Casablanca – Morocco and France have taken a significant step in enhancing their cooperation in the field of AgriTech, marking a new phase in the development of digital agriculture. This collaboration was formalized on Sunday, February 23, 2025, through the signing of a partnership agreement during Morocco’s participation as the guest country at the International Agricultural Exhibition (SIA) in Paris, which runs from February 22 to March 2, 2025.

The partnership was signed in the presence of Ahmed El Bouari, the Minister of Agriculture, Maritime Fisheries, Rural Development, and Water and Forests, alongside key representatives from France. The collaboration, established between “La Ferme Digitale” and the Digital Pole of the Ministry of Agriculture of Morocco, aims to promote innovation and the transfer of knowledge in digital agriculture between the two nations.

This agreement is seen as a pivotal move in strengthening the relationship between Morocco and France in the AgriTech sector. Its main objective is to facilitate the exchange of technological experiences, enhance the transfer of skills, and support the development of innovative agricultural practices. As part of the agreement, both parties committed to fostering dialogue, promoting joint projects, and mobilizing a wide range of stakeholders to drive innovation and expand commercial opportunities in the agricultural markets of both countries.

The agreement is also designed to enhance the visibility and integration of startups and technology providers in Morocco and France, with a particular focus on improving agricultural practices through the application of cutting-edge digital technologies.

Addressing agricultural challenges

The partnership comes at a time when both nations are addressing significant challenges facing agriculture today. Morocco, like many countries, is grappling with the impact of climate change, including water scarcity and resource depletion. As agriculture remains a vital sector for the country’s economy, it is imperative to find innovative solutions to enhance productivity with fewer resources. This is where digital technologies such as artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things (IoT), and Big Data can play a transformative role.

Loubna El Mansouri, Director of the Digital Pole at Morocco’s Ministry of Agriculture, highlighted the importance of collaboration in addressing these challenges. “Agriculture is a vital sector that nourishes us, but it is currently facing difficult times due to the scarcity of water and resources,” El Mansouri stated. She emphasized that the goal of this partnership is to leverage digital technologies to produce more with fewer resources, ultimately improving the efficiency and sustainability of Moroccan agriculture.

Two key initiatives

As part of the collaboration, two major initiatives will be showcased in the near future. One project will be presented at the International Agricultural Exhibition in Morocco (SIAM) in Meknès, and the second will be highlighted during La Ferme Digitale’s annual event. These initiatives are intended to explore and implement concrete projects that demonstrate the practical applications of digital tools in agriculture. Justine Lipuma, Vice President of La Ferme Digitale, explained that the focus of the partnership is to work on shared experiences and to develop projects that improve the performance and resilience of agriculture.

“The objective is to set up tangible projects in this partnership to work together on using digital tools for more efficient and resilient agriculture,” Lipuma said.

Strategic cooperation areas

The discussions between the two countries also centered around strategic areas where Morocco and France can collaborate to further develop AgriDigital and promote more resilient agricultural practices. These areas include the sharing and transfer of agricultural technologies and know-how, as well as improving agricultural practices and resource management. The two countries also discussed enhancing AgriTech training by establishing links between universities in both countries, ensuring that the next generation of agricultural leaders are equipped with the necessary digital skills.

Access to financing was another critical point of discussion. Both nations aim to improve the availability of funding to support AgriTech startups and research, which will drive innovation and provide solutions to the challenges facing agriculture. Furthermore, there is a shared goal of promoting North-South and South-South cooperation in the AgriDigital sector, helping to establish Morocco as a leader in digital agriculture within the region.

Morocco’s green strategy and the role of digitalization

Morocco’s commitment to integrating digital technologies into its agricultural sector is clearly outlined in the country’s “Green Generation 2020-2030” strategy, which places digitalization at the center of its efforts. Minister Ahmed El Bouari emphasized that the country’s aim is to optimize the use of its natural resources, improve the traceability of agricultural products, and facilitate market access through digital tools. These efforts are particularly crucial as Morocco seeks to address resource scarcity and ensure sustainable agricultural practices in the face of climate change.

“Our goal is to improve the governance of our resources—water, soil, and energy—by using digital technologies,” El Bouari explained. “By integrating these tools, we aim to produce more with fewer resources and ensure a sustainable future for agriculture in Morocco.”

This vision aligns closely with France’s agricultural strategy, which also emphasizes sustainability, innovation, and resilience. Both countries share a commitment to creating an agricultural system that can adapt to the changing climate and ensure food security for future generations.

Looking ahead

Morocco’s strengthened collaboration with France marks a significant step toward advancing the country’s agricultural sector. This partnership equips both nations to address key agricultural challenges while unlocking new prospects for digital transformation and economic growth in the field.

This continued cooperation is set to drive innovation, enhance farming techniques, and position Morocco as a regional hub for digital agriculture. As these joint initiatives progress, they are expected to deliver valuable expertise and technological solutions that will support the long-term resilience and sustainability of agriculture in Morocco and beyond.