Transforming a Coastal Haven: The Potential of a Seaside City as a Global Trade Hub
Exploring the vision behind a multi-billion-dollar project in Dakhla, Western Sahara, aiming to establish a bustling maritime center connecting regions for international trade opportunities.
Dakhla, a small city in Western Sahara, controlled mostly by Morocco, sits on a strip of land between the Atlantic Ocean and a saltwater lagoon. The consistent wind in the area attracts kitesurfing enthusiasts, and a new port currently under construction could transform the area into a hub for trade.
The $1.2 billion megaproject is set to be completed by 2028. Spanning 1,650 hectares, the complex will feature a trade port with an oil terminal, a fishing port, and a shipyard. A bridge will connect the port to the land, and a 7-kilometer road will link the port to a national highway stretching from Tangier in the north to the border with Mauritania in the south.
"We are in the process of building an ecosystem," says Nisrine Iouzzi, who is the director of construction for the Dakhla Atlantic Port, in an interview with CNN. She anticipates that once the port is up and running, it will be able to manage 35 million tons of goods annually.
The port is currently under construction and is due to complete in 2028.
The port is currently under construction and is due to complete in 2028.
CNN
Morocco's economy could be greatly improved by this development, as well as positioning the country as a key maritime hub for global trade. It has the potential to connect various regions such as West Africa, the Middle East, Europe, North America, the Canary Islands, and even South America. The success of the port is heavily dependent on its strategic geographic location, attracting substantial foreign investments, including support from the United Arab Emirates.
Gateway to Africa
The project is part of Morocco’s national port strategy, which aims to modernize and strengthen port infrastructure by 2030, in order to enhance its role in global supply chains.
Seaports like Casablanca, Tanger-Med, and Agadir have either been upgraded or are currently undergoing improvements. However, due to its strategic location, the Dakhla port is considered especially important in facilitating trade with other parts of Africa for the global market.
Mounir Houari, the general manager of Dakhla’s Regional Investment Center, emphasizes the significance of the port's infrastructure, road network, and renewable energy in attracting investors. He believes that these developments make Dakhla a highly appealing destination for investors looking to access the rapidly growing West African market.
Video Ad Feedback
Dakhla Atlantic Port aims to boost trade across West Africa
02:26
- Source:
CNN
With the implementation of Africa’s continental free trade agreement, the port could play a key role in encouraging the processing of raw materials within the continent.
According to Houari, less than 5% of African natural resources are processed within Africa due to the lack of industrial and exporting infrastructure. The Dakhla port could serve as a catalyst for many Africans to start processing natural resources locally. This would not only create more jobs and improve skills and know-how but also strengthen African industries.
Located on the outskirts of Mbombela, South Africa, Manganese Metal Co. produces and exports 28,000 tons of product a year.
Manganese Metal Co.
Related article
South Africa has a vast reserve of manganese, one of the largest in the world. Despite this, the country still outsources the processing of manganese.
The Sahel region, which includes countries like Mali, Chad, Niger, and Burkina Faso, stands to gain from this decision. Morocco has allowed these countries access to its road and port infrastructure, opening up opportunities for trade with the Atlantic Ocean.
Turloch Mooney, head of port intelligence and analytics at research firm S&P Global Market Intelligence, believes that the development in the Western Sahara region could bring benefits. He sees the potential for supporting a large hinterland in West Africa and the Sahel through the creation of modern port and trade infrastructure. According to Mooney, having quality port infrastructure and efficient port operations is crucial in attracting foreign direct investment and has played a key role in the successful growth strategies of many developing nations.
However, the Western Sahara and Sahel region have a history of unrest which presents challenges for developing port infrastructure and establishing reliable logistics, as noted by Mooney.
He cautions that infrastructure alone won’t drive trade growth in the region, and that the port’s success will depend on good governance, reliable transport connections and political stability.
Editor's P/S:
The Dakhla Atlantic Port project is an ambitious endeavor that has the potential to transform the region. The port's strategic location, coupled with Morocco's commitment to modernizing its port infrastructure, could make it a key hub for trade between Africa, Europe, and the Middle East. The project also has the potential to boost the economies of West African countries, which currently lack the infrastructure necessary to process their own raw materials.
However, the success of the port will depend on a number of factors, including political stability in the region and the development of reliable transport connections. The Western Sahara and Sahel region have a history of unrest, which could make it difficult to attract foreign investment and establish reliable logistics. Nevertheless, the potential benefits of the port are significant, and it is worth investing in its development.
