By: Energy capital & power

Nawfal Drari, Director of Project Finance at Morocco’s National Office of Hydrocarbons and Mines (ONHYM), will join the U.S.-Africa Energy Forum (USAEF) 2025 in Houston to unpack Morocco’s ambitious energy investment strategy and highlight expanding opportunities for U.S. investors across natural gas infrastructure, critical minerals and hydrogen value chains.

Drari’s participation comes on the heels of a major milestone for regional energy integration: the signing of a tripartite MoU for the Nigeria-Morocco Gas Pipeline project between ONHYM, Nigeria’s NNPC, and Togo’s SOTOCO. The project, a key segment of the Nigeria-Morocco Gas Pipeline, represents a strategic step forward in Morocco’s efforts to become a regional energy hub, while providing the infrastructure needed to strengthen transatlantic energy security. Once completed, the pipeline is expected to span over 5,600 kilometers, connecting 13 West African countries and supplying gas to Europe via Morocco.

Morocco’s evolving energy landscape has been further bolstered by structural reform. Under the leadership of Energy Transition Minister Leila Benali, ONHYM is being transformed into a joint-stock company, aimed at streamlining governance, enhancing transparency and strengthening the agency’s ability to attract international capital. The shift aligns with Morocco’s broader strategy to scale up energy investments, diversify partners and deepen its integration into global markets.

​​Morocco is also positioning itself as a key player in the global race to secure critical minerals. According to data from the U.S. Geological Survey, the country holds significant untapped reserves of rare earth elements and strategic metals including zinc, lithium, cobalt, and manganese. ONHYM is actively promoting exploration and development opportunities, with a focus on attracting international investment and technology partners. As part of the forthcoming reform of Morocco’s mining code, several key features are set to be introduced, including the creation of a national mining cadastre to enhance transparency and governance, the establishment of a National Commission for Strategic and Critical Minerals and the formal designation of a list of strategic minerals.

Meanwhile, as Morocco looks to position itself as a leader in green hydrogen production, ONHYM is working to develop the necessary infrastructure, financing models and partnerships to bring projects online. The country has identified over 520 GW of technical potential for renewable energy generation, and is attracting international interest in hydrogen-ammonia export corridors, with a growing number of U.S. technology and infrastructure firms looking to play a role.

At USAEF 2025, Drari will join key stakeholders from across the U.S. and African energy sectors to contribute to high-level discussions around financing, infrastructure and resource development. His participation highlights Morocco’s growing relevance as a regional energy and mining hub – and supports the Forum’s mission to deepen bilateral cooperation and unlock investment opportunities across strategic sectors.

For tickets, sponsorship opportunities and more information, please contact sales@energycapitalpower.com or visit usafricaenergy.com. Join us in Houston to connect with the leaders shaping Africa’s energy landscape and experience the momentum that drives ECP’s events worldwide.