Morocco’s port activity, managed by the Agence Nationale des Ports (ANP), is projected to hit 89.2 million tonnes (MT) in 2024, marking a modest 1% increase compared to 2023, according to a report on public institutions and enterprises (EEP) tied to the upcoming Finance Bill.

The report, published by the Ministry of Economy and Finance, forecasts a revenue increase of 2%, reaching 2.573 billion dirhams (MDH), alongside a significant 31% rise in net profit to 137.4 MDH. This reflects continued growth in the sector despite global economic challenges.

In the first half of 2024, the total traffic handled by Moroccan ports reached 48 MT, a remarkable 17.3% year-on-year growth. This surge in volume was accompanied by a 17.1% increase in revenue, climbing to nearly 1.37 billion dirhams, with consolidated earnings hitting 1.47 billion dirhams, up by 16.5%.

While the traffic and revenue figures showed robust growth, the agency’s investments declined. By the end of June 2024, investments fell by 18% to 176 MDH, with consolidated investments decreasing by 20% to 195 MDH.

The ANP’s investment program for 2024 is expected to reach 978 MDH, representing 74% of the budgeted projections. Looking ahead, the agency’s multi-year investment plan for 2025-2027 has allocated a total of 1.87 billion dirhams. The planned breakdown includes 745 MDH for 2025, 562 MDH for 2026, and 566 MDH for 2027.

Key initiatives in this plan involve reinforcing protective dikes to safeguard coastal zones from erosion and flooding, ensuring the safety of port infrastructure and neighboring communities. These strategic investments are aimed at mitigating environmental risks and boosting the resilience of Morocco’s coastal regions.

In addition to its current operations, the ANP has initiated a study on transforming into a joint-stock company (SA) as part of its strategic realignment. This move seeks to strengthen the agency’s business model, separating regulatory functions from commercial operations, and positioning the agency for optimal growth and performance.