Dakhla Atlantic Port project is advancing significantly following the completion of its technical studies. This step was announced by Abdelkader Amara, Morocco’s Minister of Transport and Logistics who also mentioned the pre-selection process of the call for tenders for the actual construction of the port noting that the invitation for tenders is set to open in January next year.
The project will require an investment of approximately US$ 1.1bn and it is expected to become operational in less than six years from the date of commencement of the construction works.
Development plans for the southern provinces
The Dakhla Atlantic Port project is in line with the North African Country’s development plans for its southern provinces and the 2030 National Ports strategy, which includes the construction of six ports, allowing each region to profit from the dynamic role of port activities. The country’s ultimate developmental goal is to promote and enhance the investment potential of the southern provinces.
The project also aligns with King Mohammed VI’s vision to enable the local population to make the region an economic hub. On the 40th anniversary of the Green March in November five years ago, the monarch launched a development model in Laayoune.
In a speech, the King said that the aim of the development model in the region is to “seal” the integration of these provinces into “the unified homeland and to enhance the influence of the Sahara region as an economic hub and a crucial link between Morocco and its African roots.”
The development model includes infrastructure plans, airports, and a railway project between Tangier and Lagouira.
