Morocco launches all-digital platform to boost aquaculture investment
Morocco launches all-digital platform to boost aquaculture investment

Morocco’s National Agency for Aquaculture Development (ANDA) is on the brink of a major digital breakthrough that could transform how investors interact with the country’s aquaculture sector. A fully integrated online platform, currently in its final development phase, will soon allow project developers to manage every step of the administrative process—from initial application to post-authorization follow-up—entirely online.

This shift is part of a broader strategy aimed at streamlining bureaucratic procedures while boosting the sector’s appeal to investors. Aquaculture is considered a key pillar of Morocco’s “blue economy,” and this digital transition is set to become a cornerstone in attracting more players into the fold. Once operational, the platform will serve as a one-stop digital hub for handling investment dossiers, offering users a seamless and continuous line of communication with ANDA.

Users will be able to create secure accounts, submit authorization requests along with the required documentation, monitor their application status in real time, receive automated acknowledgments, and schedule virtual meetings with ANDA staff. Specialized modules will also allow users to submit technical queries or seek targeted guidance at each phase of their project.

The system is designed to support the full lifecycle of an aquaculture investment. Beyond the initial authorization process, it will enable investors to request updates, renew permits, report changes in farm operations, or declare shifts in species or farming techniques. Each user will have access to a personalized dashboard that displays the status of their applications and a complete history of interactions with the agency.

Recognizing the sensitive nature of the data involved, ANDA is placing a strong emphasis on security. The platform will feature robust user authentication, end-to-end encryption, and a comprehensive auditing system to ensure the confidentiality and integrity of all information processed.

What sets this initiative apart is its adaptability. Built with scalability in mind, the portal is ready to evolve with future administrative needs and can eventually integrate with other government systems. Its user interface has also been optimized for accessibility across various devices, including desktops and smartphones.

For ANDA, this isn’t just a technical upgrade—it’s a strategic leap forward. The agency sees this platform as a catalyst for driving investment in a sector undergoing rapid transformation. By reducing processing times, increasing transparency, and improving communication between investors and state services, the new system is expected to play a vital role in accelerating aquaculture development across Morocco.

The digital transformation also aligns with the broader government agenda of administrative modernization and follows the roadmap laid out by the Halieutis strategy. Launched in 2011 under the supervision of the Ministry of Agriculture and Maritime Fisheries, this national plan was the driving force behind the creation of ANDA and remains the backbone of Morocco’s fisheries and aquaculture development policy.

In parallel with the launch of the platform, ANDA is also preparing a tailored technical assistance program, with a particular focus on small and medium-sized enterprises. The goal is to enhance operational efficiency, reduce production costs, and improve competitiveness—both domestically and in international markets.

By centralizing and improving the quality of data collection, ANDA will also be better positioned to steer strategic planning and fine-tune territorial development efforts. This is a critical step for a sector poised to play a larger role in managing coastal zones and ensuring the nation’s food security.