AGP Executive Report

Offshore Wind Push: OWC-led consortium picked by the EIB to run a two-year feasibility study for Morocco’s first offshore windfarm off the Atlantic near Essaouira, with grid, marine, environmental and social assessments planned. Public Health & Antibiotic Resistance: New research flags drug-resistant bacteria spreading beyond Moroccan hospitals, including community urinary infections and contamination in water/food systems—raising the risk of untreatable common infections. Disability Data Update: Morocco’s preliminary 2026 national disability survey reports 8.7% prevalence (up from 6.8% in 2014), with access gaps persisting and only about 29.7% of people with disabilities reporting a medical diagnosis. Education Rights: Hassan I University PhD students at Settat protest removal and alleged retroactive fees, demanding their registration reopened and second-year enrollment restored. Renewables & Energy Finance: Climate adaptation financing and risk-sharing are highlighted as urgent for Africa’s farmers, with calls for more inclusive, practical funding to cut climate losses. Renewable Industry Signals: China’s Haier and Midea plan to expand home appliance production in Africa, pointing to local manufacturing and jobs as adoption grows. Energy/Trade Link: Morocco is set to contribute expertise to Gaza reconstruction, shifting from aid to housing, infrastructure and urban planning support. Ceuta Tech/Policy Fallout: The Ceuta migration crisis continues to spill into EU politics, with the European Commission saying it needs more information before approving Spain’s emergency support request.

Climate & Risk: A new UN report says the world will likely exceed the Paris 1.5°C warming limit soon, shifting the focus to how high temperatures overshoot and how fast emissions can be cut. Public Health: Drug-resistant bacteria are being found beyond Moroccan hospitals, including in community infections and in water/food systems, raising the risk that common antibiotics may stop working. Disability & Inclusion: Morocco’s disability rate rose to 8.7% in a new national survey, with access and diagnosis gaps still limiting support. Waste-to-Energy in Casablanca: A consortium awarded a major EPC contract for a Casablanca WtE plant to process about 1.5 million tons of non-recyclable waste annually, targeting lower landfill dependence and emissions. Digital & Logistics Tech: Indra will digitize and automate the Port of Bilbao to meet EU customs rules—an example of the kind of compliance-driven port tech Morocco’s partners are pushing. Mobility & Travel Tech: DxO PhotoLab 10 adds faster editing tools for photographers, including smarter masking and dust removal. Migration Politics (Ceuta): Spain’s PM insists there’s no solid proof Morocco planned the July Ceuta border crisis, while protests and misinformation continue to inflame tensions. Business & Betting: A $16.9bn merger would pull Morocco casino operator CIRSA into a global betting group, with Blackstone set to become the biggest shareholder.

Ceuta Crisis Accountability: Spain’s PM Pedro Sánchez told parliament there’s “no evidence” Morocco planned or orchestrated the July Ceuta border breach, while admitting a key 10-hour border-control breakdown still needs explanation. Misinformation Watch: A separate Spanish police report says the entry was a staged process using social media and WhatsApp coordination, and the Red Cross has been targeted by viral fake posts. Humanitarian Tragedy: Off Spain’s Canary Islands, a migrant boat found adrift after 27 days left at least 80 confirmed dead (with reports of 128 aboard at departure). Morocco Tech & Industry: Morocco’s HCP survey shows higher Q2 activity in manufacturing (autos, electrical, chemicals) and construction, though raw-material supply issues persist. Renewables Pipeline: OWC leads an EIB-backed two-year feasibility study for Morocco’s first offshore wind farm near Essaouira. Climate Risk Research: A study flags rapid urban growth making Tetouan more vulnerable to flooding during heavy rainfall. STEM Learning Trend: TikTok says STEM learning is rising across Sub-Saharan Africa as short-form content helps students tackle tough subjects. Port Digitalization: Indra is digitising the Port of Bilbao to meet new EU customs rules, including real-time data sharing and cybersecurity requirements.

