AGP Executive Report

Morocco AI rollout: Morocco’s Ministry of Digital Transition and Administration Reform unveiled the next phase of “Morocco AI 2030,” aiming for MAD 100 billion in GDP value by 2030, 50,000 jobs, and training/certifying 200,000 AI talents, backed by JAZARI Institutes and a sovereign AI marketplace for trusted, protected solutions. Green fuels push: Swiss Synhelion signed an MoU with Morocco to build a renewable synthetic fuels plant in Tan-Tan, targeting up to 100,000 tons of renewable fuel per year and linking the project to Morocco’s green hydrogen strategy. Climate risk in Western Sahara: At the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva, experts and Sahrawi representatives warned that occupation worsens heat exposure and undermines “just transition” claims, arguing renewable projects can’t bypass the territory’s unresolved status and self-determination. Food waste spotlight: A Morocco study found bread is the biggest household waste item, at about 362 grams per week per household, pointing to habits and perishability rather than income alone. Extreme weather watch: Forecasts warn of a low-pressure system over the western Mediterranean that could bring heavy rain, thunderstorms and hail, with flash-flood risk and temperature drops affecting Morocco later this week. Water/energy cooperation: Morocco and Guinea signed 25 cooperation agreements spanning energy, agriculture, meteorology/climatology, ports and urban planning, with both sides stressing sustainable development.

Severe Weather Watch: Morocco’s meteorology service has issued an orange alert for thunderstorms, hail and strong winds across many provinces, with rain totals of 25–35mm possible and temperatures swinging from heat (up to 42–46°C in parts of the south) to a cooler, stormy spell through Thursday. Offshore Wind Push: A consortium led by OWC has been appointed by the European Investment Bank to run a two-year feasibility study for Morocco’s first offshore wind farm off the Atlantic coast near Essaouira, including wind, marine, grid and environmental assessments. Water & Drought Planning: Morocco is also advancing its “water motorway” drought strategy, alongside broader infrastructure investment plans tied to long-term resilience. Health Tech in Morocco: One Med Link is building an AI-powered, interoperable clinical workflow and health-data platform designed to work with existing systems, aiming to better structure data from Moroccan care settings. Youth & Sustainability: In Rabat, the 5th Youth Knowledge Forum opened under “From Crisis to Sustainability,” bringing youth and decision-makers together around knowledge transfer and sustainability. Wildlife Conservation Note: Turtle doves are being supported in the UK’s South Downs National Park with releases and habitat work, with the birds’ migration expected to pass through parts of France, Spain and Morocco.

Offshore Wind Push: A consortium led by renewable-energy consultancy OWC has been appointed by the European Investment Bank to run a two-year feasibility study for Morocco’s first offshore wind farm off the Atlantic coast near Essaouira, with marine, environmental and grid-integration work included. Water Security Upgrade: ONEE is studying a third seawater desalination unit for Laayoune that could raise capacity from 600 to about 900 liters per second, supporting Laayoune and nearby centers as water resources stay tight. Extreme Weather Watch: Morocco’s meteorology service issued an orange alert for thunderstorms, hail and strong winds across many provinces, with temperatures expected to drop then rise again. Green Jobs Angle: In its 2026 election program, Morocco’s PJD links employment to the green economy and digital tech, while also calling for stronger competition rules and higher corporate taxes in monopoly-heavy sectors. Biodiversity Effort: Conservationists released 30 turtle doves in the UK’s South Downs National Park, with hopes they’ll return next year—part of a wider push to help the species recover across Europe and on migration routes that include Morocco.

Water Security in the South: ONEE is studying a third seawater desalination unit for Laayoune, aiming to raise capacity from 600 to about 900 liters per second—supporting drinking water for Laayoune and nearby centers as conventional resources stay tight. Heatwave & Storm Risk: Morocco’s meteorology office issued an orange alert for 42–46°C in provinces including Assa-Zag, Tata, Boujdour and Zagora, with thunderstorms, hail and strong gusts expected Sunday afternoon to evening in parts of the Atlas and central-south regions. Biodiversity & Wildlife: Conservation efforts in the UK’s South Downs include releasing turtle doves and planning more next year; the birds’ migration route is expected to cross France, Spain and Morocco. Energy Transition: Coverage highlights Noor Ouarzazate as a key solar megaproject that turns Sahara heat into electricity using thermal storage to keep generation going after sunset. Desert Water/Climate Context: Commentary notes Morocco’s broader push for drought resilience and southern development, linking infrastructure like desalination and renewables to long-term stability.

