AGP Executive Report

Transport & Infrastructure: The African Development Bank approved €205m to extend Morocco’s high-speed rail on the Kenitra–Marrakech corridor, with upgrades around the Casablanca hub and support for engineering and monitoring. Industrial & Food Ingredients: Nexira acquired Casablanca-area carob ingredients producer Keragum to strengthen locust bean gum supply and access carob raw materials closer to production, boosting natural hydrocolloid capacity for food and nutrition uses. Energy Transition: A new push for green hydrogen frames Africa’s clean-energy race around massive solar and wind potential, aiming to turn hydrogen into export-led industrial growth. Digital Payments & Consumer Finance: Morocco is set to cut card payment fees to 0.5% from October, as the digital payments sector weighs growth levers at a consumer-focused forum. Sustainability & Health: Research highlights how banned flame-retardant chemicals (PBDEs) still persist across MENA, posing ongoing environmental and health risks. UNIDO Industry Support: UNIDO secured funding for 43 projects across 22 countries to help phase out ozone- and climate-harming refrigerants and improve energy efficiency.

Food & Nutrition Tech: Morocco’s High Commission for Planning (HCP) and the FAO launched the Table Marocaine de Composition des Aliments (TMCA), expanding the national food database from 388 items to 1,001 foods and mapping 43 nutritional components per item, giving doctors a locally accurate tool for diabetes, weight and children’s diet guidance. Phosphate & Food Security: A new analysis highlights how phosphate supply shocks are pushing Morocco and Tunisia into a strategic role for fertilizer security, with the U.S. treating phosphate as a critical mineral amid geopolitical disruptions. Pharma Exports: Moroccan drugmaker Galenica shipped its first pharmaceutical export to Russia under GMP and Eurasian Economic Union market authorizations, marking a step toward broader Eurasian access. Industrial Finance & Infrastructure: The AfDB approved €205M for Morocco’s high-speed rail upgrade, reinforcing momentum in transport-linked industrial development. Agribusiness Trade: Zimbabwe shipped its first blueberry consignment to China under a zero-tariff policy; it cites Morocco as Africa’s top blueberry producer, underscoring regional competition in export horticulture.

Phosphate & Food Security: A new push links Morocco and Tunisia’s phosphate supply to help secure fertilizers for the US and Europe after export shocks, with phosphate now framed as a strategic resource tied to global food stability. Pharma Exports: Moroccan drugmaker Galenica shipped its first pharmaceutical export to Russia via Asia Pharm Group, after GMP and Eurasian Economic Union approvals—an expansion move aimed at pharmaceutical sovereignty. Investment Climate: UNCTAD reports Morocco’s FDI nearly doubled in 2025 (+91% to $3.3bn), with rising foreign investment supporting productive capital formation and strengthening Morocco’s stability profile. Halal Trade: Indonesia and Morocco discussed practical steps to implement a halal certification mutual recognition agreement signed in May 2026, targeting wider market access across sectors. Ports & Logistics: Mawani added Maersk services to Jeddah Islamic Port, including a Tangier link—another sign of intensifying North Africa-Europe shipping connectivity. Energy Costs Watch: Morocco’s fuel-price outlook is under scrutiny as oil prices react to Middle East shipping risks around the Strait of Hormuz. Industry & Trade Policy: Morocco and the UK tightened trade architecture with updated rules of origin and transport terms, while UNCTAD also highlights Morocco’s growing role in electric vehicle value chains.

UNCTAD Investment Outlook: UNCTAD says Morocco’s FDI nearly doubled in 2025, up 91% to $3.3bn, with FDI stock rising to $80.8bn and contributing more to fixed capital formation—an “investment appeal” boost despite global uncertainty. Halal Trade: Indonesia and Morocco discussed practical steps to implement their May 2026 halal certification mutual recognition deal, aiming to expand market access and speed up bilateral halal ecosystem cooperation. Energy & Costs: Morocco faces fresh uncertainty as oil prices climb on Middle East shipping risk around the Strait of Hormuz; fuel station operators warn domestic prices don’t always track global moves. Water & Agriculture: Morocco’s dams reportedly lost 159 million cubic meters in 10 days, though storage remains above 2025 levels—watch this for downstream pressure on irrigation and food production. Port & Logistics: Mawani added Maersk MECL services at Jeddah Islamic Port with a Tangier link, underlining continued North Africa–Red Sea connectivity. Digital Commerce: Morocco launched eTrade.ma to help SME exporters sell digitally and reach global markets. Industry & Finance: Morocco’s digital payment sector is pushing growth levers after cutting card payment fees to 0.5% from October. Security/Regional: Morocco is listed among countries “really engaged” in a proposed International Stabilization Force for post-war Gaza planning.