Ceuta Crisis & Morocco-Spain Tensions: Spain’s Ceuta border shock stays in the spotlight as leaked reporting and a 55-page police dossier claim the July 30–31 migrant surge was planned and coordinated, including “active guiding” on the ground—while Spanish officials continue to dispute or reframe Morocco’s role. Digital Safety: Morocco is also warning about WhatsApp scams that hijack trusted accounts and push urgent money requests. Climate & Oceans: New data says the world’s oceans hit record-hot temperatures, with El Niño potentially driving 2027 toward another extreme year. Health & Education: Morocco’s nurses’ union protests university fees and restrictions, arguing they undermine free higher education for healthcare workers. Sports Tech: CAF is reportedly preparing VAR for the Champions League group stage, starting with Moroccan clubs’ venues, with a phased rollout to manage costs. Workforce & AI: Morocco’s call-center and offshoring union urges the government to revise its offshoring offer by 2030, protect jobs, and fund retraining ahead of AI-driven automation. Water Security: Morocco’s dam reserves fell from mid-May to early September, with filling rates dropping notably across basins. Aerospace Training: CAE won a $42.1m contract to supply Royal Moroccan Air Force F-16 Block 72 training systems and support. Energy/Industry: Egypt and Oman discuss joint industrial zones, aiming to strengthen integration and supply chains. Policy & Data for Inclusion: GITEX Africa Morocco’s Chakib Achour argues governments should use data and AI to make social policies more targeted and effective.

Defense & Training: CAE won a $42.1M U.S. Air Force contract to deliver Royal Moroccan Air Force F-16 Block 72 full-mission training systems and logistics support, with work in Texas and Sidi Slimane through 2029. Water Security: Morocco’s dam reserves dropped from 76% to 67.5% between mid-May and Sept 1, falling by about 1.46B m³ as summer withdrawals rose. Cyber & Fraud: Morocco is seeing WhatsApp scams that hijack accounts or link devices, then pressure victims with urgent money requests from trusted contacts. AI for Inclusion: Chakib Achour (GITEX Africa Morocco) argues governments should use data and “next best action” style analytics to target social inclusion policies beyond income-based vulnerability. Drones in Morocco: Harmattan AI says it has set up an engineering center in Rabat, hired 50 engineers, and plans drone mass production after a Royal Armed Forces partnership. Tech & Markets: Casablanca Stock Exchange notified the Competition Council of a plan to take exclusive control of software firm NT Soft in two stages. Regional Energy: A Morocco-Nigeria Atlantic Gas Pipeline deal is framed as a major test for financing and security across West Africa. Sports Business: Kings League MENA named Wael Al-Fayez managing director ahead of its expanded 2026 Riyadh season. International Spotlight: Morocco’s Gaza reconstruction role is discussed in Rabat-Ramallah talks focused on housing, roads, and rebuilding expertise.

Defense Tech in Morocco: Harmattan AI says it has opened an engineering center in Rabat, hired 50 engineers, and is preparing mass production of autonomous drones after a June partnership with Morocco’s Royal Armed Forces focused on AI-enabled air defense and a local R&D push. Sahara Engagement: A senior US military delegation visited Dakhla Port to discuss maritime infrastructure, connectivity, economic development and shared security priorities, signaling deeper Washington engagement in Morocco’s southern provinces. Digital & Security Markets: Casablanca Stock Exchange notified Morocco’s Competition Council it plans to take exclusive control of software firm NT Soft in two stages, starting with 80% acquisition. AI Startup Funding: Ibtikar Fund made a seed investment in Churn Solution, an AI-powered customer retention platform with paying customers in Morocco and other markets. Elections & Governance: Morocco’s 2026 legislative election rules tighten eligibility for convicted candidates and extend bans for removed officials, with tougher penalties for electoral crimes. Regional Flashpoint: Spain’s PM accused Russia and Israel-linked networks of spreading disinformation around the Ceuta migrant crisis after tens of thousands crossed from Morocco.

