AGP Executive Report

Morocco–Italy Business Links: The Moroccan Chamber of Trade in Italy (CCMI) and Iccrea Banca signed an agreement in Rome to back Italian firms’ expansion in Morocco and support Moroccan entrepreneurs in Italy, aiming to deepen bilateral trade and investment. Sahara Diplomacy: Denmark renewed its backing for Morocco’s Western Sahara autonomy plan, calling it “credible” and pushing for a UN-led political process, while also signaling a strategic upgrade in Morocco–Denmark ties. Energy Transition: An OWC-led consortium was selected by the EIB to run a two-year feasibility study for Morocco’s first offshore wind farm near Essaouira, covering site, grid, ports, logistics, and environmental work. Agriculture & Food Security: Morocco’s sheep import subsidy is defended by Akhannouch amid drought impacts, while global food prices rose in August to the highest level since late 2022, driven by weather and conflict-related supply disruptions. Trade & Industry Finance: SNCE, a Moroccan water infrastructure group, brought in investors CDG Invest Growth and Mediterrania Capital Partners to accelerate its next growth phase. Logistics & Energy Flows: A report says UK/EU gasoline is reaching Russia via Morocco’s blending and re-export infrastructure at Tanger Med, raising sanctions and compliance questions. Hospitality & Tourism: Explora Journeys launched an ocean wellness retreat experience on luxury cruises from Spain to Morocco.

Offshore Wind Push: OWC-led consortium selected by the EIB to run a two-year feasibility study for Morocco’s first offshore windfarm off the Atlantic coast near Essaouira, with MASEN backing and work spanning site selection, wind yield, concept design, ports/logistics, risk and grid integration. Water Infrastructure Investment: SNCE, Morocco’s water infrastructure group, brings in CDG Invest Growth and Mediterrania Capital Partners as minority shareholders to accelerate growth in Morocco and across West Africa. Automotive & Industrial Localisation: ROX starts local vehicle production in Abu Dhabi after completing its Advanced AI Manufacturing Centre, with a Made in the Emirates rollout and a planned Africa tour that ends in Casablanca. Agri Inputs via Morocco: Bangladesh’s government approves spot LNG cargoes and also buys DAP and TSP fertiliser from Morocco-based OCP Nutricrops, underlining Morocco’s role in regional supply chains. Climate & Food Narrative: A dispute over sardine-fish price blame highlights how climate-change claims are being challenged, with Morocco’s fisheries mentioned in the debate. Ceuta Tensions Spill Over: Trump escalates the Ceuta migrant dispute with sharp warnings toward Spain, keeping Morocco–Spain friction in the headlines. Mental Health Policy: Morocco launches a 2030 Mental Health Plan in Rabat, targeting major capacity expansion across beds, hospitals and regional structures.

Climate & Energy Risk: A new UN report warns the world will likely exceed the Paris 1.5°C warming limit soon, with “overshoot, peak and decline” the best-case pathway—requiring steep CO2 and methane cuts. Health & Industry Capacity: Morocco launched its 2030 National Mental Health Plan in Rabat, targeting big jumps in beds, psychiatric hospitals and regional care structures, while a separate study flags rising antibiotic resistance spreading beyond hospitals into community infections and water/food systems. Food & Agribusiness: Morocco’s sheep meat prices have climbed sharply at retail amid tighter domestic supply, while Morocco-based OCP Nutricrops is also in the spotlight via fertilizer procurement tied to regional LNG price shocks. Trade & Manufacturing: Morocco’s automotive exports rose 14.9% in the first seven months of 2026, with gains across construction, wiring and exterior components, even as the trade deficit widened. Mining & Upstream: Talisman Metals’ Fougnar exploration licenses were renewed to 2030, with a planned drilling campaign in Q4 2026. Logistics & Circular Economy: Casablanca’s waste-to-energy project moved forward with a BUTEC EPC contract for a plant targeting 1.5m tons of waste annually and 126MW capacity. Business & Investment Platforms: Messe Düsseldorf will stage its first Morocco trade show in 2027 with FENAGRI, aiming to connect food processing and packaging firms to Europe-Africa supply chains. Digital Commerce: Uber agreed to acquire Delivery Hero, taking over Glovo’s African operations including Morocco, subject to regulatory approvals. Regional Politics Impacting Industry: Spain’s Ceuta migration crisis continues to shape cross-border policy and public pressure, with Morocco repeatedly denied any orchestration role.