Heatwave Watch: Morocco’s General Directorate of Meteorology has issued an orange alert for intense heat plus thunderstorms, hail and strong winds from Sunday through Tuesday, with 42–46°C forecast in provinces including Assa-Zag, Tata, Boujdour, Oued Ed-Dahab, Aousserd, Es-Semara and Zagora, and 38–42°C in a wider swath of northern and central areas; storms are expected mainly Sunday afternoon/evening with 25–35 mm rainfall in places like Marrakech, Al Haouz, Settat, Ouarzazate, Midelt and Ifrane. Offshore Wind Push: The European Investment Bank commissioned a two-year feasibility study for Morocco’s first offshore wind farm off the Atlantic coast near Essaouira, led by OWC, to test wind conditions, grid connection options, infrastructure needs and environmental/social impacts. Water Security Plan: Morocco’s “water motorway” approach is gaining momentum, linking river basins and transferring water to stressed regions, including a major Sebou–Oum Er-Rbia link aimed at boosting drinking water and irrigation. Food & Climate Pressure: Morocco delivered 1,000 tonnes of DAP fertilizer to Mali to support farmers facing climate impacts, soil degradation and water constraints. Marine Life & Public Outrage: Reports from Spain’s Ceuta describe a dolphin calf killed after migrants allegedly pulled it from the water and struck it, triggering complaints over protected wildlife treatment.

Extreme Weather Watch: Morocco’s General Directorate of Meteorology has issued an orange alert for a heatwave with thunderstorms, hail and strong wind gusts from Sunday through Tuesday, with 42–46°C in Assa-Zag, Tata, Boujdour, Oued Ed-Dahab, Aousserd, Es-Semara and Zagora, and 38–42°C in many other provinces; storms are forecast mainly 2 p.m.–11 p.m. with 15–35 mm rain in affected areas. Renewables Push: The European Investment Bank commissioned a two-year feasibility study for Morocco’s first offshore wind farm off the Atlantic coast near Essaouira, led by OWC, including wind measurements, grid connection options, and environmental and social impact checks. Water Security Plan: Morocco’s “water motorway” strategy is expanding inter-basin transfers, including a major link between Sebou and Oum Er-Rbia that can move up to 800 million m³ a year to support drinking water and irrigation. Marine Life Under Pressure: Reports from Spain’s Ceuta describe a dolphin calf allegedly killed after migrants pulled it from the water and struck it with a stick, triggering complaints over protected wildlife treatment. Food Security Aid: Morocco delivered 1,000 tonnes of DAP fertilizer to Mali to support farmers amid climate stress, water shortages and soil degradation. Fisheries Squeeze: Declining sardine stocks in Morocco are contributing to tighter supplies in some German supermarkets, with climate change and high fishing pressure cited.

Offshore Wind Push: The European Investment Bank has commissioned a two-year feasibility study for Morocco’s first offshore wind farm off the Atlantic coast near Essaouira, led by OWC and supported by MASEN, with work covering site selection, wind measurements, ports and logistics, grid connection, and environmental and social impacts. Heat & Storms Alert: Morocco’s meteorology office warns of an orange-level heatwave with temperatures up to 46°C in several provinces, plus thunderstorms, hail and strong winds in parts of the country. Water Strategy: Morocco is moving beyond dams toward a “water motorway” approach linking river basins, including a major transfer between Sebou and Oum Er-Rbia to boost drinking water and irrigation. Marine Pressure on Food: Declining sardine stocks in Moroccan waters are tightening supplies in German supermarkets, with climate change and fishing pressure cited; Morocco has also restricted sardine exports to protect domestic availability. Ceuta Wildlife Outrage: Footage from Spain’s Ceuta alleges migrants killed a baby dolphin calf, triggering complaints and calls for investigations. Drought-Era Food Support: Morocco delivered 1,000 tonnes of DAP fertilizer to Mali to support farmers amid climate stress and soil degradation.

Extreme Heat Watch: Morocco’s 2026 heatwaves are being quantified with repeated bouts above 40°C and peaks nearing 50°C, raising the question of whether extreme heat is becoming the new normal. Wildlife Crime in the Region: Video from Spain’s Ceuta shows a baby dolphin calf allegedly pulled from the sea and struck with a stick, triggering a formal complaint and public outrage over protected wildlife. Offshore Wind Push: The European Investment Bank has backed a two-year feasibility study led by OWC for Morocco’s first offshore wind farm near Essaouira, with marine and environmental assessments and grid integration work planned. Water & Food Pressure: A Rabobank analysis warns that climate volatility and EU resilience moves could shift water access toward crops with higher economic returns, reshaping regional farming viability. Drought & Livestock Policy: As elections near, Aziz Akhannouch defended sheep import subsidies, citing years of drought and pressure on grazing and water supplies. Trade Links: Morocco and Italy move to deepen business ties as a chamber and Iccrea Banca sign an agreement to support cross-border expansion and Moroccans in Italy.

