The Morocco Country Report was prepared using a mixed-methods approach combining desk research and structured stakeholder consultations. Data from these two sources were analyzed, synthesized, and organized to provide detailed narratives in terms of the following subsections:

1. Status of biotech/GEd regulatory and policy frameworks

Desk research reviewed Morocco’s agricultural and biotechnology strategies, including the Plan Maroc Vert (2008–2020) and Generation Green (2020–2030). Relevant policies such as the ratification of the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety (2011), the Nagoya Protocol (2012), and national frameworks like the Food Safety Law (28-07) and Organic Law (39-12) were assessed.

2. Projects, crops, livestock, fisheries, forestry and traits ready for commercialization and scaling

Published outputs from Moroccan research institutions (INRA, UM6P, Hassan II Agronomy and Veterinary Institute, Ibn Tofail University) were analyzed alongside stakeholder survey data. The synthesis documented CRISPR-based research projects (tomato, wheat, barley), traits under development, and sources of funding (institutional, donor-supported). This provided insights into emerging needs, socio-economic potential, and climate resilience benefits.

3. Staple, Indigenous and Commercial crops that need improvement using GEd technology

Institutional reports were used to identify staple (wheat, barley), indigenous (lentil, chickpea), and commercial (tomato, potato) crops requiring improvement through genome editing. These were prioritized based on food security impact, national acceptance, scalability, and resource requirements.

4. Stakeholder mapping

In collaboration with AUDA-NEPAD, structured online surveys were disseminated across five categories:

• Universities (Morocco Universities Form)

• Regulatory Agencies (Morocco Regulatory Agencies Form)

• Government Ministries and Agencies (Morocco Government & Agencies Form)

• Research Institutions (Morocco Research Institutions Form)

• Private Sector / Industries (Morocco Private Sector Form)

This targeted sampling ensured participation of individuals actively engaged in policy, regulation, R&D, and commercialization of GEd in Morocco.

5. Database Systems and Database Management

Survey instruments were tailored to each stakeholder category to generate datasets gauging Morocco’s preparedness in genome editing. The questionnaires were hosted online, and responses were compiled and structured for analysis. No physical field data collection or ODK system was used; reliance was on digital tools and AUDA-NEPAD’s backstopping framework. 

6. Data synthesis and statistical analysis

Data collected through desk research and online surveys were synthesized qualitatively and, where possible, supported with descriptive statistics. Given the very limited number of respondents (particularly from universities and research institutions),Data from desk research was only used.

7. Interactive map

An interactive map akin to that of the Agenda 2063 dashboard was developed.

1. National Regulatory Framework

Morocco does not have a specific legal framework governing genome editing. The governance of biotechnology is currently tied to international treaties such as the Cartagena Protocol (ratified 2011), the Convention on Biological Diversity (ratified 1996), and the Nagoya Protocol (ratified 2012). A draft biosafety law was circulated in 2008 but rescinded in 2011. The National Office for Sanitary Safety of Food Products (ONSSA) regulates imports of GM-derived feed but does not cover domestic genome editing research. Other relevant institutions include the Ministry of Agriculture, Ministry of Health, Ministry of Higher Education, and the National Biosafety Committee, which has been inactive since 2011. Current practice treats GEd products as GMOs, with Organic Law 39-12 prohibiting GMO use in organic production and Law 28-07 on Food Safety reinforcing the precautionary principle.

1. Regulatory Agencies

In Morocco, the Office National de Sécurité Sanitaire des Produits Alimentaires (ONSSA) acts as the competent authority for food and feed safety, overseeing imports of GM-derived feed, though it lacks explicit procedures for CRISPR and other genome editing (GEd) applications. Complementary oversight roles are held by the Ministry of Agriculture, the Ministry of Health, and the Ministry of Higher Education, which contribute to policy formulation and supervision of biotechnology and research activities. Additionally, a National Biosafety Committee (NBC) was established by decree in 2005 to provide regulatory and advisory functions, but it has remained inactive since 2011.

2. Regulations and Guidelines:

Morocco does not currently have a specific legal framework dedicated exclusively to genome editing (GEd). Instead, the regulation of biotechnology, including GEd, is indirectly governed through adherence to international treaties and broader biosafety instruments:

• Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) – ratified in 1996, establishing Morocco’s commitment to biodiversity conservation and sustainable use of genetic resources.

• Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety – ratified in 2011, addressing the safe transfer, handling, and use of living modified organisms (LMOs).

• Nagoya Protocol on Access and Benefit Sharing – ratified in 2012, regulating access to genetic resources and equitable sharing of benefits.

At the national level, Morocco circulated a draft biosafety law in 2008, but it was rescinded in 2011, leaving no binding domestic law specifically tailored for biotechnology or genome editing.

Currently, oversight is fragmented:

• The National Office for Sanitary Safety of Food Products (ONSSA) regulates imports of GM-derived feed but does not cover domestic GEd research.

• Other institutions involved include the Ministry of Agriculture, Ministry of Health, Ministry of Higher Education, and the (inactive) National Biosafety Committee.

In practice, GEd products are treated under the same provisions as GMOs, meaning that any potential approval, monitoring, or commercialization would follow general GMO-related principles, though without a dedicated regulatory pathway. This regulatory gap highlights the need for updated and harmonized guidelines that align with Morocco’s scientific advancements and international commitments. The Biotechnology Legal and Regulatory Terms used in Morocco is represented in Table 1.

Table 1 Biotechnology Legal and Regulatory Terms used in Morocco

3. Components of the regulatory framework for GEd products

The components of the regulatory framework for GMO/GEd products can be found in Table 2 below.

Table 2 Status of Tunisia’s Participation in Key Multilateral Environmental Agreements

4. Political Landscape

Morocco’s political environment around biotechnology and genome editing (GEd) is shaped by a cautious, precautionary approach. The country ratified the Cartagena Protocol in 2000, aligning with international commitments on biosafety, but it has not established a legal framework specific to genome editing. A draft biosafety law circulated in 2008 was rescinded in 2011, leaving a regulatory vacuum. Policy decisions have been precautionary: in 2012 the Ministry of Agriculture banned transgenic foods for human consumption, though imports for animal feed (soybean and maize derivatives) remain permitted. The National Biosafety Committee (NBC), created in 2005, has been inactive since 2011, further limiting national oversight and risk assessment capacity.

Institutionally, the Office National de Sécurité Sanitaire des Produits Alimentaires (ONSSA) regulates imports of GM-derived feed but has no mandate for CRISPR or GEd products. Other ministries with oversight roles include the Ministry of Agriculture, Ministry of Health, and Ministry of Higher Education. Despite this institutional landscape, the absence of enacted biosafety laws and the inactivity of NBC mean that regulation is fragmented and import-focused.

Politically, the main barrier to advancing GEd remains the regulatory vacuum, compounded by limited infrastructure, funding constraints, and weak public awareness. The government has yet to articulate a clear position on GEd beyond treating it under the GMO umbrella, reflecting both cautious politics and socio-cultural resistance

5. Regional Perspective

The University Mohammed VI Polytechnic (UM6P) in Morocco is at the forefront of CRISPR-based genome editing research and academic training, increasingly establishing itself as a regional hub for innovation in agricultural biotechnology (AgFunderNews, 2023; Food Business Africa, 2023; HortiDaily, 2023). UM6P’s involvement in the African BioGenome Project further strengthens its regional leadership, as it actively organizes genome-editing training workshops involving participants from multiple North African countries (LinkedIn, 2023). Although Morocco has yet to implement comprehensive national regulations on genome editing, the country’s research developments are well-aligned with genome editing initiatives underway in neighboring countries such as Egypt and Tunisia (UM6P, 2023; HortiDaily, 2023; LinkedIn, 2023).

Morocco contributes to AfCFTA and AU biotech dialogue but opposes harmonized GEd policies. In addition, the Country Engages in international conferences and training workshops (e.g., UC Davis, IITA, 2024).

