Marja-Riitta Vest is Director of RDI Services at Vaasa University of Applied Sciences VAMK. Sirpa Rutanen is Head of Communications and Marketing at VAMK.
A recent Doing Business with Finland seminar provided an excellent platform to explore synergies between Finland and Morocco in water management, energy transition, and digitalization. For VAMK as a university of applied sciences based in Vaasa—the energy technology hub of the Nordics—these discussions were particularly relevant. Our expertise in sustainable energy solutions, hydrogen technology, and smart grids places us in a strong position to collaborate with Moroccan stakeholders in advancing their green transition.
Investments for Sustainable and Inclusive Development
Morocco has heavily invested in education, health, transportation, and renewable energy. With inflation below 2% from 2009 to 2021, strong macroeconomic fundamentals, and a pro-trade stance—evident in 50 non-double taxation agreements and unrestricted capital repatriation—it remains an attractive investment hub.
Ongoing reforms reinforce political, economic, and social stability, fostering an open and equitable society. The new Investment Charter further drives growth by promoting investment, job creation, regional equity, and sustainability.
Driving the Energy Transition: Hydrogen as a Key Opportunity
Morocco’s low-carbon energy strategy, guided by a royal vision, aims to exceed 52% renewable energy in the mix by 2030. Key initiatives include the Water Roadmap, Natural Gas Roadmap, and Green Hydrogen Offer. Investment opportunities arise from strengthening the electricity grid, with renewables powering seawater desalination and natural gas plants ensuring grid flexibility. Morocco’s Green Hydrogen Offer further supports investment in the sector.
A key highlight of the seminar was the session on Morocco’s energy transition, led by Alykhan Kassam from CGEM’s Green Economy and Decarbonation Commission. The discussion reinforced Morocco’s ambitions in renewable energy, a field where Finnish expertise can play a crucial role.
Renewable energy is a field where Finnish expertise can play a crucial role.
Our region, home to world-leading energy technology companies and research initiatives, has much to offer. In particular, our involvement in H2Excellence, a European hydrogen innovation project, presents an opportunity for Morocco to engage in cutting-edge hydrogen solutions and knowledge exchange. Hydrogen plays a crucial role in the future of clean energy, and with Morocco’s strategic location and renewable energy potential, cooperation in this field could be highly beneficial for both parties.
The Water-Energy Nexus and Digital Innovation
Sustainability and innovation were at the heart of discussions between Finnish and Moroccan experts, highlighting the critical link between water and energy. Finland’s cutting-edge solutions in energy-efficient water treatment and grid management align with Morocco’s sustainability goals, offering immense collaboration potential.
Meanwhile, digitalization emerged as a key driver of transformation, with Morocco’s expanding digital ecosystem complementing Finland’s expertise in AI-driven energy optimization, smart grids, and intelligent infrastructure. By combining forces, both nations can pioneer impactful solutions for a smarter, more resilient future.
Young, Diverse, and Motivated Human Capital
With a young, skilled, and motivated workforce, Morocco produces 19,000 engineers and 55,000 technicians annually, with 42% being women engineers. These talented professionals, known for their can-do attitude and strong educational background, are ideal candidates for postgraduate studies.
VAMK has strengthened its presence in Morocco by participating in student fairs in Casablanca, Rabat in 2024. In February, we expanded to Marrakech by attending the Forum International de l’Étudiant, supported by targeted digital campaigns, successfully attracting Moroccan students to our programs with growing interest.
Collaboration is at the heart of our approach, together with our local partner, Apprentis, we enhance our presence in the Moroccan market. Through our offering in energy technology, engineering, international business, and, from 2026, nursing—we equip Moroccan students with the latest expertise while fostering strong academic and professional connections between Finland and Morocco.
Collaboration is at the heart of our approach.
Strengthening Partnerships for a Greener Tomorrow
For us, this seminar was a call to action. As representatives of the Energy Vaasa region, we see strong potential for joint research and development of future-proof energy and water solutions. As an ”associated country” of the EU’s Horizon Europe program, Morocco can access funding for sustainable development, particularly in health and infrastructure. Morocco is also part of Erasmus+, and Business Finland and Finnpartnership offer opportunities for collaboration in business and RDI.
We look forward to strengthening ties with Moroccan partners and integrating these insights into our education and innovation efforts to drive the global transition to a smarter, greener future.
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