Offshore Wind Push: OWC-led consortium appointed by the EIB to run a two-year feasibility study for Morocco’s first offshore wind farm near Essaouira, covering site selection, wind assessment, design, ports/logistics, risk and regulatory setup. Port & Trade Expansion: Morocco is building the US$1.6B Dakhla Atlantique port and linking it with the El Argoub logistics zone and El Guerguerat corridor, targeting 35 million tons annual capacity and a 2029 start to boost Sahel and West Africa trade. Energy & Water Security: Morocco’s “water motorway” plan advances regional water transfers, including a Sebou–Oum Er-Rbia link aimed at drinking-water supply for Casablanca-area cities and irrigation for 176,000 hectares. Mining Deal Update: Visible Gold completed a first closing to acquire 51% of the Sakami gold property in Québec under an amended agreement with Morocco Strategic Minerals, with an option to buy the remaining 49%. Fertilizer Supply Focus: Morocco’s drought and food-security agenda also shows up in fertilizer procurement and supply monitoring themes across the region. Ceuta Political Fallout: Spain’s Sánchez insists there’s no evidence Morocco orchestrated the July Ceuta migrant surge, while EU migration and border politics remain tightly linked to Morocco-Spain trade and logistics.

Call-Center Jobs & AI: Morocco’s call-center and offshoring union federation (UMT) urges the government to revise its offshoring offer by 2030, warning AI and automation could threaten thousands of jobs unless there’s a tripartite dialogue, job tracking, and retraining with recognized certifications. Fertiliser Supply: Morocco-linked fertiliser procurement is in focus as Bangladesh’s Cabinet Committee on Government Purchase approved imports of 70,000 tonnes (DAP and TSP) from Morocco to secure the Aman season, alongside broader energy and infrastructure purchases. OCP Performance: OCP Group reported MAD 48.37bn revenue in H1 2026, down from H1 2025, citing tougher market conditions, while keeping investment elevated. Energy & Water Pressure: Morocco’s dam reserves fell by about 1.46bn m³ since mid-May, with filling rates dropping to 67.5%, while diesel prices edged up toward MAD 15 in some cities. Data Centers Need Power: Morocco’s data-center and AI buildout is accelerating, but the key question is electricity supply, with large projects potentially consuming a meaningful share of national demand. Aerospace Training Deal: CAE won a $42.1m US Air Force contract for Morocco’s F-16 Block 72 training systems and logistics support. Sahara Logistics: A US military delegation visited Dakhla port amid growing Washington interest in Morocco’s Atlantic gateway projects. Ceuta Fallout: Spain’s Ceuta crisis continues to dominate, with leaked conclusions alleging a planned process and “active guiding,” while Morocco and Spanish officials dispute blame.