2. Socio-economic considerations for decision-making in GEd technology and application:

In Morocco, the adoption of genome editing is constrained by regulatory ambiguity, limited funding, and public skepticism. The widespread conflation of GMOs with genome editing (GEd) technologies reinforces socio-cultural resistance, particularly in a setting where traditional farming practices emphasize non-GE authenticity. Surveys show that many in the MENA region associate GEd with potential health risks (Abuhammad, Khabour & Alzoubi, 2021), while Morocco’s strong trade alignment with the EU further encourages restrictive policy orientations. Despite these challenges, opportunities remain to align genome editing with national priorities such as food security, climate resilience, and sustainable development. Achieving this will require the establishment of a transparent, science-based regulatory framework, substantial capacity building, and well-designed public communication strategies to foster awareness and acceptance. Notably, private investment is beginning to emerge, exemplified by UM6P Ventures’ \$2.5 million investment in Climate Crop to advance gene-edited crops (AgFunderNews, 2023).

3. An Analysis of Genome Editing Programs and Projects

Several CRISPR-based projects have recently been launched in Morocco, including a UM6P initiative (2022–2025) focused on tomato genome editing for viral disease resistance using CRISPR/Cas9, and another UM6P program (2023–2026) aiming to improve wheat yields by up to 20% at a proof-of-concept pilot stage with an estimated investment of about 3.5 million USD. INRA has also initiated pilot studies on barley and wheat to enhance drought tolerance and stress resilience, while the Moroccan Genome Project (MGP) has developed the national reference genome (MMARG) and identified more than 27 million genetic variants. To date, these efforts remain in the research and proof-of-concept phases, with no confined field trials or commercialization yet approved.

Morocco explores CRISPR gene editing to strengthen agricultural resilience. Morocco is taking steps toward adopting CRISPR gene-editing technology to improve its agricultural sector, with early research being conducted at the University Mohammed VI Polytechnic (UM6P) (Table 3).

Table 3 Genome editing projects, organisms (Crops/Forestry/Livestock/Fisheries) and traits in Morocco

4. Analysis of Human Capital and Institutional Capacity

Morocco has emerging but uneven human capacity in genome editing. The UM6P African Genome Center serves as a continental hub, offering training workshops and hosting regional CRISPR capacity building events in partnership with UC Davis and the African BioGenome Project. INRA contributes through applied CRISPR work in cereals and legumes. Other universities (Cadi Ayyad, Mohammed V, Ibn Tofail) focus on functional genomics, bioinformatics, and biomedical applications. Training programs include hands-on CRISPR courses at UM6P and advanced genome editing classes with UC Davis AfPBA. Despite this progress, Morocco still faces shortages of skilled researchers and lacks systematic national-level training programs.

5. Research, Development and Academic Institutions

Several Moroccan institutions have begun integrating genome editing into their research portfolios. Leading this effort is the Université Mohammed VI Polytechnique (UM6P), particularly through its African Genome Center, which is pioneering CRISPR research in tomato and sorghum (Ntui et al., 2024). The Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique (INRA) has initiated pilot-stage CRISPR trials in legumes and cereals to improve stress resilience (Abdelwahd et al., 2025). Other universities such as Cadi Ayyad, Mohammed V, and Ibn Tofail are contributing to GEd through bioinformatics and regulatory research. Collectively, these institutions form a growing network advancing Morocco’s genome editing capacity (Table 4).

Despite promising research, Morocco’s genome editing infrastructure remains underdeveloped. Only a few institutions possess the full suite of equipment—sequencers, CRISPR reagent kits, bioreactors—required for advanced GEd. The Moroccan Genome Project (MGP) has catalyzed progress by generating over 27 million genetic variants and launching a national reference genome (Major Allele Reference Genome: MMARG), improving population-specific precision (El Fahime et al., 2025). However, training programs are still limited, and a skilled workforce in molecular biology and bioinformatics is in short supply (IITA, 2025).

Table 4 Overview of Academic and Research Institutions Working on Genome Editing (GEd) and Related Capacity in Morocco

6. Training and Professional Development

Training and workshops on genome editing in Morocco, particularly within the context of agriculture and crop improvement, are being facilitated by organizations like the African Genome Center (AGC) at Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P), the African BioGenome Project (AfricaBP) and the UC Davis Plant Breeding Academy. These initiatives focus on hands-on training, particularly using CRISPR-Cas9 technology, to address agricultural challenges and advance genomics research Table 5. The training included four participants from Kenya, two from Benin, three from Nigeria, one Burkina Faso and one from Ghana

Table 5 Overview of Functional Genomics and Genome Editing-Related Training Programs in Morocco

7. Analysis of Infrastructure and Equipment

Infrastructure for GEd is concentrated in a few centers. UM6P and its African Genome Center (AGC) possesse advanced sequencing facilities, CRISPR platforms, and bioinformatics capabilities. The Moroccan Genome Project provides a strong genomic foundation. However, most national institutions lack advanced laboratory equipment such as next-generation sequencers, bioreactors, and specialized CRISPR tools. Procurement laws and limited funding further restrict widespread access to consumables and equipment. The country relies on international collaborations and donor-funded projects for high-end infrastructure.

