On the sidelines of the "Morocco Today Forum" organized on July 5th in Dakhla by the Le Matin Group and the Moroccan Agency for International Cooperation (AMCI), ministers, ambassadors, and other foreign and Moroccan dignitaries, along with journalists, were invited to visit the mega construction site of the new Dakhla port. Among these visitors, L’Observateur du Maroc et Pouvoirs d’Afrique take you along.
The Royal Atlantic Initiative, aimed at providing Sahel countries access to the Atlantic Ocean, is being implemented through concrete projects. Requiring an investment of 12.5 billion dirhams, the future Dakhla Atlantic port is a significant undertaking. This immense multidimensional project will soon provide countries like Mali, Niger, Burkina Faso, and Chad with extensive export platforms to Europe, North and South America, and Asia. This is the essence of the unblocking efforts desired for these countries by His Majesty King Mohammed VI, who announced the Atlantic Initiative in his speech on November 6, 2023, during the 48th anniversary of the Green March.
Ministers, former ministers, diplomats, experts, and other visitors who participated in the 7th edition of the "Morocco Today Forum," organized on July 5th in Dakhla, had the opportunity to see up close the vastness of the future port project (1650 hectares) at Al Argoub (40 km from the city of Dakhla). The name "Dakhla Atlantic" signifies its purpose, as explained by its director, Nisrine Iouzzi. This engineer from the National School of Mines of Rabat and the Mohammedia School of Engineers proudly affirms that she is part of a hive of over 1,600 Moroccan professionals working to ensure the future port is delivered by the end of 2028, adhering to the highest international standards. This hive represents a public-private partnership, with many Moroccan companies meticulously carrying out various tasks.
Located on the Atlantic coast from which it derives its name, this new port area is intended to become a crucial center for trade and industry in Africa, thereby contributing to the overall economic development not only of the Moroccan Sahara and the rest of Morocco but also of many sub-Saharan African countries that are partners of the Kingdom. "We are building this deep-water port to enhance Morocco's port offerings and play a significant role in African maritime connectivity," says Nisrine Iouzzi, noting that the future port will eventually have a total capacity of 35 million tons.
The dynamic director highlights that multimodality is part of the overall project, which will serve both the fishing and mining industries and other industries. "The future port will also handle container traffic," she adds, noting that a platform will be specially designed for ship repair.
The project is currently at a 20% completion rate. "The preparatory work is done," continues Iouzzi, explaining that these works take the most time. In other words, the hardest part has been completed.
The port will feature advanced facilities, including modern quay areas, storage warehouses, and logistic support systems, ensuring the quick handling and transport of goods. In addition to its economic impact, the Dakhla Atlantic port is expected to create numerous job opportunities for the local population. "We are committed to promoting local employment and providing training programs to equip the workforce with the necessary skills to operate in a modern port environment," explained Nisrine Iouzzi while welcoming the visitors.
The port's strategic location on the Atlantic coast offers a unique advantage, making it a key access point for maritime trade routes between Africa, Europe, and the Americas. This geographic positioning is expected to attract significant international investments and enhance the region's role as a vital economic corridor. Moreover, the Dakhla Atlantic port aligns with Morocco's broader vision for sustainable development. The project includes environmentally friendly initiatives aimed at minimizing ecological impact and promoting sustainable practices in port operations. "We are determined to ensure that the port's development is in harmony with environmental conservation efforts," assures the director.
The mega construction site of the Dakhla Atlantic port stands in the heart of the Moroccan Sahara as a testament to Morocco's commitment to the development of its continent. Iouzzi does not present it as a mere infrastructure project but as a catalyst for shared growth and prosperity and a convergence point for peaceful and beneficial international cooperation for citizens.
