Enabel and OVAM work together to boost circular economy in Morocco

Brussels, 10 February – Enabel and OVAM, the Public Waste Agency of Flanders, signed a cooperation agreement to share expertise and contribute to the ‘Morocco Circular’ initiative. The initiative, funded by the Flemish government and implemented by OVAM, VITO and Enabel, aims to create green jobs and promote circular entrepreneurship in Morocco.

Specifically, ‘Morocco Circular’ should provide the necessary technical support to enable the transition to a circular economy in Morocco. Particularly young people (and especially girls) are targeted through qualifying short-term technical courses developed in Flanders by OVAM which will complement the offer of Moroccan vocational training services. Thus, young people should be given every opportunity to participate in the emerging circular economy.

The initiative in Morocco is inspired by ‘Flanders Circular’, a partnership of local authorities, businesses, civil society and the knowledge community which takes initiatives to promote the circular economy in Flanders and is housed at OVAM. VITO, the Flemish Institution for Technological Research, is also involved in the project in Morocco as a member of Flanders Circular.

With the expertise of OVAM and VITO, Morocco Circular will also accelerate projects with a potentially high social or economic impact through close supervision and networking with potential investors. Finally, OVAM will also advise on the establishment of regional circular economy hubs, drawing inspiration from the Flemish model.

Jean Van Wetter, CEO of Enabel: “Enabel is particularly pleased to work with OVAM through Flemish funding. We have already concluded more than 60 partnerships with Belgian and regional government departments, research centres and universities. The cooperation with OVAM is a valuable addition to our pool of expertise, as their technical know-how in waste treatment and circular economy is among the world’s best.”

Werner Annaert, Administrator-General of OVAM: “Flanders has internationally recognised expertise in waste prevention, recycling and circular economy. We know from experience that a good waste management policy is not only an environmental matter, but also creates economic and social opportunities. At the same time, with each partnership, our own knowledge and insights also grow. We are therefore very much looking forward to this partnership.”

Morocco Circular is part of the 2024-2028 Strategic Partnership between Flanders and Morocco, drawn up in close cooperation with the Moroccan Ministry for Energy Transition and Sustainable Development (MTEDD) and the Ministry of Economy and Finance and approved by the Flemish government in May 2024.

Flanders is investing 5 million euros in Morocco Circular for a term of 4 years.