Jica to assess Morocco’s port system for next-gen development

Morocco’s port infrastructure continues to draw keen interest from major international partners. After including the kingdom in its future cooperation projects, the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) has now outlined a concrete timeline in its preliminary consulting market schedule, released on 24 June 2026. According to this official document, a team will be deployed from 2 September 2026 to 26 February 2027, following a tender expected on 1 July 2026, to evaluate expansion prospects for Tanger Med, Casablanca port, and the broader national port network.

The document highlights that Tanger Med and Casablanca are “Morocco’s primary ports, situated at the heart of international logistics networks and handling approximately 98% of the country’s foreign trade.” This status gives Moroccan port facilities a strategic role in supply chains connecting Europe, Africa, and global markets.

JICA’s interest extends well beyond basic technical expertise. The terms of reference reflect a commitment to supporting a port system that can underpin the next phases of Morocco’s economic growth.

The document notes that Morocco’s port strategy aims to upgrade infrastructure through digitalisation, decarbonisation, and strengthening the country’s role as a bridge between Europe and Africa. The mission will measure progress already made and identify adjustments needed to keep pace with shifting international trade patterns.

This approach confirms that port competitiveness no longer depends solely on physical terminal capacity. It now also hinges on the ability to integrate new environmental, digital, and technological demands that are steadily 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 produce cargo traffic forecasts, analyse expansion projects, review development plans, and assess port management organisation.

The mandate also includes an examination of relevant institutions, each player’s responsibilities, and the land and sea links that connect 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 designed to improve coherence between investments, governance, and trade evolution.

Environmental transition is central to the mission. Consultants will catalogue existing policies in Moroccan ports, assess carbon reduction measures, and evaluate energy efficiency improvements.

At the same time, JICA requires a deep analysis of port digitalisation. The document specifically calls for reviewing port management digitalisation, synchronising ship arrivals using “Just in Time” principles, cybersecurity systems, and measures that contribute to carbon neutrality.

This combination of digitalisation and operational optimisation aims to streamline calls, reduce vessel waiting times, and boost overall port platform efficiency.

Stronger technological cooperation with Japan

The mission also has a forward-looking dimension. Beyond diagnosis, JICA will identify areas where cooperation with Japan could add value.

The mandate calls for compiling a list of projects that could leverage Japanese equipment, digital solutions, and technologies to improve Moroccan port operations and accelerate decarbonisation. A pilot phase will then test certain solutions before presenting them to Moroccan authorities at a dedicated workshop.

The document adds that the study will involve specialists in port planning, digital transformation, decarbonisation, and cybersecurity. Representing 6.61 person-months, this mission is still a preparatory project, and its content may evolve before the final tender release.

Beyond its technical nature, this initiative illustrates the strong interest that Morocco’s port system attracts from leading international partners.

By choosing to assess infrastructure, governance, digital technologies, environmental needs, and traffic outlook simultaneously, JICA places the kingdom’s ports in a long-term reflection on their ability to support global trade transformations and solidify Morocco’s position as a logistics hub between Europe and Africa.