AGP Executive Report

Heat & water stress in farming: Morocco’s Souss Massa tomato growers say water shortages are still biting, even after drought eased. They blame irrigation breakdowns and depleted groundwater, plus repeated outages at the Chtouka Ait Baha seawater desalination plant that can leave farms without reliable supply for over 10 days, forcing costly tanker water and raising salinity. Climate alerts: Morocco issued orange alerts for abnormal heat, thunderstorms and strong winds in late September, with temperatures reported above seasonal norms in multiple regions. Water reuse on rail: ONCF received a sustainability award for its “Rewater Train” project, which recycles 97% of water and cuts new resource use by 70% across Casablanca and expanding lines. Sustainable aviation push: Germany, Austria and Luxembourg launched a joint mechanism to scale renewable, electricity-based sustainable aviation fuel (eSAF), using competitive auctions and public subsidies to close the price gap. Diplomacy with an environmental angle: At the UN, Morocco’s Bourita pushed for stronger partnerships and private capital to finance development—framing it as part of peace, security and governance needs that also underpin climate resilience.

Heat & weather alerts: Morocco issued warnings as abnormal late-September heat hit several regions, with temperatures reported up to 42°C in Smara, 41°C in Taroudant/Agadir and 40°C in Guelmim, alongside forecasts for thunderstorms and strong winds. Water stress in Souss Massa: Tomato growers in Souss Massa say water shortages persist despite improved dam levels, citing irrigation infrastructure problems and delays in reopening the Youssef Ben Tachfine dam, while recurring outages at the Chtouka Ait Baha seawater desalination plant force costly tanker use and raise irrigation salinity. Sustainability on the rails: ONCF received the UIC Sustainability Impact Award 2026 for its “Rewater Train” project, recycling 97% of water and cutting new resource use by 70%, with recycled volumes surpassing 8,000 m³. Diplomacy with an environmental angle: At the UNGA, Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita pushed climate-linked peacebuilding and development priorities, and called for new partnerships to mobilize private capital for SDG financing. Regional cooperation: Bourita also chaired Atlantic African States Process talks in New York, framing the African Atlantic initiative as a route to sustainable development and energy empowerment.

Climate Diplomacy: Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita pushed for science-based action on sea-level rise at the UN, urging concrete measures and highlighting Morocco’s coastal resilience work and UN resolutions. Heat & Storm Alerts: Morocco’s weather office issued orange alerts for heat, thunderstorms and strong winds, warning of volatile conditions across provinces. Sustainable Transport: ONCF signed a rail engineering MoU with Germany’s Deutsche Bahn subsidiary DB Systemtechnik, focusing on maintenance and predictive rail upgrades. Electric Mobility: Hyundai and KOICA will supply Marrakech with 15 electric buses, adding to Morocco’s push for cleaner urban transport. Biodiversity Conservation: Morocco and Spain launched a joint program to save the Andalusian buttonquail, aiming to protect the species across borders. Local Air Quality Concern: Kenitra residents reported breathing problems and foul odors after a landfill fire, renewing attention on waste management and pollution impacts. Governance & Youth: Morocco’s ruling party faced an election setback as Islamist opposition made a comeback, with low turnout and youth frustration in the spotlight. Energy Transition (Regional): Germany, Austria and Luxembourg launched a €2.12bn program to scale renewable eSAF for sustainable aviation fuel.

Plastic Pollution Costs: Greenpeace MENA says plastic pollution is draining Morocco (along with Egypt and Tunisia) between $1.7bn and $5.5bn a year, with inaction potentially costing $30bn–$98bn by 2040, as countries prepare for Global Plastics Treaty talks. EU Food Safety Pressure: The EU is weighing stricter pesticide residue rules that could lower limits to the lowest detectable level, raising the risk that some African agricultural exports face rejection even where pesticide use is legal at origin. Climate Diplomacy: Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita pushed UN action on sea-level rise, urging science-based measures and translating political declarations into real protection for vulnerable coastal areas. Morocco’s UN Financing Push: Bourita also highlighted development financing gaps and Morocco’s push to mobilize private capital via reforms like the Investment Charter and the Mohammed VI Investment Fund. Transport & Rail Tech: ONCF signed a MoU with Deutsche Bahn’s engineering arm to expand cooperation on predictive maintenance and railway innovation. Biodiversity & Farming Cooperation: Morocco and Spain launched a joint program to save the Andalusian buttonquail, linking conservation with cross-border stewardship. Security & Child Protection: Morocco chaired the launch process for an African convention on disarmament, demobilization and reintegration of child soldiers, backed by around 20 countries.