Trade & Investment Diplomacy: Morocco’s Secretary of State for Foreign Trade Omar Hejira met Indonesia’s business bodies and ASEAN officials in Jakarta, pitching joint projects in agribusiness, fertilizers, energy/renewables, logistics, textiles and pharmaceuticals, and pushing halal certificate mutual recognition to ease exports. Port & Logistics Connectivity: Mawani added Maersk’s service to Jeddah Islamic Port, linking the Red Sea hub with Tangier and major US and Indian ports—another boost for regional supply-chain efficiency. Automotive Retail Strategy: Stellantis South Africa plans to expand and consolidate dealerships into “multi-brand” Brand House outlets, aiming to more than triple market share by 2030. Water Security Watch: Morocco’s reservoirs dropped about 158.6 million m³ in the first 10 days of July amid heat and peak demand, though storage remains well above last year. Energy/Industry Finance: AfDB approved €205m for Morocco’s high-speed rail upgrade, supporting broader infrastructure-led industrial connectivity. Digital Commerce & Payments: Morocco’s digital payments sector is weighing growth levers at a consumer forum, while the country cut card payment fees to 0.5% from October. Agrifood & Exports: FAO data challenges Morocco’s wheat self-sufficiency narrative, while Morocco’s olive oil and fresh produce export performance continues to draw attention.

Digital Payments & Consumer Adoption: Morocco’s 7th Moroccan Consumer Day in Casablanca focused on how to speed up e-payments, with speakers highlighting merchant acceptance, simpler user journeys, and the role of card-acquiring market opening and payment infrastructure capacity. Trade & Supply Chains: Morocco and the UK updated their trade framework via revised rules of origin and direct transport conditions, expanding cumulation options and tightening how preferential treatment applies. EV Battery Materials: Falcon Energy Materials opened a pilot plant near Casablanca to produce battery-grade graphite for lithium-ion anodes, aiming to qualify samples and support a larger Morocco-based supply chain. Automotive Exports: Stellantis launched the Morocco-built Fiat Topolino in the US, delivering an initial batch from Kenitra and signaling potential follow-on exports. Port & Infrastructure Finance: The AfDB approved major funding for Morocco’s rail upgrades and high-speed rail expansion, reinforcing the country’s logistics push. Agrifood Reality Check: FAO data challenges regional wheat self-sufficiency claims, pointing to continued cereal import needs despite improved harvest conditions. Security & Regional Outreach: A US congressional delegation toured Dakhla-Oued Eddahab to discuss investment potential and deepen bilateral economic cooperation. Academic Cooperation: Ibn Zohr University signed new partnerships in Laayoune with Canary Islands universities, extending health and research mobility links.

Rail & Logistics: The African Development Bank approved €205M for Morocco’s Kenitra–Marrakech rail upgrade (PADIF), extending high-speed lines and modernising the corridor to cut travel times and logistics costs. Energy & Industry: Morocco’s rail push also fits a wider infrastructure push as the AfDB mobilises $235M for high-speed rail in the country. Tech & Sovereignty: Morocco signed an AI partnership aimed at building tech sovereignty. Agriculture & Climate Risk: Heat wave conditions are straining Moroccan agriculture, with farmers warning of crop and water losses. Ports & Trade: Marsa Maroc plans a US$320M expansion of Casablanca port container capacity to 2M TEUs, reinforcing Morocco’s role in regional supply chains. Security & Business Environment: Morocco arrested 10 suspected ISIS members linked to a Sahel-based cell, a reminder of the security backdrop for investment. World Cup Spillovers (Industry Angle): France’s 2-0 win over Morocco in Boston ended the Atlas Lions’ run, while the match also sparked unrest among Morocco supporters in London and highlighted how sports media and sponsorship ecosystems are monetising the tournament.

AI & Industry Skills: Morocco signed a public-private partnership to build national expertise in artificial intelligence and digital technologies under “Digital Morocco 2030” and the “AI Made in Morocco” roadmap, aligning business needs with universities and training via a deal involving the Ministry of Digital Transition, the Ministry of Industry and Trade, higher education bodies and ALTEN. Rail & Logistics: The AfDB approved €205m for Morocco’s Kenitra–Marrakech corridor, backing high-speed rail extension and upgrades to cut travel times and logistics costs. EV Supply Chains: UNCTAD highlights Morocco’s growing role in electric vehicle value chains, pointing to long-term industrial policy that enabled battery gigafactory momentum in Rabat-Salé-Kénitra. Security: Morocco arrested 10 people linked to an ISIS-supported Sahel cell, with authorities citing plans targeting public order and sensitive sites. Terror Plot Disruption: Separate coverage also notes Morocco’s continued counter-terror efforts ahead of major national and regional events. World Cup Business Angle: France–Morocco quarterfinal coverage dominates, while media rights bidding for 2030/2034 is heating up—an indirect boost for Morocco’s 2030 hosting narrative.

