Jica turns Morocco into a next-gen port laboratory

Morocco’s port system continues to attract major international partners. After including Morocco among its future cooperation projects, the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) has now set a timeline in its latest consultant procurement program, published on June 24, 2026. According to the official document, a mission will be deployed from September 2, 2026, to February 26, 2027, following the tender launch scheduled for July 1, 2026, to assess development prospects for Tangier Med, Casablanca port, and the entire national port system.

The document states that Tangier Med and Casablanca are “Morocco’s main ports, located at the heart of international logistics networks and handling about 98% of the country’s external 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 stages of the kingdom’s economic development.

The paper recalls that Morocco’s port strategy aims to upgrade infrastructure, drive digitalization, pursue decarbonization, and strengthen Morocco’s role as a platform connecting Europe and Africa. The mission will measure progress made and identify adjustments needed to keep pace with evolving international trade.

This approach confirms that port competitiveness no longer relies solely on physical terminal capacity. It now also depends 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 major part of the work will focus on future trade flow developments. Experts will establish cargo traffic forecasts, analyze expansion projects, review master plans, and assess port management organization.

The mandate also includes an analysis of relevant institutions, the responsibilities of each stakeholder, and land and sea connections linking Moroccan ports to key European and African markets. The goal is to check the alignment between current infrastructure and the future needs of the national economy.

This assessment will lead to a development strategy accompanied by an execution plan designed to enhance coherence among investments, governance, and trade patterns.

Environmental transition is central to the mission. Consultants will inventory existing policies in Moroccan ports, evaluate measures to reduce carbon emissions, and assess steps to improve energy efficiency.

In parallel, JICA requests a deep dive into the digitalization of port operations. The document specifically examines digital port management, ship arrival synchronization under “Just in Time” principles, cybersecurity systems, and initiatives contributing to carbon neutrality.

This combination of digitalization and operational optimization aims to streamline calls, reduce vessel waiting times, and improve the overall efficiency of port platforms.

Strengthened tech cooperation with Japan

The mission also includes a major forward-looking dimension. Beyond diagnostics, JICA will identify areas where cooperation with Japan would add value.

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

The document further states that the study will involve specialists in port planning, digital transformation, decarbonization, and cybersecurity. Representing 6.61 person-months, this mission is at this stage a preparatory project whose content may evolve before the final tender publication.

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

By simultaneously assessing infrastructure, governance, digital technologies, environmental requirements, and traffic forecasts, JICA places the kingdom’s ports in a long-term reflection on their ability to support global trade shifts and consolidate Morocco’s position as a logistics hub between Europe and Africa.