Wahba Zniber, Managing Director, Qair Maroc

Wahba Zniber’s journey into entrepreneurship and sustainability is a story of resilience, vision, and the unwavering pursuit of values. Growing up in Morocco, Wahba was deeply influenced by her family’s principles—respect for people, nature, ecology, and solidarity. This deep respect for nature, instilled by her family, has fueled her commitment to renewable energy, seeing it as a vital way to preserve Morocco’s natural beauty and resources. Her parents, spiritual and value-driven individuals, and her grandfather instilled in her a strong sense of entrepreneurship and a desire to create a positive impact.

From a young age, Wahba was both analytically gifted and empathetic. Excelling in mathematics, Wahba also had a natural ability to connect with people. At 17, her interest in psychology led her to therapy, profoundly changing her perspective. “That experience shaped how I see the world—it taught me the importance of self-awareness and alignment with one’s values,” she recalls. Though initially drawn to psychology, she eventually chose finance, a field that aligned with her analytical strengths.

Her early career in finance exposed her to ethical dilemmas that conflicted with her values. By 25, she realized she wanted to align her profession with sustainability. This led her to pursue further studies in international project management at a French business school, and took an elective class in sustainable development, giving her time to know what field in sustainable development she wants to explore.

Challenges and Triumphs in Renewable Energy

Wahba Zniber was among the first entrepreneurs in Morocco to venture into renewable energy. In 2011, JMB Energie acquired a majority stake in her company. The company JMB energie which later became Qair. The journey was not easy. The sector was new, processes were unclear, and implementation was slow. Despite Morocco’s immense wind and solar potential, bureaucratic and technical challenges such as a limited capacity to integrate renewables into the grid delayed progress. After years of waiting, her first major wind energy project finally gained authorization in 2024.

Undeterred, Wahba adapted. In 2015, Morocco introduced a decree liberalizing the production of medium-voltage electricity from renewables, offering new opportunities for solar energy. Yet, delays in the implementation of the 2015 decree meant her plans had to be adjusted. Faced with this uncertainty, she leveraged existing legal frameworks to develop solar energy projects under self-production laws, offering businesses an innovative way to access green energy.

Balancing Work and Life as an Entrepreneur

Maintaining work-life balance has always been a challenge for Wahba, especially in the early years. As an entrepreneur who is deeply immersed in her work, she often sacrifices personal time to establish her business. Over time, she learned to create a balance between her professional and personal life. Her husband, also an entrepreneur, always supported her in her work. They navigated the challenges of entrepreneurship together, aligning their family goals with their professional ambitions

Now a mother of two, she prioritizes meaningful time with her children and her husband while managing her growing company. As her business expanded and she was able to delegate, she achieved a better work-life balance. “Success is not just about what I build professionally but also about a fulfilling personal and family life,” she emphasizes. While she remains highly driven and passionate about her work, she ensures that personal fulfillment translates into a positive family environment.

Wahba acknowledges that sacrifices were necessary, particularly in the early stages of her business. However, she remained focused on what truly mattered—her family and the success of her company. Today, with a team of 12, she has been able to create a balanced lifestyle where both her professional and personal aspirations are fulfilled.

Renewable Energy Projects and Vision

Qair is today a global independent renewable energy company. With 730 employees who operate more than 1 GW of assets in 20 countries and develop a portfolio of more than 30 GW.

Qair Morocco has made significant strides in renewable energy. They have a wind project in northern Morocco, with an investment of 2 billion dirhams and a capacity of 130 megawatts, expected to generate 390 gigawatt-hours annually and create 490 jobs. This project is set for commissioning by the end of 2028.

In 2024, the company also secured authorization for a 48-megawatt solar project in Southern Morocco, representing a 450 million dirham investment. It is expected to produce 115 gigawatt-hours per year and be commissioned by the end of 2027, generating approximately 250 jobs.

Together, these projects will cover the electricity needs of 1.8 million people—equivalent to the tertiary consumption of the cities of Rabat and Agadir. “I see renewable energy not just as a business, but as a responsibility to the planet and future generations,” Wahba states. She envisions her company becoming a leading renewable energy producer in Morocco, with a long-term goal of expanding its project pipeline and contributing significantly to the country’s energy transition. 

Advice for Entrepreneurs Entering the Energy Sector

Wahba Zniber firmly believes that renewable energy is the sector of the future, especially with the global shift toward sustainability. Today, with increasing global awareness of climate change, adopting renewable energy is not just an option but a necessity. Beyond providing clean energy, Wahba sees renewable energy as a sector that creates social and environmental benefits. Each project involves environmental and social studies, to ensure local communities benefit. Her company supports communities by establishing educational zones near project sites, to raise awareness about renewable energy and energy transition. 

Additionally, these projects generate jobs and provide training build skills in the renewable energy sector. In northern Morocco, for example, her company will facilitate the construction of community halls, water points, and local infrastructure improvements, ensuring economic benefits extend beyond electricity generation.

Wahba encourages young professionals passionate about the environment to explore careers in renewable energy. She highlights diverse opportunities, from development and construction to investment, commercialization, and administration. “If you want to make a real impact, renewable energy is the place to be. It’s a field where passion meets purpose,” she advises. The industry offers professional growth, fulfillment, and a meaningful contribution to sustainability. 

Defining Success

For Wahba Zniber, success isn’t just about financial achievements or business growth. It is about seeing her vision come to life, witnessing the impact of her projects, and contributing to the global energy transition. She considers her company her ‘first baby,’ a project she has nurtured from inception.

However, success is also about the journey, not just the destination. Wahba values the lessons she has learned along the way, recognizing that personal growth is as important as professional achievements. Her leadership approach reflects her belief that personal growth is as important as professional achievement. She prioritizes the growth and well-being of her team, fostering an environment where they can thrive both professionally and personally. “I have always believed that transparency is the key to sustainable business. Without it, you can’t build trust—with your team, your investors, or the communities you serve,” she emphasizes.

Her passion for mentorship and sharing knowledge has been evident since her youth. Even as a student, she took the initiative to teach and guide her peers. This intrinsic love for collaboration and learning remains a driving force in her career. She believes that success should be shared and that the most fulfilling achievements come from growing alongside others.

Ultimately, for Wahba Zniber, success is not about standing alone at the top. It is about the people she impacts, the lessons she learns, and the positive changes she drives in the world. Her journey exemplifies how dedication, strategic planning, and a deep sense of purpose lead to both professional and personal fulfillment.