Core Molecular Biology Equipment

• PCR machines: For amplifying DNA sequences (e.g., target genes for editing) (Frontline Genomics, 2023) .

• Centrifuges and microcentrifuges: For sample preparation and nucleic acid purification (Frontline Genomics, 2023).

• Gel electrophoresis systems: To verify DNA fragment sizes during CRISPR construct validation (Frontline Genomics, 2023) .

• Spectrophotometers/Nanodrop: For quantifying DNA/RNA concentrations (Frontline Genomics, 2023).

Genome Editing-Specific Tools

• CRISPR-Cas9 delivery systems:

  • Electroporators: For introducing CRISPR constructs into plant or animal cells (Molecular Devices, 2023) .

  • Gene guns: For ballistic DNA delivery into plant tissues (common in crop transformation) (Frontline Genomics, 2023).

• Microinjection systems: For precise delivery of CRISPR components into animal embryos or plant protoplasts (Molecular Devices, 2023) .

Validation and Analysis Equipment

• Next-generation sequencers (NGS):

  • Used at UM6P’s African Genome Center to confirm CRISPR edits and analyze off-target effects (Frontline Genomics, 2023).

• Fluorescence microscopes and imaging systems:

  • CloneSelect Imager: Validates monoclonal cell lines post-editing and assesses fluorescence-tagged CRISPR components (Molecular Devices, 2023).

  • ImageXpress Micro Confocal System: Tracks phenotypic changes in edited cells (Molecular Devices, 2023).

  • Western blot systems (e.g., SpectraMax i3x): Verifies protein expression changes after gene editing (Molecular Devices, 2023).

High-Throughput Automation

• Automated liquid handlers: Deployed at UM6P’s High Throughput Multidisciplinary Research Laboratory (HTMR) for parallelized synthesis and screening of CRISPR constructs (UM6P, 2023a).

• Robotic workstations: Streamline plasmid assembly, bacterial transformation, and colony picking (UM6P, 2023a).

Computational Infrastructure

• High-performance computing (HPC) clusters:

  • Africa’s largest HPC cluster at UM6P supports CRISPR guide RNA design, off-target prediction, and multi-omics analysis (Frontline Genomics, 2023) (African Genome Center, 2023).

• Bioinformatics tools: For genome alignment, variant calling, and machine-learning-based RNA/DNA modification prediction (Frontline Genomics, 2023).

Transformation Facilities (Plant Focus)

• Plant growth chambers: For growing edited crops under controlled conditions (e.g., drought stress) (UM6P, 2023b).

• Tissue culture facilities: Critical for regenerating edited plants like tomatoes and potatoes, as demonstrated in UM6P’s virus-resistant tomato project (UM6P, 2023c)(UM6P, 2023b).

Key Institutions and Partnerships

• UM6P’s African Genome Center: Provides CRISPR workshops and collaborates with industry leaders like Thermo Fisher and IDT for equipment/knowledge transfer (African Genome Center, 2023).

• HTMR Lab: Offers automated workflows for synthetic biology and gene-editing optimization (UM6P, 2023a).

• Moroccan Foundation for Advanced Science, Innovation and Research (MAScIR):  

• Supports biotech R&D with microelectronics and nanomaterials expertise (Frontline Genomics, 2023).

Challenges and Gaps

• Limited access to advanced tools like single-cell sequencers or base editors outside UM6P/AGC.

• Dependence on international partnerships for specialized reagents (e.g., Cas9 variants) (African Genome Center, 2023).

• Morocco’s GEd infrastructure is growing rapidly, with UM6P and AGC serving as hubs for CRISPR research. Strategic collaborations and investments in automation, sequencing, and computational tools are positioning the country to expand its genome-editing capabilities.

