By Abdullahi Lukman
Morocco has been ranked 6th in the 2026 Climate Change Performance Index (CCPI), a testament to its robust climate policies and commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
In contrast, the three African countries that were also featured in the CCPI lag way behind Morocco in their rankings.
Morocco, which ranked 6th globally with a score of 70.75, is Africa’s topmost performer, scoring across most categories, maintaining very low per capita emissions, and investing in public transport.
Egypt ranked 22nd globally, with a score of 60.5 while South Africa ranked 36th globally with a score of 52.7. Nigeria, which is among the countries evaluated was however ranked 26th globally in 2025
Morocco’s high score is regarded as one of the strongest climate performances worldwide and a major milestone for a developing nation that was balancing growth and environmental responsibility.
The ranking follows Morocco’s updated 2025 climate commitment, which pledges a 35 percent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2035, including an unconditional cut of 21.6 percent and a conditional target of 31.4 percent, as well as a plan to phase out coal by 2040.
According to the CCPI, Morocco scores highly in emissions, energy use, and climate policy, though the country’s renewable energy rollout lags behind expectations.
The transportation sector stands out as the country’s biggest success, driven by significant investments in rail and public transport that are shifting mobility toward low-carbon options.
Morocco has also introduced a National Adaptation Plan with building performance standards, though experts warn of weak enforcement and rising sales of inefficient appliances.
Despite vast solar and wind potential, progress has slowed due to delays, technological disputes, and limited grid flexibility.
CCPI experts urge the government to speed up renewable tenders, clarify technology paths, and develop sustainable biofuel and biomethane strategies based on waste and agricultural residues.
The index noted that Morocco can make additional gains in water and waste management, with experts recommending improved irrigation efficiency using smart solar pumping and sensors, as well as expanded organic waste separation and landfill-gas capture to curb methane emissions.
The report concludes that Morocco must accelerate renewable deployment, introduce a Paris-aligned fossil-fuel transition, and strengthen public engagement in climate action.
While its 6th-place ranking highlights the leadership potential of developing countries, sustaining momentum will require closing gaps in the clean-energy transition before global climate deadlines tighten further.
Experts also recommended improving irrigation efficiency, expanding organic waste separation, and landfill-gas capture to curb methane emissions.
Morocco’s ranking highlights the leadership potential of developing countries in addressing climate change.
However, sustaining momentum will require closing gaps in the clean-energy transition before global climate deadlines tighten further.
Analysts believe these rankings indicate that while there are some bright spots, many African countries still face significant challenges in addressing climate change.
