In February 2026, Morocco is hosting a maritime trade fair in the historic port city of El Jadida

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By Jürgen Klute

A dynamic world is undergoing radical change. Global warming requires us to phase out fossil fuels. This is leading to profound shifts in the global economy and international trade. Some old trade routes will lose importance, while new ones will gain significance. Due to these changes, the African continent will grow in economic importance. At the same time, port systems are changing as a result of technological developments and digitalisation.

In this context, the international maritime trade fair SIPORT 2026 will take place for the first time in the Moroccan port city of El Jadida from 5 to 7 February 2026. The port city, with a population of just under 240,000, is located on the Moroccan Atlantic coast, about 100 kilometres south of Casablanca. Since 2004, the old town of El Jadida, with its fortress built by the Portuguese, which served as a base for Portuguese sailors on the sea route to India from the 15th to the 18th century, has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

According to the organisers, the decision to choose El Jadida as the venue for SIPORT was not solely based on the historical and symbolic significance of the location, but also on its current importance as a major trading centre for the entire region and its growing importance in Atlantic maritime trade. In recent years, El Jadida has developed into a strategic location for international exchange and maritime progress, the organisers emphasise. Moroccan Minister of Equipment and Water Nizar Baraka added in a statement: “SIPORT provides an international platform where all stakeholders can meet around the major challenges of modernization, sustainability, and climate adaptation in the maritime sector.”

At the heart of SIPORT 2026, the first international trade fair of its kind on the African continent, is the entire value chain network of ports on the African continent.
Over the past two decades, Morocco has established itself as a leader in the maritime sector in the region and beyond with the development of Tanger Med, which, according to the organisers, is one of the most competitive and best-connected ports in the world. Through investments in green energy, modern infrastructure and digital port management, Morocco now plays a key role in shaping Africa’s logistical future, as the organisers of SIPORT 2026 explain.

Africa, they say, is at a turning point: the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) promises a sharp increase in intra-African trade, while investments in coastal corridors, multimodal logistics and floating infrastructure are creating new growth opportunities. SIPORT 2026 is designed as a place for exchange, a strategic forum for global partnerships where these strategic developments are combined with international expertise.

‘This trade fair is emerging,’ explains Mohcine Berrada, President of LINECO Events, ‘This exhibition is born from the urgent need to rethink the maritime sector in the face of global transformation — climate change, digitization, energy transition — and to offer concrete business and policy answers.’

SIPORT 2026 is under the patronage of the Moroccan Ministry of Equipment and Water and is organised in partnership with leading players in the port and logistics industry.

According to the organisers, more than 300 exhibitors from over 80 countries and more than 6,000 trade visitors are expected to attend. The exhibition is primarily aimed at port authorities, terminal operators, port technology providers, including start-ups for AI, automation and maritime data solutions, environmental and ESG experts, research institutions, investors and representatives of public authorities.

The topics covered will include smart and green ports, the use of artificial intelligence and data for maritime efficiency, floating and adaptive infrastructure, the integration of ports and cities, sustainability, cyber security and resilience, as well as training, employment and women in shipping.

SIPORT 2026 will be divided into five areas:

1. Institutional Pavilion – ministries, port authorities, regulatory institutions.
2. Industry Zone – infrastructure, mechanical engineering, construction.
3. Operations & Services – logistics, IT, security, customs.
4. Science & Research – universities, innovation, promotion of young talent.
5. Cultural Zone & Port Museum – maritime heritage in the spotlight.

For further enquiries and information, the organisers of SIPORT 2026 can be contacted directly at the following email address: contact |et| siport2026.com