Jica eyes Morocco’s ports as testbed for next-generation maritime infrastructure

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 preliminary consultant market program, released on June 24, 2026. According to the official document, a mission will be deployed from September 2, 2026, to February 26, 2027, following the publication of a tender on July 1, 2026. Its aim is to assess growth prospects for Tanger Med, the port of Casablanca, and the broader 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 approximately 98% of the country’s external trade.” This status gives Moroccan port infrastructure a strategic role in supply chains linking Europe, Africa, and major global markets.

Jica’s interest goes far beyond pure technical expertise. The terms of reference reflect a desire to support a port system that will underpin the kingdom’s next phases of economic development.

The document notes that Morocco’s port strategy aims to upgrade infrastructure, accelerate digitization, reduce carbon emissions, and strengthen the country’s role as a hub connecting Europe and Africa. The mission will measure progress already achieved 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 hinges 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 portion of the work will focus on future changes in trade flows. Experts will develop cargo traffic forecasts, analyze expansion projects, review spatial plans, and assess port management organization.

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

This reflection is expected to produce a development strategy accompanied by an execution plan to strengthen coherence between investments, governance, and the evolution of commercial exchanges.

Environmental transition occupies a central place in this mission. Consultants will catalogue policies already implemented in Moroccan ports, assess measures to reduce carbon emissions, and evaluate initiatives aimed at improving energy efficiency.

In parallel, Jica calls for a thorough analysis of port operation digitization. The document specifically examines the digitalization of port management, synchronization of ship arrivals according to “Just in Time” principles, cybersecurity systems, and measures contributing to carbon neutrality.

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

Strengthened technological cooperation with Japan

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

The mandate calls for a list of projects that could mobilize Japanese equipment, digital solutions, and technologies to improve the operation of Moroccan ports and accelerate their decarbonization. A pilot phase will then test 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, decarbonization, and cybersecurity. Representing 6.61 person-months, this mission remains at this stage a preparatory project whose content may evolve before the final tender is published.

Beyond its technical nature, this initiative illustrates the strong 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 the kingdom’s ports within a long-term reflection on their ability to support global trade shifts and cement Morocco’s position as a logistics platform between Europe and Africa.