Morocco ranks 6th worldwide in the 2026 Climate Change Performance Index, remaining the top performer in Africa thanks to strong climate policies, low emissions, and efficient energy use. However, the report warns that slow progress in renewable energy could undermine the country's long-term climate ambitions unless reforms accelerate. Morocco has secured 6th place worldwide in the 2026 Climate Change Performance Index (CCPI), confirming its position among the world's highest-performing countries in climate action. With a total score of 70.75 points, the kingdom remains the top performer in Africa and the Arab world, ahead of several advanced economies. Morocco climbed two places this year, ranking just behind the United Kingdom in fifth position and Denmark in fourth, currently the highest-ranking country in the index. The report credits the kingdom's strong climate performance to low greenhouse gas emissions, efficient energy use, and solid national climate policies. Strong scores in key climate indicators According to the CCPI, Morocco scores «high» in three out of four evaluated categories: greenhouse gas emissions, energy use, and climate policy, where it ranks 6th, 8th, and 6th globally respectively. Only the renewable energy category receives a lower score, placing the country 46th worldwide. The report notes that Morocco is not «heavily engaged in fossil fuel extraction» and that its emissions trajectory remains broadly aligned with the Paris Agreement, reinforcing its reputation as one of the most climate-committed countries in the Global South. The index also highlights Morocco's updated Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC), submitted in October 2025, which strengthens its long-term climate commitments. The revised NDC outlines a target to reduce emissions by 35% by 2035 relative to business-as-usual, including an unconditional 21.6% cut, and confirms the country's intention to phase out coal by 2040, a measure widely welcomed by climate experts. Experts welcome progress, urge faster renewables Despite this strong performance, the CCPI's country experts point to structural obstacles that could slow Morocco's progress if not addressed. They praise the kingdom's overall efforts but emphasize that «Morocco should adopt a Paris-aligned fossil transition package, set incentives for citizen involvement, and accelerate its renewable energy expansion». The report identifies several challenges affecting the renewable energy sector, including delays in solar and wind project implementation, legal and procedural disputes that have stalled new installations, the need for a more flexible and modernized power grid, the absence of a national roadmap for biofuels and biomethane, and insufficient programs that allow citizens to participate directly in renewable energy production. While acknowledging Morocco's pioneering achievements, such as the Noor Ouarzazate solar complex, the CCPI warns that the pace of renewable deployment remains too slow to meet the country's long-term climate ambitions. The experts recommend expediting tenders, clarifying technological choices for future energy projects, and supporting domestic renewable industries to ensure Morocco maintains its leadership position and achieves a successful energy transition.