Offshore Wind Push: The European Investment Bank has picked an OWC-led consortium to run a two-year feasibility study for Morocco’s first offshore wind farm off the Atlantic coast near Essaouira, with MASEN backing and work covering site choice, wind yield, ports/logistics, risks, and marine plus environmental and social impact assessments. Heat and Drought Pressure on Livestock: As elections near, Aziz Akhannouch defended Morocco’s sheep import subsidies, saying five straight drought years cut water and grazing and forced state support to protect the national herd. Ceuta Dolphin Outrage: Video from Spain’s Ceuta shows a baby dolphin calf allegedly pulled from the sea and struck with a stick by migrants, triggering a formal complaint by environmental groups and a public petition calling for accountability. Food Prices Watch: The UN FAO says global food prices rose in August to the highest level since late 2022, driven by adverse weather and supply disruptions tied to conflicts. Heat Alert: Morocco issued orange alerts for heatwave, thunderstorms and hail through Friday, as extreme weather continues to hit the country.

Offshore Wind Push: An OWC-led consortium has been selected by the European Investment Bank to run a two-year feasibility study for Morocco’s first offshore windfarm off the Atlantic coast near Essaouira, including wind measurements, grid integration and marine/environmental assessments. Waste-to-Energy in Casablanca: Casablanca’s waste-to-energy project moved forward with a major EPC contract for a plant expected to process about 1.5 million tons of non-recyclable waste yearly and generate 126 MW, cutting landfill reliance and emissions. Heat & Wildfire Readiness: Northern Morocco has boosted wildfire preparedness as temperatures climb, with updated risk maps, equipment staged in vulnerable areas, and drones/air support on standby. Antibiotic Resistance Beyond Hospitals: New research links drug-resistant bacteria to community infections and Morocco’s water/food systems, raising concerns about treatment options for common illnesses. Digital Cooperation: Morocco and ESCWA agreed to strengthen cooperation on digital transformation, modern public administration, AI and innovation, aiming to improve services and support SDG 16. Climate Reality Check: A new UN report warns the world is likely to exceed 1.5°C warming soon, shifting focus to “overshoot, peak and decline” strategies.

Climate Overshoot: A new UN report warns the world is likely to exceed the Paris 1.5°C warming limit within a few years, with “overshoot, peak and decline” the best pathway—meaning more heat waves, droughts and floods unless emissions fall fast. Antibiotic Resistance in Morocco: Studies find drug-resistant bacteria spreading beyond hospitals into community infections and even water/food systems, with E. coli resistance reported in multiple Moroccan cities. Wildfire Readiness: Northern Morocco has boosted wildfire preparedness as heat climbs toward 42°C, updating risk maps and positioning firefighting assets including Canadair aircraft and thermal-camera drones. Waste-to-Energy for Casablanca: Casablanca’s waste-to-energy push moves ahead with a major BUTEC EPC contract for a plant targeting about 1.5 million tons of non-recyclable waste yearly and electricity generation. Digital Cooperation: Morocco and ESCWA signed an agreement to strengthen digital transformation, AI use, and modernization of public administration and services. Offshore Wind Feasibility: An EIB-backed feasibility study is underway for Morocco’s first offshore wind farm near Essaouira, led by OWC with regional and European partners. Heat Alert: Morocco issued orange alerts for heatwave, thunderstorms and hail, with further hot weather expected. Ceuta Misinformation: The Ceuta migration crisis continues to be amplified by fake posts online, including claims targeting the Red Cross, as thousands remain in the enclave. Industrial Pulse: Morocco’s industrial and construction activity rose in Q2 2026, though supply problems and cash-flow strain still weigh on parts of manufacturing.

Ceuta Crisis & Misinformation: More than a month after an estimated 72,000 people crossed from Morocco into Spain’s Ceuta, the enclave is still in chaos, with Spain saying about 5,000 remain and local estimates higher; the Red Cross has become a target of viral fake posts, while Spain’s PM Pedro Sánchez points to Russian and Israeli-linked networks plus far-right actors as drivers of the disinformation. Humanitarian Pressure: Reports describe overcrowding, protests across Spain, and sporadic violence as migrants—many women and children—continue to camp on streets and beaches. Weather Extremes in Morocco: Morocco’s meteorology service issued an orange alert for heatwave conditions, thunderstorms, hail and strong winds across multiple regions, with temperatures reaching 42–45°C in several provinces. Offshore Wind Push: An EIB-backed feasibility study is underway for Morocco’s first offshore wind farm near Essaouira, led by OWC with a marine and environmental specialist consortium. Water Security Plan: Morocco is advancing its “water motorway” approach, including a planned Sebou–Oum Er-Rbia link to move up to 800 million m³ of water yearly for drinking and irrigation.