Fertilizer & LNG Security: Morocco-linked OCP fertilizer supply is in focus as CCGP approved 70,000MT of phosphate-based fertilizer (DAP and TSP) plus four LNG cargoes to keep Bangladesh’s farm inputs and energy steady. Power for Data Centers: Morocco’s data-center and AI buildout is accelerating, but the big question is electricity availability as mega-projects could take a meaningful share of national demand. Aerospace Training Deal: CAE won a $42.1M U.S. Air Force contract for Royal Moroccan Air Force F-16 Block 72 full-mission trainer systems, with delivery work spanning Texas and Sidi Slimane to 2029. Water Stress Watch: Dam reserves dropped by about 1.46 billion m³ since mid-May, with several basins falling sharply and summer withdrawals still heavy. OCP Financial Snapshot: OCP Group reported MAD 48.37B revenue in H1 2026, down year-on-year amid tougher global raw-material flows. Mining Update: Talisman Metals renewed Fougnar Project licences in Morocco for four more years, with a drilling campaign planned for Q4 2026. Logistics & Trade: A Hapag-Lloyd ultra-large LNG-capable container ship is set to dock in London Gateway after calling Tangier, underlining Morocco’s role in shipping routes. Automotive Exports: Morocco’s auto exports rose 14.9% to MAD 107.14B by end-July, led by construction, wiring and aerospace gains. Cyber Scams: Morocco is seeing WhatsApp account-takeover fraud spreading through trusted contacts and urgent money requests. Defense Tech Expansion: Harmattan AI says it has set up a Rabat engineering center and plans drone mass production after recruiting 50 engineers. Energy Integration Angle: A Nigeria-Morocco Atlantic Gas Pipeline deal is framed as a major regional industrialization bet, but one facing financing and security hurdles.

Defense & Drones: Harmattan AI says it has set up an engineering center in Rabat and is gearing up for drone mass production in Morocco after recruiting 50 engineers, building on a June partnership with the Royal Armed Forces for autonomous air-defense and AI R&D. Trade & Industry: Morocco’s automotive exports hit MAD 107.14bn by end-July (+14.9% y/y), led by construction (+19.9%) and wiring (+13.8%), while aerospace exports rose (+19.7%) and agri-food grew (+7%). Mining: Canada’s Aya Gold & Silver agreed to buy a 139 km² copper-silver exploration permit portfolio near its Zgounder mine in Morocco’s Anti-Atlas, expanding its local footprint. Logistics & Ports: Marsa Maroc reported H1 2026 revenue up 13% to 3.214bn dirhams and volumes up 3% to 34.5m tons, with domestic container growth and a shift toward domestic flows. Tourism: Morocco tourism receipts rose 13.4% to MAD 79.01bn through July as visitor numbers and overnight stays increased. Aviation: Casablanca’s Mohammed V Airport logged a record 46,439 passengers in 24 hours over the summer peak weekend, with national traffic still trending upward. Agribusiness: The Morocco Avocado Conference 2026 in Tangier (theme: “Water • Yield • Market”) will bring together growers and exporters to tackle water, orchard performance, climate resilience and market access.

Energy Security: Morocco’s trade unions renewed calls to reopen the Saudi-owned “SAMIR” refinery in Mohammedia, arguing the 150,000 bpd plant is key to cutting costly refined-fuel imports after parliament rejected an acquisition plan. Defense & Industry: Harmattan AI says it has set up an engineering center in Rabat and is preparing drone mass production in Morocco after recruiting 50 engineers, building on a partnership with the Royal Armed Forces. Aviation Training: The US awarded CAE up to $42.1m for two F-16 Block 72 full-mission trainers for the Royal Moroccan Air Force, supporting faster combat readiness for Morocco’s new jets. Mining & Exploration: Aya Gold & Silver agreed to acquire a 139 km² copper-silver permit portfolio near its Zgounder mine, while Talisman Metals’ Fougnar exploration licences were renewed to May 2030. Fuel Prices: Diesel in Morocco rises by MAD 0.06/l from Sept. 1; gasoline stays unchanged amid renewed US-Iran tensions pushing Brent above $91. Industrial Integration: A World Bank report highlights Morocco’s growing role in African industrial value chains, citing processed chemicals and participation in regional/global supply networks. Digital/AI Investment: Ibtikar Fund made a seed investment in Churn Solution, an AI retention platform with paying customers including Morocco. Solar & Off-Grid Care: A student-built solar mobile clinic (“Stella Juva”) completed an 800 km+ trial across Kenya, reinforcing the case for durable off-grid health infrastructure.