World Cup Quarterfinal (France–Morocco): Morocco coach Mohamed Ouahbi says the Atlas Lions are not satisfied with reaching the last eight and will aim to win the “bonus” match, but they face a key fitness worry: leading scorer Ismael Saibari is a doubt after his Canada injury. EU Industrial Policy: The European automakers’ lobby ACEA backs the EU’s Industrial Accelerator Act in principle, but warns against rules that would penalize euro-Mediterranean production networks where Morocco is an embedded manufacturing base—pushing for a grandfathering clause. EV Supply Chains: UNCTAD flags Morocco as an emerging EV investment hub, citing two decades of industrial policy that enabled battery gigafactory momentum in Rabat-Salé-Kénitra. Phosphate Security: Stratfor reports OCP is reshaping inputs—diversifying sulphur suppliers, moving toward TSP, and investing in domestic green ammonia—to cut reliance on volatile imports and shipping chokepoints. Port Expansion: Marsa Maroc plans a US$320M upgrade to expand Casablanca port container capacity to 2M TEUs. Bilateral Trade: France’s PM Sebastien Lecornu visits Morocco July 15–16 to advance a new cooperation treaty spanning investment, infrastructure, energy, innovation, and institutions.

World Cup Quarterfinals (Morocco in focus): The last eight are set for July 19 in New Jersey, with Morocco facing France in the first quarterfinal in Foxborough—after a dominant 3-0 win over Canada and an unbeaten run that’s turned the Atlas Lions into one of the tournament’s toughest sides. Intellectual Property & Industry Policy: Morocco reaffirmed its push to use industrial property and copyright to back innovation and competitiveness at WIPO’s 68th Assemblies, citing strong 2025 momentum at OMPIC (including 95%+ digitization of services). Trade & Logistics (Ports): Morocco is reported to be preparing a major $300m expansion of Casablanca Port, underlining continued investment in export capacity. Energy & Commodities (Regional ripple effects): Russia banned diesel exports until July 31 after drone strikes hit refineries—an action that could affect regional fuel flows where Morocco is also mentioned among buyers. Marine Conservation (EU pressure): The EU is pushing tighter rules on illegal driftnets in the Mediterranean, with Morocco singled out as a key supporter of the proposal. Aviation & Connectivity: Air Peace logged Africa’s biggest July 2026 scheduled-seat jump, while Royal Air Maroc also posted strong growth—good news for regional passenger and cargo demand. Culture & Media: A Moroccan documentary on the Gnawa hajhouj instrument won a Gold Winner at the 2026 Telly Awards in the US, adding momentum to Morocco’s creative industries.

Nearshoring & Industry: A new analysis argues Morocco is evolving into a nearshore industrial node for Europe, with Renault/Tanger Med/free zones and growing links to the automotive and new-energy materials value chain. Port Expansion: Marsa Maroc plans a $300m upgrade at Casablanca Port after extending its Container Terminal 3 concession, lifting capacity from 600,000 to 900,000 TEUs by 2030. Digital Trade Push: Morocco launched eTrade.ma, a national B2B platform to help MSMEs export digitally, aiming to onboard ~1,000 exporters and add 15bn dirhams in export turnover by 2027. Capital Markets: MedTech T2S Group received AMMC approval for an IPO on the Casablanca Stock Exchange to raise about 1.09bn dirhams for growth and African expansion. Investment Climate: MSCI highlights Morocco’s stability and strategic sectors, but flags operational and structural frictions that still slow foreign investors. Energy Tech: A solar panel design from Reflect10 claims up to 20% higher average daily output via light-reflecting geometry. Security & Stability: Morocco says it dismantled ISIS-linked cells and arrested 10 suspects, with regional Arab partners voicing support.

MedTech IPO: Morocco’s T2S Group secured AMMC approval for an IPO on the Casablanca Stock Exchange to raise about 1.09bn dirhams, aiming to fund product launches, African expansion and possible acquisitions. Trade Digitalisation: The government launched eTrade.ma, a national B2B platform to help Moroccan SMEs reach international buyers and manage export development via one portal. Port & Logistics Push: Marsa Maroc announced a $300m expansion at Port of Casablanca after a 20-year concession extension, lifting Terminal 3 capacity from 600,000 to 900,000 TEUs by 2030 and targeting over 2m TEUs total. Security & Stability: Morocco’s counterterrorism unit said it dismantled an ISIS-linked cell and arrested 10 suspects across seven cities, with authorities citing materials for explosive-device manufacture. Energy/Infrastructure Finance: The World Bank backed a Morocco clean-energy project worth $265m to deliver reliable electricity. Agribusiness Exports: Morocco’s olive oil surge into Spain was highlighted by DataComex figures showing a dramatic jump in volumes and value, though Morocco still holds a minority share of Spain’s imports. Aviation & Tourism: Airports of Morocco is setting up World Cup fan zones at major airports to handle summer traffic and boost travel-linked match viewing.