Plastic Pollution Costs: Greenpeace MENA says plastic pollution is draining Egypt, Morocco and Tunisia between $1.7bn and $5.5bn a year, with inaction potentially rising to $30bn–$98bn by 2040, as the region heads toward Global Plastics Treaty talks in Bangkok. Low-Carbon Transport: Hyundai and KOICA will supply Marrakech with 15 electric buses, plus fast chargers and training, aiming to cut urban air pollution and support Morocco’s low-carbon goals. Heat & Storm Risk: Morocco’s weather office issued orange alerts for heat, thunderstorms and strong winds, warning of hazardous conditions across several provinces. Early Warning for Disasters: An EU-backed project (GOBEYOND) is rolling out multi-risk early warning tools for hazards like wildfires, flooding and drought, designed to deliver actionable impact information for civil protection. Biodiversity & Conflict Land: A report revisits the Western Sahara “Berm” and its mine belt, highlighting ecological risks and the push for biodiversity restoration research in the militarised border zone. UN Climate & Security Link: Morocco’s UN statements tied climate action to stability, urging accountability for non-state armed groups that threaten maritime corridors.

Urban Clean Transport: Hyundai and KOICA will deliver 15 electric buses to Marrakech, with fast chargers and training, aiming to cut urban air pollution and support Morocco’s low-carbon push. Climate & Disaster Readiness: An EU-backed early warning effort (GOBEYOND) is moving from hazard alerts to actionable impact forecasts for risks like wildfires, flooding and drought. Heat & Storm Watch: Morocco’s weather office has issued orange alerts for heat, thunderstorms and strong winds across several provinces. Water Security: OPEC Fund financing backs Morocco’s new dam project designed to improve water security and climate resilience. Food & Farming Resilience: Morocco’s blueberry sector is expanding but faces tougher market conditions, with growers urged to manage water, genetics and stress as competition rises. Biodiversity Conservation: Morocco and Spain launched a joint program to save the Andalusian buttonquail, targeting species protection across borders. UN Diplomacy: Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita announced Morocco’s bid for a UN Security Council non-permanent seat (2028–2029) and called for stronger action against non-state armed groups, linking security to climate and development. Regional Shift: Mauritius says autonomy under Moroccan sovereignty is the “most credible” solution for the Sahara dispute.

Morocco Elections & Climate-Linked Risks: Polling opened across Morocco for parliamentary elections, with voters’ frustration tied to jobs, inequality and the ongoing migration crisis in Ceuta, while the next government will steer major infrastructure work ahead of the 2030 World Cup. Heat & Storm Alerts: Morocco’s weather authorities issued orange alerts for heat, thunderstorms and strong winds, underscoring mounting climate stress. Bank Al-Maghrib Watch: The central bank kept its key rate at 2.25% and flagged climate change, energy and food supply risks as key external threats, while projecting slower growth and inflation staying moderate. Green Transport in Marrakech: Hyundai and KOICA will deliver 15 electric buses to Marrakech with fast chargers and training, aiming to cut urban air pollution as part of Morocco’s low-carbon push. El Niño Food Security: UN reporting warns El Niño is strengthening on a hotter baseline, raising drought/flood and crop-loss risks—an issue that matters for Morocco’s food resilience.

Heat & Storm Alerts: Morocco’s weather service issued orange alerts for 38–42°C heat plus strong thunderstorms, possible hail and gusty winds, with impacts expected in provinces including Agadir, Taroudant, Tarfaya and Tan-Tan, and storm activity affecting Boujdour, Aousserd and Oued Eddahab. Low-Carbon Transport: Hyundai and KOICA will deliver 15 electric buses to Marrakech, with fast chargers and training, aiming to cut urban air pollution and support Morocco’s low-carbon push. Climate Risk Watch: UN discussions ahead of the General Debate highlighted how El Niño is strengthening on a hotter baseline, raising the odds of harsher heat, drought, floods and food-and-water pressure. Water & Climate Finance: OPEC Fund approved $645m for water security and resilient transport, backing climate adaptation priorities. Agriculture Innovation: Morocco’s SweetCott mandarin won EU plant variety protection until 2056, supporting climate-ready citrus breeding. Carbon Market Draft: Morocco unveiled draft rules to regulate a national carbon market, including fines up to 2 million dirhams.

