From April 24 to 26, 2025, Casablanca will host a major international event dedicated to maritime security and port safety. Organized by the Crans Montana Forum under the presidency of Jean-Paul Carteron, this summit will bring together experts, policymakers, and industry leaders to discuss the challenges currently threatening global maritime trade.
Founded in 1986 in Switzerland, the Crans Montana Forum has established itself as a key international platform for exchanges between political leaders, heads of state, international organizations, and major corporations. It promotes international cooperation by highlighting the economic and security challenges faced by nations, particularly those in Africa. Jean-Paul Carteron, the forum’s president, is a diplomat and influential figure who has spearheaded numerous initiatives to strengthen North-South dialogue and foster harmonious international relations. Thanks to his efforts, the forum has become a vital player in connecting global decision-makers, offering a unique space for debate and the implementation of concrete solutions.
With 90% of African trade relying on maritime transport, the stability of this sector has become a top priority. However, a growing number of crises—from attacks in the Red Sea to blockages of strategic canals like Suez and Panama—are jeopardizing the entire international supply chain. Securing these routes is now an economic and geopolitical necessity. One of the key topics at this summit will be the redefinition of trade routes, including the costly but sometimes unavoidable option of circumventing Africa.
Security concerns extend beyond geopolitical threats. The COVID-19 pandemic exposed nations’ vulnerability to global crises, making health sovereignty a crucial topic of discussion. Special focus will be placed on prevention policies and future pandemic management. Similarly, the digitalization of port infrastructure is emerging as a vital tool to streamline trade and enhance supply chain resilience.
Another major issue is the protection of natural resources, which raises both environmental and economic concerns. Industrial fishing, often dominated by foreign fleets, threatens marine ecosystems and directly competes with local fishing communities. Additionally, the rise in illegal trafficking—including human smuggling, arms, and drug trade—as well as piracy, particularly in the Gulf of Guinea and the Horn of Africa, underscores the urgent need to strengthen African nations’ surveillance and intervention capabilities.
Beyond security issues, the summit will also highlight Africa’s economic opportunities. Morocco’s growing role as a maritime hub, exemplified by the Dakhla port project, showcases the continent’s increasing significance in global trade. This infrastructure aims to transform intra-African trade and facilitate access to American markets, positioning Morocco as a strategic bridge between Africa and Atlantic Europe.
The event will bring together ministers, heads of state, security experts, and top investors. A formal dinner attended by His Royal Highness Grand Duke Henri of Luxembourg will be a highlight, followed by a tour of the Casablanca port showcasing innovations in the “Smart Port” project—a digital platform designed to optimize trade flows and enhance the competitiveness of maritime commerce.
In a world where growing threats endanger global economic stability, this conference represents a pivotal moment. Africa, at the center of these global shifts, has a unique opportunity to assert its maritime sovereignty and strengthen its role in the global economy.
