July 25, 2025
Morocco played a key role at the Oeiras Bluetech Ocean Forum 2025, held from July 21 to 23 in Oeiras, Portugal. The forum focused on maritime innovation, port decarbonization, and transcontinental cooperation.
This event brought together institutional representatives, economic stakeholders, international experts, and partners from Europe, Africa, and Asia to discuss new technological models for sustainable ocean development and the valorization of marine resources.
The Kingdom of Morocco served as the voice of the African continent at the forum, highlighting the challenges and opportunities related to the development of the blue economy in Africa. This participation reflects a positive and evolving dynamic, further reinforced by Portugal’s recent announcement of its support for Morocco’s Autonomy Plan for the Sahara—internationally recognized as the most serious and credible basis for resolving the conflict over the Moroccan Sahara.
In this context, Mohamed Jifer, Director of the Regional Investment Center of Laayoune, emphasized the opportunities available in the southern provinces, particularly in aquaculture, marine biotechnology, and port development. He recalled that these projects are part of the New Development Model launched in 2016 by royal initiative, which ensures institutional stability and a favorable environment for investment.
Sarra Sefrioui, Professor of Maritime Law at Abdelmalek Essaadi University in Tangier, presented the Kingdom’s strategic vision for a sustainable blue economy. This vision is built on a solid legal framework aligned with international conventions and supported by strengthened cooperation agreements, notably with the European Union. She also highlighted the role of the southern provinces as a geoeconomic hub connecting West Africa, Europe, and China, thus facilitating long-term trade and investment.
Limam Bousif, Director of Techla Frigo in Dakhla, showcased the Atlantic port of Dakhla—one of the flagship projects under the New Development Model for the southern provinces. With an investment of over €1.2 billion, this next-generation infrastructure integrates renewable energy solutions, decarbonized maritime corridors, and green fuel production.
It reflects Morocco’s commitment to equipping its Atlantic regions with modern, sustainable, and connected facilities, contributing to the national goal of carbon neutrality by 2050 and strengthening its role as an economic bridge between Europe, Africa, and the Atlantic.
Morocco’s presence was described as outstanding by the forum’s organizers, who noted that the Kingdom is among Portugal’s most dynamic international partners, alongside China and the Netherlands.
Source : Alatlayar