World Bank on Morocco’s industrial depth: A new World Bank report says Morocco is among Africa’s most integrated into regional industrial value chains, citing strong participation in processed chemicals and growing niches in electronics, pharmaceuticals and automotive wiring. Energy costs: Morocco’s diesel prices will rise slightly from Sept. 1 (+0.06 dirhams/liter) even as global oil benchmarks retreat; gasoline stays unchanged. Rail & construction logistics: ONCF announced temporary train schedule changes tied to Kenitra–Marrakech high-speed rail works, including Sept. 5–6 service limits and bus replacements on the Airport TNR link. Manufacturing pricing signal: Morocco’s industrial producer prices edged up in July (+0.1% overall), with food (+0.2%) and metallurgy (+0.9%) leading while chemicals slipped (-0.1%). Agri-trade & ports: A U.S.-led agriculture trade mission will visit Casablanca and Tanger Med, aiming to expand two-way trade and logistics with Morocco. Avocado industry push: Morocco’s first international Avocado Conference (MAC 2026) is set for Sept. 30 in Tangier, targeting resilience after a sharp export drop in 2025/26. Ceuta fallout (context for business risk): Spain’s PM says there’s no evidence Morocco was involved in the July Ceuta migrant surge, while disinformation blamed on Russia and Israel continues to shape political and security uncertainty.

Waste-to-Energy in Casablanca: BUTEC won an EPC contract for a 33.5-year WtE concession near Mediouna landfill, targeting 1.5m tonnes of non-recyclable waste annually, 126MWe baseload power and up to 1t CO2e avoided per processed tonne, supporting Greater Casablanca’s energy transition. Aerospace manufacturing push: Masterflex plans to start production at its new aerospace components plant near Casablanca in Q4 2026, investing about 50m dirhams and creating around 77 jobs to make technical hoses and connection systems. Defense modernization: L3Harris is advancing Royal Moroccan Air Force C-130 modernization with digital cockpit and avionics upgrades, extending aircraft operational life and moving from inspections to full execution. EU trade signal for the Sahara: Germany backed the EU-Morocco trade framework covering products from the Moroccan Sahara, saying it fits the EU’s 2024 court ruling and noting it relies on the Commission’s legal assessment. Agribusiness exports: Morocco’s blueberry exports are nearing 90,000 tonnes, with UK demand driving growth and fast transit routes helping keep fruit fresh. Food security via fertilizers: OCP and US farmer cooperative CHS plan a $450m phosphate fertilizer plant in Louisiana (over 1m tonnes/year) to cut US reliance on imports, leveraging Morocco’s phosphate dominance. Agriculture outlook: Zagora date growers forecast a 10–15% production rise for 2026-2027 as pest pressure eases, though labor shortages could affect costs. Regional controversy watch (Ceuta): Spain’s PM says there’s no evidence of Moroccan involvement in the late-July Ceuta border breach, while pointing to disinformation spread by Russia/Israel-linked networks.

Aerospace & Defense: L3Harris says it has started modernizing Morocco’s C-130 fleet, completing inspections on the first aircraft in Waco and moving toward full digital cockpit upgrades on later planes, as Morocco prepares for MAS 2026 with major global defense exhibitors. Industrial Investment: German Masterflex will launch production at a new aerospace components plant near Casablanca in Q4 2026, creating about 77 jobs and targeting full capacity by 2030. Energy & Infrastructure: Casablanca’s waste-to-energy project advances with a major BUTEC EPC deal for an incineration facility processing 1.5m tonnes of non-recyclable waste annually, aimed at supplying baseload power for Greater Casablanca. Food Security & Fertilizers: Morocco and the US deepen cooperation via an OCP–CHS phosphate fertilizer joint venture in Louisiana worth $450m and over 1m tonnes capacity for the US market. Trade & Compliance: Germany backs the EU-Morocco trade framework covering products from the Moroccan Sahara, saying it aligns with the 2024 EU court ruling. Agriculture: Zagora date growers forecast a 10–15% harvest increase for 2026-2027, while an FAO report warns Morocco’s expanding farmland and irrigation face rising soil erosion, salinity and biodiversity pressures. Logistics & Exports: Morocco strengthens its UK fresh raspberry position, with imports rising to about 18,400 tonnes valued at £132.7m from July 2025–June 2026.

