IAEA grants Morocco its highest level of nuclear trust
Morocco has achieved a significant milestone in nuclear oversight, becoming the recipient of the highest level of nuclear trust granted by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) for the first time. According to Atalayar and agencies on 12th June, this recognition confirms the country’s strong commitment to nuclear transparency, robust safety infrastructure, and full compliance with international non-proliferation obligations.
The Moroccan Agency for Nuclear and Radiological Safety (AMSSNuR) announced that the IAEA has issued its extended safeguards conclusion for the Kingdom, stating that all nuclear material in Morocco is being used exclusively for peaceful purposes. As highlighted by AMSSNuR, “For the first time, the IAEA has published in its annual report on the application of nuclear safeguards for 2024 that Morocco benefits from the extended conclusion certifying that all nuclear materials in the country are exclusively used for peaceful purposes.”
This certification arrives as Morocco advances plans to construct a nuclear power plant. The initiative is fully aligned with the requirements of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT), reinforcing Morocco’s transparent and civil approach to nuclear development. Since ratifying the Comprehensive Safeguards Agreement in 1975 and the Additional Protocol in 2011, Morocco has steadily enhanced its nuclear control mechanisms, regulatory institutions, and infrastructure.
According to Atalayar, the IAEA has played a key role in supporting Moroccan authorities throughout this journey. Under the leadership of Director General Rafael Grossi, the agency continues to assist national regulatory bodies in maintaining the highest standards of nuclear safety. Morocco, which operates a TRIGA Mark II research reactor, has benefited from close collaboration with the IAEA to strengthen regulatory oversight and inspection capabilities.
The country’s regulatory body, AMSSNuR, has emerged as a regional model of rigorous nuclear supervision. According to the IAEA’s evaluations, Morocco now demonstrates “a high level of reliability” in its regulatory performance – an outcome that reflects years of strategic development and cooperation.
Morocco’s national energy policy firmly emphasises the peaceful use of nuclear technology. Leila Benali, Minister of Energy Transition and Sustainable Development, underlined this approach by stating, “The Moroccan kingdom is committed to the principles of African cooperation and solidarity in using nuclear technology for peace and development, with the use of nuclear energy being purely civil.”
Atalayar/ Agencies/ Maghrebi.org
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