Morocco’s port system continues to attract major international partners. The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) has now detailed the timeline for its upcoming cooperation project in the kingdom, as outlined in its provisional consultant procurement programme published on 24 June 2026. According to this official document, a mission will be deployed from 2 September 2026 to 26 February 2027, following the publication of the tender on 1 July 2026, to assess the development prospects of Tanger Med, the port of Casablanca, and the entire national port network.
The document highlights that Tanger Med and Casablanca are “Morocco’s main ports, located at the heart of international logistics networks and handling around 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 interest goes far beyond technical expertise. The terms of reference reflect a desire to support a port system that will underpin the next phases of the kingdom’s economic development.
The document notes that Morocco’s port strategy aims to upgrade infrastructure, digitise operations, decarbonise activities, and strengthen the country’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 requirements that are gradually reshaping global maritime transport.
Preparing for tomorrow’s trade needs
A significant part of the work will focus on future changes in trade flows. Experts will develop cargo traffic forecasts, analyse expansion projects, review layout plans, and assess port management organisation.
The mandate also includes analysing relevant institutions, the responsibilities of each stakeholder, and the land and sea connections linking Moroccan ports to major European and African markets. The goal is to verify the adequacy of current infrastructure for the future needs of the national economy.
This reflection should lead to a development strategy accompanied by an implementation plan to strengthen coherence between investments, governance, and the evolution of commercial exchanges.
Environmental transition is central to this mission. Consultants will inventory policies already underway in Moroccan ports, evaluate measures to reduce carbon emissions, and assess initiatives to improve the energy efficiency of infrastructure.
In parallel, JICA is requesting an in-depth analysis of port operation digitalisation. The document specifically calls for examining port management digitalisation, synchronisation of vessel arrivals according to “Just in Time” principles, cybersecurity systems, and measures contributing to carbon neutrality.
This combination of digitalisation and operational optimisation aims to streamline port calls, reduce vessel waiting times, and improve overall efficiency of port platforms.
Strengthened technological cooperation with Japan
The mission also includes an important forward-looking dimension. Beyond the diagnostic phase, JICA will identify areas where cooperation with Japan would add value.
The mandate provides for drawing up a list of projects likely to mobilise Japanese equipment, digital solutions, and technologies to improve Moroccan port operations and accelerate decarbonisation. A pilot phase will then allow testing of certain solutions before presenting them to Moroccan authorities during a dedicated workshop.
The document further specifies that the study will involve specialists in port planning, digital transformation, decarbonisation, and cybersecurity. Representing 6.61 person-months, this mission remains at this stage a preparatory project whose content may evolve before the final tender publication.
Beyond its technical character, this initiative underscores the interest that Morocco’s port system generates among leading international partners.
By choosing to simultaneously evaluate infrastructure, governance, digital technologies, environmental requirements, and traffic outlooks, JICA places the kingdom’s ports within a long-term reflection on their capacity to accompany global trade transformations and consolidate Morocco’s position as a logistics hub between Europe and Africa.
