Marsa Maroc to expand into East and West Africa with new subsidiary

Marsa Maroc to expand in Africa: Moroccan port operator Marsa Maroc has obtained a license to establish their subsidiary Marsa Maroc International Logistics to manage investments and operate new ports in East and West Africa, Asharq Business reports, citing a governmental decree. The subsidiary has an initial capital of MAD 300k (USD 30k).

What we know: Marsa Maroc will invest an undisclosed amount in Damerjog Oil FZE, which is planning to build an oil and gas port on Djibouti’s Gulf of Aden coast, Reuters reports. The aim is to boost the port operator’s presence in East Africa’s supply chain, the decree said. Marsa Maroc International Logistics will run a branch called Marsa Djibouti to oversee the investment. The subsidiary has also created Marsa Benin to operate terminals 1 and 5 at Benin’s port of Cotonou in West Africa.

Background: Morocco’s main port operator took on a delegated management contract for two terminals at Benin’s Cotonou Port in July 2024 and began operating it in October 2024. The port handles approximately 436k metric tons of bulk cargo and 2.9 mn metric tons of break bulk cargo.