Morocco looks to Western Sahara for logistics projects: The Moroccan government has signed three agreements laying plans for logistics infrastructure projects in the Dakhla-Oued Ed-Dahab region located in the disputed Western Sahara territory, according to a statement.

Here’s a breakdown of the slated projects:

  • A logistics zone in Aargoub: A MAD 134 mn new economic and logistics zone will be established in Aargoub, covering 20 hectares at an estimated cost of MAD 134 mn. The project’s aim is to reduce logistics costs and improve storage and transportation costs;
  • A trade and distribution zone in Guerguerat: A new trade and distribution zone will be introduced in Guerguerat, which is expected to spur foreign trade and attract investment. Its investment ticket was undisclosed;
  • Guerguerat road project: The first phase of a two-hectare road center in Guerguerat, aiming to enhance road safety and regulate traffic. No investment ticket was disclosed.

Part of bigger plans: The new projects in Dakhla, Aargoub, and Guerguerat are key components of an integrated logistics plan laid out for Western Sahara, of which the Dakhla Atlantic Port will be key, Moroccan Transport and Logistics Minister Abdessamad Kayouh reportedly said. The projects will also be part of the Kingdom’s larger plans to add 750 hectares of logistics area by 2028.

Western Sahara is seeing a lot of logistics action: Morocco is advancing major infrastructure projects in the disputed territories, including a new airport project that is now undergoing feasibility studies and the under-construction 1 USD bn Dakhla port project. The Kingdom also completed construction works this year on a new 1.1k km, MAD 8.5 bn expressway connecting the country’s two southern provinces to the north.

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