Waste-to-Energy Push: Casablanca’s waste-to-energy project has moved forward after a major EPC award to BUTEC, with a consortium (Nareva, Kanadevia Inova, Itochu) delivering an incineration plant near Mediouna landfill to process ~1.5m tonnes of non-recyclable waste yearly and generate 126 MWe for Greater Casablanca. Automotive Supply Chain: China’s Sanlian Forging is investing about $19.5m in a Tangier spare-parts plant for precision-forged automotive components and vehicle electrical/electronic equipment. Phosphate Industrialization: OCP North America and US farmer co-op CHS plan a $450m phosphate fertiliser plant in Louisiana (Cornerstone Energy Park), targeting over 1m tonnes annually and linking Moroccan inputs to US manufacturing. Agri-Trade Momentum: Morocco strengthened its lead in the UK fresh raspberry market, supplying ~18,400 tonnes worth £132.7m (Jul 2025–Jun 2026), sustaining growth for a fifth straight marketing year. Maritime Fisheries Safety: Morocco banned shellfish harvesting and sales at Cap Beddouza (Safi) after lab tests found abnormally high marine toxins, urging consumers to buy only properly labelled, licensed products. Digital Language for Public Services: Morocco and India agreed to a joint commission to integrate Darija and Amazigh into Idarati using large and small language models.

Fertiliser & Mining: OCP North America and US co-op CHS plan a $450m phosphate fertiliser plant in Louisiana (Waggaman), targeting 1m+ tonnes a year and creating hundreds of construction and permanent jobs, as Morocco’s phosphate exports regain momentum in the US after tariff relief. Energy Costs: Morocco’s oil and gas import bill rose by $2.2bn between March and August 2026 due to the Hormuz crisis, with diesel driving most of the increase. Agri-Exports: Morocco strengthened its lead in the UK fresh raspberries market, shipping about 18,400 tonnes worth £132.7m from July 2025 to June 2026. Automotive Supply Chain: China’s Sanlian Forging is investing about $19.5m in Tangier to produce precision-forged automotive parts and vehicle electrical/electronic equipment. Maritime & Food Safety: Morocco banned shellfish harvesting and sales at Cap Beddouza (Safi) after lab tests found abnormally high marine toxins. Aviation Modernisation: L3Harris completed inspections for the first Royal Moroccan Air Force C-130 under a modernization programme, with further aircraft to enter the upgrade pipeline. Digital & Language AI: Morocco and India agreed to set up a joint commission to integrate Darija and Amazigh into online public services via AI tools. Maritime Diplomacy: Morocco reiterated to Spain its preference for dialogue on maritime border delimitation, anchored in international law and territorial integrity. Industry & Trade Links: Vietnam is positioning Morocco as a gateway for Vietnamese goods to North Africa, with bilateral trade up strongly in 2025 and early 2026. Security/Politics (Ceuta): Morocco-linked reporting highlights rising tensions and alleged violence against migrants in Ceuta, with human-rights groups accusing authorities of complicity.