Morocco’s Security & Risk: Morocco says it has dismantled an ISIS-linked cell and arrested 10 suspects across seven cities, seizing weapons, extremist material and instructions for explosive devices, with plans described as “advanced” against public security and critical infrastructure. Agribusiness & Trade: The U.S. has reopened its market to Moroccan phosphate fertilisers, a boost for OCP and a reminder that phosphate supply is now treated as strategic for food security amid global disruptions. Employment Mobility: Morocco’s employment minister says the Spain seasonal-worker agreement protects workers’ rights, but calls for stronger enforcement, especially where language barriers limit complaints. Logistics & Shipping: HMM launches a new Europe–West Africa container feeder service (MA2) using Tangier as a Morocco stop, aiming to improve route punctuality via a hub-and-spoke setup. Finance for Industry: Afreximbank chief George Elombi argues fair, evidence-based credit ratings are key to Africa’s industrialisation and sovereignty, after S&P assigned the bank BBB+. FDI Outlook: UNCTAD reports Africa attracted about $70bn in FDI in 2025, with investors increasingly targeting energy, infrastructure tech and critical resources. Seasonal Labor Demand: Morocco seasonal workers continue to be employed in Spain in large numbers, highlighting ongoing cross-border labour needs.

Morocco World Cup Momentum: Morocco booked a second straight quarter-final after crushing Canada 3-0, setting up a France clash and driving huge fan demand for tickets to the France vs Morocco match at Gillette Stadium. Security & Counterterrorism: Morocco’s BCIJ says it arrested 10 people, including a minor, over foiled ISIS-linked “terrorist plots” with raids across cities including Casablanca and Agadir. Defense & Medical Readiness: Rheinmetall confirmed Morocco ordered seven highly mobile field hospitals (deliveries 2027–2028) to boost deployable surgical and intensive care capacity for both defense and national emergencies. Energy & Infrastructure Finance: Onee invited bids for a Morocco pumped-storage hydropower project (Sefrou), while Morocco’s fertilizer trade also stayed in focus as India reported 15 fertilizer-linked vessels safely crossing the Strait of Hormuz, including shipments involving Morocco. Press Freedom Reform: Morocco’s Parliament approved Draft Law 09.26 restructuring the National Press Council, but media watchdog ARTICLE 19 warns the process and appointment rules may weaken independence. Industry & Trade: Europe’s automakers push for “Made in EU” rules that explicitly protect investments in countries like Morocco as electrification costs rise.

Agriculture Under Heat Stress: Morocco’s heatwave is damaging crops and draining groundwater, with farmers reporting weaker yields and disease pressure on onions and other vegetables. Fertilizer Trade Shockwaves: The U.S. temporarily suspended countervailing duties on Moroccan phosphate fertilizer, a move expected to cut prices for American farmers and ease supply concerns. Port & Shipping Watch: Suez Canal Authority reported the first transit of CMA CGM’s mega container ship CMA CGM SAINT GERMAIN, underscoring Morocco-linked logistics routes. OCP Industrial Logistics: Somalev Cranes & Logistics is nearing completion of large solid sulphur storage hall projects for OCP, including major crane and engineering work. Energy Finance: The World Bank approved about $265m for Morocco hydropower pumped-storage, supporting grid flexibility and clean energy capacity. Food & Agri Diplomacy: Morocco stood out at Abu Dhabi Global Food Week with a large pavilion and producer delegation, signaling continued market access efforts. World Cup Business Angle: Morocco’s consecutive quarterfinal run is driving broader attention, while FIFA’s crypto sponsorship and ticket pricing dynamics keep reshaping sports commerce.

Agribusiness & Trade: The U.S. temporarily suspended countervailing duties on some phosphate fertilizer imports from Morocco, a move farm groups say could cut input costs and boost supply ahead of planting seasons. Food & Agriculture Diplomacy: Morocco stood out at Abu Dhabi Global Food Week, with a large pavilion and a delegation focused on expanding market access for cooperatives and producers. Energy & Infrastructure Finance: The World Bank approved about $265m for Morocco hydropower storage, adding to clean-energy funding momentum. Logistics & Exports: Congestion at Tangier Med is disrupting fresh produce exports, raising costs and adding risk for shipments. Industry & Investment: Stellantis is betting on Morocco in its 2030 growth plan, signaling continued auto-industry interest. Environment & Risk: A wildfire in northern Morocco’s Fahs-Anjra (near Tangier) burned around 45 hectares, with crews working to prevent reignition. Maritime Snapshot: Morocco ranked among the Arab states by merchant fleet size in 2026, underscoring its shipping footprint.