Heat Alert: Morocco’s meteorology service issued an orange warning for a heatwave plus thunderstorms, hail and strong winds from Wednesday to Friday, with temperatures reaching 42–45°C in many provinces including Rabat-Salé area, Marrakech and Fez regions. Rural & Urban Pets: Morocco launched a free rabies vaccination campaign for urban pets through September, aiming to curb the disease in cities. Water & Food Security: Morocco urged the African Union to protect children affected by armed conflicts, focusing on preventing recruitment and supporting reintegration. Aviation & Borders: The European Commission confirmed the EU-Morocco aviation deal doesn’t cover flights from EU member states to Western Sahara, citing EU court case law. Environment Policy: Morocco’s CESE adopted proposals on rural development and environmental protection. Biodiversity & Conservation: A Rwanda-Morocco conservation message highlighted Morocco’s biodiversity efforts and the role of community-led conservation and ecotourism. Transport Growth: Airports of Morocco reported historic summer passenger peaks, including record days at Casablanca, Marrakech and Dakhla.

Heat & Storm Watch: Morocco has issued an orange alert as temperatures may hit 45°C from Wednesday to Friday, with thunderstorms, hail and strong winds expected over parts of the High and Middle Atlas, the Rif, the Oriental region and the southeast, plus dust-raising winds in some areas. Rural Development + Environment Policy: Morocco’s CESE adopted two policy opinions: one on how douars can better contribute to rural development, and another pushing for stronger integration of climate and environmental prevention, enforcement and ecological restoration into public policy. Urban Pet Health: ONSSA launched a free September 1–30 anti-rabies vaccination drive for owned urban dogs and cats, with appointments via participating private clinics, as Morocco also moves forward with new rules for managing stray animals. Water & Nature in the Spotlight: A new UNESCO Global Geopark update highlights how geoparks can support local environmental and tourism development, with Tunisia’s Dahar joining Morocco’s already-recognised M’Goun. Air Travel Pressure: Airports of Morocco reported historic summer traffic peaks across the network, including Casablanca and Marrakech, as the country’s airport growth trajectory continues under “Airports 2030.”

Heat & Storm Watch: Morocco has issued an orange alert as temperatures may hit 45°C from Wednesday to Friday, with thunderstorms, hail and strong winds forecast across parts of the High and Middle Atlas, the Rif, the Oriental region and the southeast, plus dust-raising winds in some areas. Rural Development & Climate Policy: The CESE (Economic, Social and Environmental Council) adopted two opinions: one on how douars can better contribute to rural development, and another calling for stronger integration of prevention, enforcement and ecological restoration into environmental and climate public policy. Rabies Prevention: ONSSA and the National Order of Veterinarians launched a free urban rabies vaccination drive for owned dogs and cats in Marrakech, running September 1–30, with appointments via the ONV platform. Water-Smart Agriculture: The Morocco Avocado Conference 2026 (Tangier) will focus on “Water • Yield • Market,” bringing growers and experts together on climate resilience, orchard performance and trade opportunities. Industry & Sustainability: Epson opened an expanded Nairobi office (up 50%) and linked the move to its sustainability push, including renewable energy certificates across regional sites. Wildlife/Desert Debate: A new book, “Desert Imaginations,” explores how Saharanism shaped perceptions of deserts and their exploitation—an angle relevant to Morocco’s fragile ecosystems.

Sustainable Tourism in Morocco: Souss-Massa has launched Morocco’s first regional sustainable tourism certification, with 55 businesses already certified, backed by the World Bank’s PROBLUE and focused on water management and energy efficiency. Climate & Atmosphere Research: A new study says shifting wind patterns could intensify winds and sandstorms across the Arab region and the Mediterranean, with knock-on effects for water, food security, and clean energy plans. Agriculture & Resilience: Morocco’s avocado sector is set to convene at the Morocco Avocado Conference 2026 in Tangier on Sept. 30, after exports fell sharply in 2025/26 due to extreme weather and logistics disruptions. Water & Disaster Response: Water Mission is sending a disaster team to Nepal after catastrophic flash floods and mudslides, prioritizing clean water and water-quality testing. Air Force Training Upgrade: The U.S. awarded CAE Inc. up to $42.10m for two F-16 Block 72 full-mission trainers for the Royal Moroccan Air Force, aiming to speed pilot readiness while preserving aircraft for operational flying. Renewables & Industry: Morocco’s sustainable tourism push and broader climate concerns come as wind and heat risks rise, while solar and off-grid solutions keep proving their value across the region.