Defense & Drones: Harmattan AI is setting up an engineering center in Rabat, hiring 50 engineers and preparing for drone mass production in Morocco after a partnership with the Royal Armed Forces for autonomous air-defense capabilities. AI for Health Supply Chains: A new Africa-focused report says AI is already easing key healthcare logistics bottlenecks, citing Ethiopia, Nigeria and Kenya examples like faster forecasting and shorter invoice-to-pay cycles. F-16 Modernization: Taiwan’s first Block 70 “Viper” jets are finally being delivered after years of delays, highlighting how supply-chain and avionics production bottlenecks can reshape defense timelines. Startup Funding (Morocco-linked): Ibtikar Fund made a seed investment in Churn Solution, an AI retention platform now with paying customers across Morocco and other markets. Sustainable Tourism (Souss-Massa): Morocco launched its first regional sustainable tourism certification in Souss-Massa, with 55 businesses certified, focusing on water management and energy efficiency. Mobile Solar Healthcare: A student-built solar clinic vehicle, Stella Juva, completed an 800km trial across Kenya, powering X-ray, ultrasound and vaccine cooling off-grid. Mining (Morocco): Aya Gold & Silver agreed to acquire a 139 km² copper-silver permit portfolio near its Zgounder mine, adding exploration upside in Morocco. Cybersecurity Event: Malaysia’s Cyber Security Summit Malaysia 2026 will convene CISOs and government officials around identity, intelligence and resilience.

Ceuta Migration & Disinformation: Spanish PM Pedro Sánchez says Russia and Israel spread and amplified disinformation around the late-July migrant surge into Ceuta, citing EU EEAS research, while he rules out any Moroccan involvement and points to criminal networks and a misrepresented Supreme Court ruling that fueled false claims online. Sustainable Tourism: Morocco’s Souss-Massa launches the kingdom’s first regional sustainable tourism certification, with 55 businesses already certified, focusing on water management and energy efficiency with World Bank PROBLUE support. Health Tech for Off-Grid Care: A Dutch-built solar ambulance (Stella Juva) completed an 800km drive across Kenya with Amref Health Africa, powering X-ray, ultrasound and vaccine refrigeration using more energy than it consumed during tests. Women, Innovation & Morocco’s Links to Latin America: Morocco was guest of honor at Panama’s WISS Latam 2026, highlighting women’s leadership, sustainability and business cooperation. Agri-Trade & Ports: A USIP Alliance-led trade mission targets two-way agriculture cooperation with Morocco and Portugal, including seminars and port tours in Casablanca and Tanger Med.

Ceuta Disinformation: Spain’s PM Pedro Sánchez says EU research points to Russia and Israel spreading misleading claims around the late-July Ceuta migrant surge, while stressing there’s “no evidence” linking Morocco to the crisis. Food Supply Shock: Morocco’s sardine supply is tightening as warmer seas push fish deeper and a Morocco export ban earlier this year disrupted canneries in Spain and Portugal—raising the odds of more shortages. Clean Energy Infrastructure: BUTEC won an EPC deal for a Casablanca waste-to-energy plant under a 33.5-year concession, targeting 1.5m tonnes of non-recyclable waste annually and 126MWe of baseload power. Agri-Exports: Morocco’s blueberry exports are nearing 90,000 tons, with UK demand driving growth and faster transit routes helping keep fruit fresh. Industrial IP Strategy: Casablanca-based Ingelec highlights how trademark and design protection helped it grow into an Arab-African low-voltage appliances leader. Personal Care Innovation: BASF is launching Floragenist floral actives sourced from certified organic Moroccan flowers, tying botanical ingredients to epigenetics and sustainability claims.

Aerospace & Defense: L3Harris says it has completed inspections on the first Royal Moroccan Air Force C-130 under a modernization push, with digital cockpit upgrades and more aircraft scheduled for induction. Waste-to-Energy: Casablanca’s waste-to-energy project moves ahead after BUTEC won a major EPC deal for a 1.5M-tonne incineration plant, targeting baseload power and landfill reduction. Fertilizer & Supply Chains: OCP North America and US co-op CHS plan a $450M phosphate fertiliser plant in Louisiana, aiming to produce over 1M tonnes annually and deepen Morocco-to-US manufacturing links. Energy Costs: Morocco’s oil and gas import bill rose by $2.2B between March and August 2026 as the Hormuz crisis lifted global fuel prices. Maritime Health: Morocco bans shellfish harvesting and sales at Cap Beddouza in Safi after lab tests found abnormally high marine toxins. Industry & Jobs: China’s Sanlian Forging invests $19.5M in a Tangier spare-parts plant, strengthening Morocco’s automotive supply ecosystem. Tech & Policy: Google extends a free Gemini AI Plus year to students in 27 African countries—Morocco is notably not included. Earth & Risk: Morocco’s seismic pattern has shifted toward smaller, less frequent quakes since the 2023 Atlas event, with monitoring ongoing.

