Tanger Med Port Authority Seeks to Acquire a 44% Stake in PortNet
Tanger Med Port Authority Takes a Significant Step in Digitizing Moroccan Foreign Trade
The Tanger Med Port Authority has reached a new milestone in the digital transformation of Moroccan foreign trade. The manager of the Tanger Med port complex has notified the Competition Council of a planned acquisition of 44.07% of the capital of PortNet, the national single window dedicated to foreign trade operations. This move would enable it to exercise joint control of the platform alongside the National Ports Agency (ANP), its historical shareholder.
A Strategic Stake in PortNet
The operation involves a capital increase that will allow the Tanger Med Port Authority to acquire 44.07% of PortNet’s shares and voting rights.
Once approved by the relevant authorities, this acquisition will establish joint governance between the Tanger Med Port Authority and the National Ports Agency, thereby enhancing coordination among key players in the Moroccan port system.
PortNet: A Cornerstone of Foreign Trade Digitization
Founded in 2008 at the initiative of the National Ports Agency, PortNet has become an essential platform for the dematerialization of import-export procedures.
The single window currently offers over 120 digital services for administrations, port operators, and businesses. Its ecosystem comprises more than 55,000 users across the Kingdom and contributes to simplifying international trade formalities.
Enhanced Governance for Competitiveness
The entry of the Tanger Med Port Authority into PortNet’s capital aligns with a strategy to modernize Morocco’s logistical and digital infrastructure.
This development is expected to enhance coordination among Moroccan ports, improve the efficiency of digital services, and accelerate the digital transformation of the national logistics chain.
A Lever for Smoother Trade Exchanges
In recent years, PortNet has expanded its offering with the launch of the Moroccan Portal for Foreign Trade Procedures, aimed at centralizing all import and export processes.
According to the announced goals, this platform will ultimately handle nearly 40 million digital documents per year for over 100,000 users, while reducing administrative timelines by 20 to 50%.
An Operation Subject to the Competition Council’s Review
Like any economic concentration operation, this acquisition remains subject to the authorization of the Competition Council, which will assess its market impact before making a decision.
If approved, this operation will mark a new step in consolidating the Moroccan port and logistics ecosystem as well as in the development of digital services dedicated to foreign trade.
