The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) has designated Morocco as a reference country for agri-food system transformation and a leading model for South-South cooperation, highlighting the country’s growing influence in agricultural development across Africa and other developing regions.
The recognition was announced at International Agriculture Show in Morocco in Meknès during a high-level panel marking the 18th edition of the event, one of the continent’s largest agricultural gatherings.
Speaking at the forum, FAO Representative in Morocco Alexandre Huynh said the country has made concrete and sustained progress in transforming its agricultural sector, positioning it as a practical model for peer learning among developing nations.
He noted that Morocco’s approach stands out not only for its results but also for its consistency and institutional coordination—two factors the FAO considers essential for long-term agricultural transformation.
Long-term strategy drives credibility
At the core of Morocco’s recognition is its ability to maintain a stable, long-term agricultural vision despite economic and climate-related shocks. The country’s Green Generation 2020-2030 strategy, which builds on the earlier Green Morocco Plan, has provided continuity in policy direction across different administrations.
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According to the FAO, this consistency has allowed Morocco to pursue structural reforms even during periods of drought, global commodity volatility and post-pandemic disruptions—factors that have derailed agricultural planning in many other developing economies.
Huynh emphasised that such policy stability enhances Morocco’s credibility as a partner in South-South cooperation, where countries seek replicable and resilient development models.
Coordinated approach strengthens outcomes
A second pillar underpinning Morocco’s designation is its progress in multi-sectoral coordination. The FAO highlighted the country’s efforts to align ministries, regulatory institutions, agricultural extension services, cooperatives and private-sector actors within a unified framework.
This integrated approach, Huynh said, is critical to managing the complexity of modern agri-food systems and offers a model that can be adapted by other countries facing similar development challenges.
He added that Morocco’s coordination mechanisms are increasingly being seen as transferable, particularly for African nations seeking to modernise agriculture while strengthening food security and rural livelihoods.
Strong agricultural performance boosts profile
The FAO’s endorsement comes at a time when Morocco’s agricultural performance is particularly robust. The country is heading into a strong harvest season, with cereal production projected at nearly 90 million quintals.
Water reserves have also improved, with dam levels reaching around 76 percent capacity, supporting irrigation and boosting prospects for sustained output across key subsectors including tree crops and livestock.
The recognition was delivered against the backdrop of SIAM 2026, which has drawn participation from around 70 countries, 1,500 exhibitors and more than one million expected visitors. The scale of the event underscores Morocco’s growing role as a hub for agricultural dialogue and investment.
Expanding role in South-South cooperation
Morocco’s designation as a model for South-South cooperation reflects a broader shift in global development dynamics, where emerging economies increasingly share expertise, technology and policy frameworks with peers facing similar constraints.
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For African countries in particular, Morocco’s experience offers insights into balancing productivity growth with sustainability, while navigating climate risks and market volatility.
The FAO’s assessment signals that Morocco is not only advancing its domestic agricultural agenda but also positioning itself as a key partner in regional and global efforts to transform agri-food systems.
Analysts say the challenge going forward will be to sustain momentum, deepen reforms and ensure that gains translate into inclusive rural development and long-term food security.
For now, the FAO’s recognition marks a significant endorsement of Morocco’s agricultural strategy and reinforces its status as one of Africa’s leading voices in agri-food innovation and cooperation.