Morocco–India Trade & Industry: Morocco and India marked a major milestone at the 7th Morocco-India Joint Commission in Rabat, with bilateral trade rising to $4.4bn in 2026 (from $2.9bn in 2021) and both sides targeting an extra $2.6bn by expanding into advanced manufacturing, AI, renewables and pharma. Digital Language & Public Services: Rabat and New Delhi agreed to set up a joint commission on languages and digital technologies to integrate Moroccan Darija and Amazigh into Idarati, Morocco’s online administration platform, using large and small language models. Aviation & Logistics Demand: Morocco’s airports handled 22.28m passengers in the first seven months of 2026 (+8.77%), with Casablanca and Marrakech leading, while air freight also rose (+12.61%). Fertilizer Supply Chain: OCP returned to the US phosphate market after tariff relief, with the first shipment landing in New Orleans (54,000 tons), while CHS and OCP North America plan a $450m phosphate plant in Louisiana for end-2028 output. Maritime Diplomacy: Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita reiterated Morocco’s commitment to dialogue with Spain on maritime border delimitation, linking it to the blue economy and port expansion plans. Animal Welfare Law: Morocco’s new stray-animal law (fines up to 2,000 dirhams) entered into force, but uncertainty over implementing rules is already sparking debate. Security Claims: A Telegram post by “Jabaroot” circulated spreadsheets allegedly listing Morocco’s security and intelligence personnel; authorities have not authenticated the files.

Phosphate & Fertilizer Trade: OCP has resumed exports to the U.S. after Trump suspended countervailing duties, with the first shipment of 54,000 tons landing in New Orleans—aimed at easing late-summer fertilizer supply pressures. New U.S. Plant Push: CHS and OCP North America plan a $450m phosphate fertilizer facility in Louisiana (Waggaman) targeting 1m+ tons annually, with permitting underway and operations targeted for end-2028. Aviation & Air Cargo: Morocco’s airports handled 22.28m passengers in the first seven months of 2026 (+8.77%); air freight rose to 66,980.55 tons (+12.61%). Ports & Logistics: Damietta Port reported 3,413 tons shipped on the Damietta–Trieste route, highlighting ongoing EU-bound cargo flows relevant to regional supply chains. Morocco–India Trade: Morocco–India bilateral trade hit $4.4bn in 2026, with both sides targeting $2.6bn more via advanced manufacturing, AI, renewables and pharma. Energy Interconnection: Morocco backed the Sila Atlantik plan to export renewable power to Germany via long submarine cables, potentially up to 26 TWh/year. Wheat Policy: Morocco will restart soft wheat imports with a rebate system for millers between Sep 16 and Dec 31, 2026 to manage supply gaps.

Renewables & Power Exports: Morocco backed the Sila Atlantik plan to generate up to 15GW (26TWh/year) and export electricity to Germany via two 4,800km submarine cables, potentially the world’s longest power link. Fertilizers & Agribusiness: OCP and CHS are preparing a $450m phosphate fertilizer plant in Louisiana, targeting 1m tons/year to cut US reliance on imports; Morocco also moves to shore up farm inputs as the 2026-27 campaign opens under El Niño uncertainty. Trade & Industry Cooperation: Morocco and India agreed to double bilateral trade over five years and set up a joint working group, with priorities spanning fertilizers, agriculture, mining, energy, pharma, digital and transport. Ports & Logistics: Tanger-Med is highlighted as a global container hub rising from 61st to 17th in under 20 years, reinforcing Morocco’s push for a wider maritime and industrial platform. Security & Data Integrity: Morocco’s security pole denied any cyberattack after personal data circulated online, saying it came from old insurer/social-coverage records. Water Tech: Moroccan Capgemini teams are testing an AI-powered water drone to detect harmful algal blooms in dams earlier. Energy/Mining Deal Watch: Votorantim swaps its Nexa stake for about 7% of Sweden’s Boliden, signaling continued mining portfolio reshuffling. Ceuta Spillover: Spain’s Interior Minister sought EU funding (35.6m euros) for border breakwaters and other measures after the July 30 crisis, while Ceuta business owners protested migrant reception plans near industrial areas. Games & Services: Morocco made its first official appearance at Gamescom 2026 with an AMDIE-led pavilion to connect local studios with global publishers and investors. App Economy: Apple updated App Store taxes and pricing in Morocco due to the introduction of 20% VAT, with price changes starting Sept. 14.