Waste-to-Energy in Casablanca: BUTEC won a major EPC deal for a new waste-to-energy plant under a 33.5-year concession, targeting ~1.5M tonnes of non-recyclable waste yearly and ~126 MWe of baseload power for Greater Casablanca. Maritime & public safety: Morocco banned shellfish harvesting and sales at Cap Beddouza (Safi) after lab tests found abnormally high marine toxins, urging only packaged, labeled products from licensed outlets. Aerospace modernization: L3Harris says it has completed inspections on the first Royal Moroccan Air Force C-130 under a modernization program in Waco, with further aircraft to enter the program and receive digital cockpit upgrades. AI & language tech: Morocco and India agreed to set up a joint commission to integrate Darija and Amazigh into Idarati using large and small language models. Seismic update: Morocco’s National Geophysics Institute reports smaller, less frequent quakes since the 2023 Atlas event, with no signs of a magnitude-5+ shock. Energy & trade pressure: Morocco’s oil and gas import bill rose by $2.2B (March–August) amid the Hormuz crisis. Fertiliser push: OCP North America and CHS plan a $450M phosphate fertiliser plant in Louisiana, aiming for 1M+ tonnes annually.

Exhibition & Culture: A new show at Morocco’s Museum for Islamic Art spotlights Shabtai Zvi, the 17th-century “false Messiah,” tracing how messianic myths spread across Jewish communities. Earth Science: Morocco’s National Geophysics Institute says seismic activity has shifted to smaller, less frequent quakes since the 2023 Atlas disaster, with no signs of a magnitude-5+ event imminent. Automotive Manufacturing: China’s Sanlian Forging is investing about $19.5M in Tangier to make precision-forged automotive parts and vehicle electrical/electronic equipment. Defense Modernization: L3Harris says it has completed key inspections for the Royal Moroccan Air Force’s first C-130 under a modernization program, with more upgrades planned for additional aircraft. Maritime Safety: Morocco bans shellfish harvesting and sales from Cap Beddouza after lab tests found abnormally high marine toxins. AI & Language Tech: Morocco and India will set up a joint commission to integrate Darija and Amazigh into Morocco’s Idarati public-services platform using large and small language models. Trade & Food Security: Morocco’s oil and gas import bill rose by $2.2B during the Hormuz crisis, while Morocco and India also highlighted a push to grow bilateral trade toward $2.6B in untapped exports. Humanitarian Tech Policy: The EU, TikTok and Meta agreed on faster fact-checking cooperation tied to the Ceuta migration crisis, aiming to reduce misinformation that fuels dangerous crossings.

Humanitarian Tech & Policy: LIFE highlighted DIHAD 2026’s push for more flexible, sustainable humanitarian responses as crises grow more complex and underfunded. Energy Costs: Morocco’s oil and gas import bill jumped by $2.2B (March–Aug 2026) as the Strait of Hormuz crisis lifted global fuel prices. Food Safety & Lab Testing: Morocco banned shellfish harvesting and sales at Cap Beddouza (Safi) after lab analyses found abnormally high marine toxins. Aerospace Modernization: L3Harris advanced the Royal Moroccan Air Force’s C-130 modernization, with upgrades underway in Waco and more aircraft scheduled this year. Fertilizer Manufacturing: OCP and CHS plan a $450M phosphate fertiliser plant in Louisiana, aiming to scale US production using Moroccan inputs. AI for Public Services: Morocco and India set up a joint commission to bring Darija and Amazigh into Morocco’s Idarati admin platform using large and small language models. Digital Economy: Apple is adjusting App Store pricing in Morocco due to a new 20% VAT, changing developer payouts. Marine & Agriculture Exports: Morocco’s blueberry exports to the UK rose 44% in 2025, while improved feed and pasture research targets higher-quality livestock. Security & Information Integrity: Morocco’s security authorities rejected claims of a database breach amid renewed disinformation allegations.