Climate & Weather Watch: Morocco’s weather office warns of thunderstorms, hail and strong winds across several provinces, with hot temperatures persisting in multiple regions—an early reminder that extreme conditions are still shaping daily life. Water & Adaptation Funding: A new FAO-backed assessment says Africa needs at least $80 billion to adapt agriculture to climate change, with Morocco among countries facing rising climate pressures. Biodiversity & Ocean Noise: Research on pilot whales in the Strait of Gibraltar finds they struggle to compensate for ship noise over long distances, raising concerns for isolation in a busy corridor between Morocco and Spain. Agri-Innovation & Trade: Morocco’s SweetCott mandarin has secured EU plant variety rights until 2056, supporting long-term citrus research and market access. Industry & Maintenance: OCP Maintenance Solutions and NTN Europe expand AI predictive maintenance work, building on deployments that already include Morocco. Youth & Governance: With legislative elections on Sept. 23, youth disillusionment and voter apathy are driving debate, while #FikraMRE gathers diaspora job ideas for the next government. Transport Decarbonisation: Hyundai and KOICA will supply 15 electric buses to Marrakesh, part of efforts to cut emissions and modernize low-carbon transport.

Youth & Politics: A new wave of Gen Z activism is pushing into Morocco’s parliamentary race, with an Environment and Sustainability Party founder campaigning in Tetouan and betting on higher youth turnout after the 2025 protests. Weather Watch: Morocco’s meteorology office warns of thunderstorms, hail and strong winds in several provinces, alongside persistent hot conditions in others. Biodiversity & Noise: Researchers report pilot whales in the Strait of Gibraltar are struggling to communicate over heavy ship noise, raising risks of isolation. Food & Trade Standards: Morocco Foodex in Agadir prepares fruit and vegetable exporters for tighter EU/UK rules, including environmental and sustainability requirements across the supply chain. Carbon Market Move: Morocco unveils draft rules to regulate a national carbon market, with fines up to 2 million dirhams. Industry Tech for Sustainability: OCP Maintenance Solutions partners with NTN Europe to roll out AI predictive maintenance, aiming to prevent industrial failures and protect production continuity.

Green Hydrogen Push: The AfDB selected Morocco’s Guelmim Green Hydrogen Valley for $5.28m in repayable support, backing a wider $23bn pipeline across Egypt, Morocco, Namibia and South Africa aimed at solar/wind, electrolyzers and battery storage. Carbon Market Rules: Morocco unveiled draft law to regulate a national carbon market, with fines reported up to 2 million dirhams. Weather & Heat Alerts: Morocco’s weather office issued orange alerts for thunderstorms, heat and strong winds, with forecasts of more hot weather and storms into the weekend. Biodiversity Conservation: Morocco and Spain launched a joint program to save the Andalusian buttonquail, targeting shared species protection across the region. Solar Monitoring: Masen kicked off a solar measurement campaign across 12 Moroccan sites to improve planning for renewable energy. Finance Watch: Fitch affirmed Morocco at BB+ with a stable outlook, flagging a wider 2026 deficit tied to higher energy costs and support for utilities.

Green Hydrogen Push: AfDB picked four green hydrogen projects for repayable support, including Morocco’s Guelmim Green Hydrogen Valley, with $5.28m backing and plans tied to major solar/wind, electrolyzers and storage capacity. Weather Watch: Morocco’s meteorology office issued an orange alert for thunderstorms with hail and strong gusts in several provinces, plus hot weather and high winds in others—watch for disruptions and localized flooding. Pollution & Health Risk: A global move under the Rotterdam Convention recommends listing toxic lead chromate pigments, a step aimed at tightening controls on a source of childhood and workplace lead exposure. Water & Climate Resilience Finance: OPEC Fund approved $645m for water security, resilient transport and broader development—funding that matters for climate adaptation and environmental stability. Radiation Safety Cooperation: Morocco’s AMSSNuR renewed cooperation with the IAEA to strengthen radiological safety and regulatory capacity across Africa. Energy Market Pressure: Fitch affirmed Morocco’s BB+ rating but flagged wider 2026 deficits linked to higher energy costs and support for electricity and water services.

