International
Sari Essayah: “Our commitment is part of a long-term strategic vision”
Finland’s Minister of Agriculture and Forestry looks back on the outcomes of her recent economic mission to Morocco, which she led at the head of a business delegation, and highlights the business opportunities offered by the Kingdom.
With a large delegation of Finnish business leaders, Finland’s Minister of Agriculture and Forestry had the opportunity to closely observe the progress achieved by the Kingdom and identify partnership opportunities between the two countries.
What are the concrete results of your latest mission to Morocco?
The 2026 mission marked an important milestone, moving Finland’s engagement from an exploratory phase to the implementation of concrete, high-impact initiatives.
First result: a pilot program on afforestation and carbon farming, led by Luke in partnership with UM6P and the OCP Group.
This project shows that the partial conversion of agricultural land into forest areas is one of the most effective ways to sequester carbon, based on a scientifically proven and reproducible model.
An expansion phase is already under consideration, reflecting strong interest in this initiative.
Another development: a Horizon Europe initiative on managed aquifer recharge and groundwater treatment, involving the Kuopio Water Cluster, UM6P, the Geological Survey of Finland, and the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare (THL).
It aims to adapt Finnish technologies, proven in Nordic environments, to Morocco’s needs in terms of irrigation and long-term water security.
The mission also strengthened Finnish wood exports, consolidating bilateral cooperation.
More broadly, which sectors offer the most opportunities for Finnish companies?
Several sectors present strong commercial potential, driven by Morocco’s modernization. First, wood and forestry technologies.
With Morocco importing more than 70% of its needs, Finnish sawn timber—recognized for its quality, durability, and low carbon footprint—perfectly meets the needs of local industries. Expertise in sustainable management is also an asset for long-term planning.
Next, water technologies. Finland is a global leader in water treatment and resource management.
Its solutions (sensors, real-time monitoring, dam safety) directly address Morocco’s priorities regarding water stress and long-term resilience.
Finally, smart agriculture and digital solutions. Morocco is rapidly adopting these technologies to optimize yields and resource use, creating opportunities for sensors, precision irrigation, AI, and satellite monitoring.
Finnish expertise in IoT, data, and cybersecurity provides a competitive advantage, enabling the development of integrated, data-driven systems.
Is the Kingdom seen by Finland as a market or as a regional hub?
Morocco is both a strategic market and a key regional platform. Its stability, infrastructure, and location make it a gateway to North and West Africa. Finnish companies are seeking industrial and academic partners, such as UM6P.
Our engagement is part of a long-term strategic vision focused on innovation, sustainable development, and lasting partnerships, confirming Finland as a reliable partner for Morocco’s development priorities.
