Morocco is increasingly standing out in the aquaculture sector thanks to an ambitious strategy and targeted investments, positioning the country as a major player in the blue economy within the MENA region. The World Bank highlights the progress made in terms of sustainable growth, job creation, and the preservation of marine resources.
In its report “The Blue Future of Morocco: Aquaculture for Growth and Employment,” the institution emphasizes the Kingdom’s ability to transform its coastline into a driver of prosperity and ecological resilience. Currently, Moroccan aquaculture production reaches approximately 3,600 tons, but the real potential is significantly higher, with a goal of reaching 300,000 tons and generating 30,000 jobs by the next decade.
The development of the sector relies on public and private investments, supported by the National Agency for the Development of Aquaculture (ANDA). Morocco has identified the most suitable coastal areas, modernized the regulatory framework, and strengthened logistical infrastructure for export. The country now has 322 licensed operations, with an annual production capacity exceeding 124,000 tons, facilitating its integration into global value chains of high-value seafood products.
The World Bank is assisting the Kingdom and ANDA in this process by supporting the simplification of regulations, reducing risks for investors, and mobilizing private funding, with the backing of the International Finance Corporation (IFC). A $350 million program, supplemented by an additional $5 million through the PROBLUE fund, contributes to enhancing the resilience of marine ecosystems in the face of climate change.
With over 3,500 kilometers of coastline, a strategy aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals, and a modernized legal framework, Morocco positions itself as a regional model of blue economy, combining innovation, environmental protection, and economic inclusion. According to the World Bank, the country now possesses all the assets to become a regional leader in aquaculture and maritime sustainability.