2025.
For instance, these include multinational and domestic firms that are preparing to invest in a variety of energy sources such as green hydrogen, green ammonia, e-fuels, steel production, and renewable power generation.
The companies confirmed to have secured land reservation agreements include the ORNX consortium (with partners from the United States, Spain, and Germany), the TAQA-Moeve consortium, Saudi Arabia’s ACWA Power, and Morocco’s Nareva.
Assessing the obstacles that Morocco will have to overcome
Energy projects are all clouded by controversy that the general public might not be aware of during or after the project’s completion. In Morocco’s instance, the expansion of green hydrogen projects has led to criticism specifically because of the location of the government-allocated land.
Most of the territory that has been assigned for hydrogen developments is in Western Sahara, which is a region acknowledged by the United Nations as a non-self-governing territory. The controversy arises because Morocco is the administering power and has the duty to promote the inhabitants’ well-being.
Will Morocco’s large-scale green hydrogen developments materialize?
At this current moment, Morocco’s ambitious plans might have to be put on hold at least when it comes to green hydrogen developments.
There are international law experts and human rights advocates who are arguing that an occupying power (which is Morocco in this case) has no legal title to grant long-term industrial use of the land or resources in Western Sahara without the consent of the Saharawi people.
Reports suggest that at least two of the land reservation agreements involve land in Western Sahara: one with the TAQA-Moeve consortium and another with ORNX.
Not many 2026 green hydrogen initiatives have faced issues, but Morocco has a massive challenge to overcome if its plans are to become a reality. Nonetheless, the nation deserves credit for pursuing clean energy initiatives and, most importantly, for attempting to put the African continent on the map.
