Morocco’s port system continues to attract the attention of major international partners. After including the kingdom in its future cooperation projects, the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) has now detailed the timeline in its preliminary consultancy procurement plan released on June 24, 2026. The document outlines that a team will be deployed from September 2, 2026, to February 26, 2027, following a tender announcement on July 1, 2026, to assess development prospects at Tanger Med, the port of Casablanca, and the broader national port network.
The document highlights that Tanger Med and Casablanca are Morocco’s leading ports, located at the centre of international logistics networks and handling roughly 98% of the country’s foreign trade. This position gives Moroccan port infrastructure strategic importance in supply chains linking Europe, Africa, and major global markets.
JICA’s involvement extends well beyond technical expertise. The terms of reference reflect a commitment to support a port system that will underpin the next phases of Morocco’s economic development.
The document recalls that Morocco’s port strategy aims at upgrading infrastructure, digitalization, decarbonization, and strengthening the nation’s role as a platform connecting Europe and Africa. The mission will measure progress already made and identify adjustments needed to keep pace with evolving international trade.
This approach confirms that port competitiveness no longer depends solely on physical terminal capacity. It now also relies on the ability to integrate new environmental, digital, and technological demands that are gradually reshaping global maritime transport.
Preparing for tomorrow’s trade needs
A significant portion of the work will focus on future changes in trade flows. Experts will establish freight traffic forecasts, analyse expansion projects, review development plans, and evaluate port management structures.
The mandate also includes an analysis of relevant institutions, the responsibilities of each actor, and the land and maritime connections linking Moroccan ports to major European and African markets. The goal is to verify whether current infrastructure aligns with the future needs of the national economy.
This analysis should lead to a development strategy accompanied by an execution plan aimed at improving coherence between investments, governance, and the evolution of trade.
Environmental transition occupies a central role in this assignment. Consultants will inventory existing policies in Moroccan ports, assess measures to reduce carbon emissions, and evaluate initiatives to improve energy efficiency of infrastructure.
In parallel, JICA requests a deep analysis of port operations digitalization. The document specifically examines digital port management, synchronisation of vessel arrivals using Just in Time principles, cybersecurity measures, and steps toward carbon neutrality.
This combination of digitalization and operational optimisation aims to streamline port calls, reduce vessel waiting times, and improve overall efficiency of port platforms.
Strengthened technological cooperation with Japan
Finally, the mission includes a significant forward-looking dimension. Beyond the diagnosis, JICA will identify areas where cooperation with Japan could add value.
The mandate calls for the development of a list of projects that could involve Japanese equipment, digital solutions, and technologies to improve Moroccan port operations and accelerate their decarbonization. A pilot phase will then test selected solutions before presenting them to Moroccan authorities in a dedicated workshop.
The document also notes that the study will involve specialists in port planning, digital transformation, decarbonization, and cybersecurity. Spanning 6.61 person-months, this mission remains a preparatory project whose content may evolve before the final publication of the tender.
Beyond its technical nature, this initiative illustrates the interest that Morocco’s port system generates among leading international partners.
By choosing to simultaneously assess infrastructure, governance, digital technologies, environmental requirements, and traffic prospects, JICA places Morocco’s ports within a long-term reflection on their capacity to support changes in global trade and consolidate the country’s position as a logistics hub between Europe and Africa.
