Morocco took centre stage at the Oeiras Bluetech Ocean Forum 2025, held from July 21 to 23 in Oeiras, Portugal.

The event, focused on maritime innovation, port decarbonisation, and transcontinental cooperation, brought together institutional representatives, industry leaders, international experts, and partners from Europe, Africa, and Asia to explore new technological models for sustainable ocean development and marine resource management.

Representing the African continent, Morocco highlighted both the challenges and vast opportunities within Africa’s growing blue economy.

The Kingdom’s participation also came amid strengthening ties with Portugal, marked by Lisbon’s recent support for the Moroccan Autonomy Plan for the Sahara—widely recognised as the most credible and realistic framework for resolving the territorial dispute.

Mohamed Jifer, Director of the Regional Investment Centre in Laayoune, outlined investment opportunities in Morocco’s southern provinces, especially in aquaculture, marine biotechnology, and port development.

He noted that these initiatives are part of the New Development Model launched in 2016 by King Mohammed VI, which fosters institutional stability and a business-friendly climate.

Sarra Sefrioui, professor of maritime law at Abdelmalek Essaâdi University in Tangier, presented Morocco’s strategic vision for a sustainable blue economy.

She emphasised a robust legal framework aligned with international conventions and supported by strengthened cooperation with partners like the European Union.

Sefrioui also described the southern provinces as a key geo-economic hub linking West Africa, Europe, and China.

Limam Bousif, Director of Techla Frigo in Dakhla, spotlighted the Atlantic Port of Dakhla—a flagship project under the southern provinces’ development agenda.

With over €1.2 billion in investment, the port incorporates renewable energy solutions, decarbonised maritime corridors, and green fuel production.

It reflects Morocco’s commitment to modern, sustainable, and connected infrastructure and its goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2050.

Forum organisers praised Morocco’s contribution, describing its presence as “remarkable,” and identifying the Kingdom as one of Portugal’s most dynamic international partners, alongside China and the Netherlands.