Maritime Diplomacy: Morocco’s foreign minister Nasser Bourita reiterated Rabat’s commitment to dialogue with Spain on maritime border delimitation, stressing territorial integrity, international legality, and rejecting unilateral claims. Ceuta Tech & Security: The EU, TikTok, and Meta agreed on a fact-checking cooperation plan tied to the Ceuta migration crisis, aiming to curb misinformation that helped fuel dangerous crossings. Trade & AI-Ready Industry: Morocco and India pushed to double bilateral trade over the next five years, with a joint working group and focus on advanced manufacturing, AI, renewables, pharma, and digital transformation. Cyber Claims Denied: Morocco’s security pole says leaked personal data circulating online is old insurer/social-coverage information, not a hack of its secured systems. US Investment Priorities: USTDA said it will expand support for Morocco in critical minerals supply chains, energy infrastructure, trusted digital tech and AI, and transport systems. Energy & Drilling Watch: Predator Oil & Gas reported progress toward drilling in Morocco, targeting a start date for its MOU-6 well within two weeks. Border Tensions Funding: Spain requested EU funds for Ceuta security works, including extending breakwaters, citing cooperation with Morocco.

Cybersecurity & Identity Leak: A Telegram dump claims to list about 70,000 people tied to Morocco’s DGSN police and DGST domestic intelligence, including IDs and bank details; Morocco’s security pole says it’s old, non-hacked data from insurers and social-coverage systems. Spain–Ceuta Border Tensions: Spain says it has no proof Morocco orchestrated the July 30–31 Ceuta mass entry, while EU-backed security funding is being discussed to expand border breakwaters after violence and humanitarian strain. AI for Water Safety: Moroccan Capgemini teams are testing an AI-powered water drone to detect harmful algal blooms in dams earlier than visual checks, aiming to protect drinking water and ecosystems. Digital Education Boost: Google is again offering Moroccan university students 12 months of free Google AI Plus via Gemini, with extra study tools and cloud storage. Tech & Trade Links: Morocco and India agreed to double bilateral trade over five years and set up a joint working group, covering digital transformation, mining, fertilizers, and pharma. Finance Event in Casablanca: The Trading Show Company returns Sept 5–6, with MetaQuotes and major brokers/tech firms, positioning Morocco as a North Africa trading hub. App Store Pricing Changes: Apple is adjusting App Store pricing in Morocco and other regions due to new VAT/digital taxes, affecting developer payouts.

AI Water Monitoring: Moroccan Capgemini is piloting an AI-powered water-based drone to detect harmful algal blooms in dams earlier than visual checks, aiming to protect water supplies and ecosystems. Digital Education Boost: Google is again offering Moroccan university students 12 months of free Google AI Plus via Gemini, with extra study tools and cloud storage. Trade Push: Morocco and India agreed to double bilateral trade over the next five years, setting up a joint working group to explore a preferential trade deal and tackling pharma market-access hurdles. Security Cooperation: Morocco and NATO are extending defense training for African armed forces under the DEEP programme, with a focus on non-commissioned officer skills. Energy Drilling Update: Predator Oil & Gas says it expects a start date for drilling its MOU-6 well in Morocco within two weeks after key long-lead equipment arrived. Reputation Spotlight: Morocco topped Africa and the Arab world in a 2026 reputation ranking, improving perceptions including technology and public resource management. Cyber Claim Denied: Morocco’s security bodies say leaked personal data circulating online came from old insurer/social-coverage records, not a new cyberattack. Industrial Ranking: The AfDB’s Africa Industrialisation Index puts Morocco first in Africa, overtaking South Africa after a 15-year run.