  1. Analysis of Indigenous and Staple Crops, Livestock, Agroforestry, and Fisheries Varieties/ Breeds for Improvement Using GEd

Morocco is exploring genome editing technologies like CRISPR to enhance the resilience and productivity of key staple and indigenous crops, focusing on both current research and future potential. Here's an overview of the crops identified or prioritized for such efforts (Table 7) and their economic importance and productivity (Table 8):

Table 6 Status and Needs Assessment of Biosafety Laboratory Facilities by Institution

Table 7 Priority Organisms for Genome Editing Application

8. Staple, Indigenous and Cash Crops that Can benefit from Genome Editing in Morocco.

CRISPR is being applied in Morocco to develop virus-resistant tomatoes, drought-tolerant lentils, and micronutrient-enriched sorghum (Amombo et al., 2025). These traits are crucial for addressing food insecurity and climate change. Morocco's efforts are modeled after successful regional examples such as banana and rice genome editing in sub-Saharan Africa and Asia (Amoah et al., 2024). In biomedicine, researchers at Mohammed V University are exploring genome editing in human cell lines for disease modeling and diagnostics, supported by resources from the Moroccan Genome Project (El Fahime et al., 2025). As depicted in Table 9, research areas and genome editing targets in Morocco:

Table 8 Research Areas and Genome Editing Targets in Morocco

• Barley & Durum Wheat

• Funded through the Morocco Collaborative Grants Program (MCGP) (ICARDA, 2014), a partnership between INRA and ICARDA providing up to $50,000/year for drought/salinity resistance research.

• Projects focus on yield stability using CRISPR-Cas9, leveraging genetic material from the ICARDA-Morocco Genebank (ICARDA, nd).

• Crop Protection

Wheat & Chickpea

• MCGP-funded pest resistance studies combine CRISPR-Cas9 with RNAi technology (ICARDA, 2014).

• ICARDA’s genebank provides pathogen-resistant germplasm for editing (ICARDA, nd)..

• Nutritional Enhancement

Lentil & Barley

• UM6P leads CRISPR-based micronutrient enrichment studies, supported by venture capital (e.g., Climate Crop partnership for yield improvements) (AgFunderNews. 2023; UM6P,n.d) 

• Biotic Stress Resistance

Tomato & Faba Bean

• UM6P’s virus-resistant tomato project (CRISPR multiplexed editing) represents early-phase institutional research, pending regulatory frameworks (UM6P,n.d).

• Human Health & Diagnostics

• Mohammed V University’s disease modeling uses CRISPR-Cas9 in postgraduate studies, while startups explore CRISPR-based pathogen detection (Cas12/13 systems) 

  1. Analysis of Intellectual Property Rights and Benefit Sharing

Morocco issued its basic in 1997 law #9-94 for IPR of plant variety protection, later enforced on October 28, 2002, with the publication of various implementing orders. Morocco is a member of the WTO TRIPS agreement since December 2, 2008.

Morocco is implementing its intellectual property right (IPR) law for protecting new plant varieties. The basic 9/94 IPR law was published by the government in 1997, but has been effectively implemented since October 28, 2002, with the publication of various implementing orders.

The IPR law is patterned after the 1991 UPOV (International Union for the Protection of New Varieties of Plants) Convention and should provide adequate protection of breeders’ rights and allow plant breeders to reap fair returns from their investment. The law will also allow Moroccan agriculture to benefit from new developments in plant breeding.

9. Analysis of Private Sector Participation

Private sector involvement in genome editing in Morocco is limited. Startups and biotech incubators have not yet developed substantial CRISPR products, largely due to regulatory ambiguity and funding constraints. UM6P's public-private partnerships with international organizations represent the initial phase of commercial GEd engagement. Future participation will depend on legal clarity and improved investment conditions.

10. Analysis of Funding and Investment landscape

Genome editing research in Morocco is primarily financed by institutional sources such as UM6P and INRA, with supplementary support from international donors like PRIMA, CGIAR, and BioInnovate Africa. Despite this, no national program exists that is dedicated exclusively to GEd. Sustainable funding models and strategic alignment with national innovation policies are needed to ensure long-term viability.