Severe Weather Watch: Morocco’s meteorology office issued an orange alert for thunderstorms, hail and strong winds, with heavy rain expected in parts of the Atlas and highs of 38–40°C in several provinces, urging caution through the weekend. Air Pollution Fallout: Kenitra residents reported breathing problems and foul odors after a landfill fire at Ouled Berjal, with local groups warning of serious public health impacts and calling for stronger emission controls. Renewables Data Push: Masen launched a tender for a solar measurement campaign across 12 Moroccan sites, aiming to improve solar resource data for future renewable expansion. Biodiversity Conservation: Morocco and Spain started a joint program to conserve the threatened Andalusian buttonquail, setting up captive-breeding populations to support declining wild numbers along Morocco’s Atlantic coast. Green Hydrogen Funding: The AfDB selected Morocco’s Guelmim Green Hydrogen Valley for $5.28m in support of green hydrogen projects across four countries, targeting major solar/wind and storage capacity.

Extreme Weather Watch: Morocco’s meteorology office issued an orange alert for thunderstorms, hail and strong winds, with heavy rain expected in several provinces and heat reaching 38–40°C in others, warning conditions could stay unstable into next week. Air Pollution & Health: Kenitra residents reported breathing problems and foul odors after a landfill fire at Ouled Berjal, with authorities still working to extinguish hotspots and vulnerable groups urged to take precautions. Biodiversity Conservation: Morocco and Spain launched a conservation program for the threatened Andalusian buttonquail, setting up captive-breeding populations in Casablanca and Andalusia to support future reintroduction. Renewables Data Push: Masen opened a tender for a solar measurement campaign across 12 Moroccan sites to improve planning for renewable expansion. Radiological Safety: Morocco and the IAEA renewed cooperation to strengthen radiological safety and regulatory capacity across Africa through training and exchanges. Chemicals Control: A global move under the Rotterdam Convention recommended listing toxic lead chromate pigments, a step aimed at tightening prior consent for trade.

Air Quality Crisis in Kenitra: A landfill fire in Ouled Berjal (Sept. 11) sent thick smoke and black dust across parts of the city, with residents reporting foul odors, eye irritation and breathing problems; the Moroccan Association for the Protection and Guidance of Consumers in Kenitra warned pollution levels exceeded 63% and urged stronger emission controls and better hospital response. Extreme Weather Watch: Morocco’s meteorology office issued an orange alert for thunderstorms, hail, high temperatures and strong winds across several provinces through Sunday, including 38–40°C heat in parts of the north and gusts up to 75–85 km/h. Renewables Data Push: Masen launched a tender for a solar measurement campaign at 12 sites, aiming to install and run solar meteorological stations to improve resource assessment for new renewable projects. Biodiversity Conservation: Morocco and Spain launched a captive-breeding conservation program for the threatened Andalusian buttonquail, with breeding populations in Casablanca and Andalusia to support future reintroduction. Radiological Safety Cooperation: AMSSNuR renewed cooperation with the IAEA to strengthen radiological safety and regulatory capacity across Africa via training and exchanges for regulators.

Air Quality Alert: Kenitra residents reported breathing problems and foul odors after a landfill fire at Ouled Berjal, with authorities saying parts were contained while hotspots remained; a consumer group warned pollution levels spiked and called for better public info and dedicated hospital response. Weather Watch: Morocco’s meteorology service issued an orange alert for thunderstorms, hail, heat and strong winds across several provinces through Sunday, with heavy rain expected in parts of the east and temperatures near 40°C in the northwest. Water & Mobility Finance: The AfDB signed two Morocco deals totaling over €400m—€205m to extend and upgrade the Kenitra–Marrakech high-speed rail corridor for more sustainable mobility, and €200m for “Cap Compétences 2030” to expand vocational training and apprenticeships. Carbon Market Rules: Morocco unveiled draft law to regulate a national carbon market, including fines up to 2 million dirhams. Sustainable Tourism: Moroccan and French stakeholders in Lyon pushed for more structured, accessible mountain tourism offerings, linking infrastructure and training to new visitor experiences. Citrus Innovation: SweetCott mandarin received EU protection until 2056, extending Morocco’s late-season citrus range.