The Funding Landscape includes the following.

International Grants: MCGP (INRA/ICARDA) and CGIAR-backed genebank initiatives (ICARDA, 2014, ICARDA, nd).

Venture Capital: UM6P Ventures’ $2.5M investment in Climate Crop for gene-edited crops (AgFunderNews. 2023).

Academic Programs: Postgraduate research at UM6P and Cadi Ayyad University, though regulatory hurdles delay commercialization (UM6P,n.d).

Socio-Cultural and Political Context

Public opinion: Most people from MENA region associate GEd with health risks (Abuhammad, Khabour & Alzoubi, 2021).

Cultural farming traditions emphasize non-GE authenticity.

EU alignment (due to trade) influences restrictive policy.

Cultural resistance and trade dependency compound the lack of regulatory clarity.

The Moroccan context presents both a strong foundation and significant gaps regarding the development and governance of genome editing (GEd) technologies. The country has demonstrated a solid commitment to biotechnology research through various public institutions and international collaborations. Notable research efforts have emerged in plant improvement, livestock, and health, although these remain largely limited to academic and experimental phases.

However, there is currently no dedicated legal or regulatory framework specifically addressing GEd. The existing laws on biosafety, GMOs, and research ethics offer partial coverage but do not sufficiently account for the nuances and potential of genome editing technologies. This regulatory gap could hamper the translation of scientific advancements into tangible agricultural or health innovations, particularly given the rapid evolution of CRISPR-based techniques globally.

The absence of coordinated national strategies, limited private sector engagement, inadequate research infrastructure, and a lack of awareness at both the policymaking and public levels are also key challenges. Despite having trained experts and institutional capacity in classical biotechnology, Morocco still lacks institutional coherence, national-level prioritization, and clarity in benefit-sharing and intellectual property rights specific to GEd.

The recommendations consist of :

1. Establish a Clear and Inclusive Legal Framework

* Develop a national regulatory framework specifically for genome editing, distinguishing it from conventional GMOs.

* Ensure alignment with international instruments (e.g., Cartagena Protocol, Nagoya Protocol) while addressing national priorities.

* Involve key stakeholders (scientists, legal experts, farmers, industry, civil society) in regulatory design to enhance legitimacy and applicability.

2. Strengthen Institutional Coordination

* Create a national coordination body or taskforce on genome editing, drawing expertise from ministries of agriculture, health, research, and environment.

* Mandate this body to oversee GEd research, regulatory development, capacity building, and public engagement.

3. Invest in Capacity Building and Infrastructure

* Support training programs in genome editing, bioinformatics, and regulatory science for researchers, technicians, and regulators.

* Upgrade laboratories and facilities to enable advanced genome editing and detection technologies.

* Promote South-South collaboration, particularly with countries like South Africa, Egypt, and Nigeria that have advanced GEd programs.

4. Support GEd Research with Strategic Focus

* Fund strategic GEd programs targeting national challenges (e.g. drought-tolerant crops, disease resistance, nutritional improvement).

* Encourage pilot projects and demonstration studies that explore the potential of GEd in Moroccan crops (e.g. wheat, barley, olives, legumes).

5. Promote Private Sector Participation

* Create incentives for private biotech companies and agribusinesses to engage in GEd R\&D, including public-private partnerships (PPPs).

* Support startup incubation programs in agricultural biotechnology and genome editing.

6. Develop Guidelines for Ethical and Responsible Research

* Promote national bioethics standards for genome editing, with attention to transparency, safety, and informed consent in any future medical applications.

* Integrate guidelines for benefit sharing, traditional knowledge protection, and equity in the application of GEd technologies.

7. Raise Public Awareness and Trust

* Conduct awareness campaigns and educational programs on the science, risks, and benefits of genome editing.

* Engage farmers, consumers, and civil society in dialogue to promote informed public debate and reduce resistance to innovation.

8. Mobilize Sustainable Funding Mechanisms

* Increase public funding allocated to GEd through national research and innovation programs.

* Mobilize external funding from bilateral and multilateral sources (e.g. African Development Bank, EU, FAO) to support infrastructure, training, and policy development.

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Annex 1. List of institutions and resource persons involved in the interview