New Moroccan Port at Boujdour Nears Completion, Boosting Regional Infrastructure
The Moroccan government is making significant progress on the development of the new port at Boujdour, a key infrastructure project aimed at bolstering the country’s fishing industry and regional economic growth. Minister of Equipment and Water, Nizar Baraka, recently conducted a site visit on , to review the project’s advancements between and .
The port is designed to enhance the value of local fishing products, according to a statement released by the Ministry. The inauguration of the port was previously announced on , by Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries, Aziz Akhannouch, alongside the Minister Delegate to the Minister of the Interior, Charki Draiss.
The development of Boujdour port is part of a broader strategy to improve Morocco’s port infrastructure. Morocco is also preparing to launch a new deepwater port on the Mediterranean Sea in , and another on the Atlantic coast by . These projects aim to position Morocco as a key maritime hub, mirroring the capabilities of other major ports in the region.
Beyond the port itself, significant investment is being directed towards broader infrastructure improvements in southern Morocco. A total investment exceeding MAD 2.5 billion is being allocated to roads, ports, and dams in the Laayoune-Sakia El Hamra region. This investment is intended to strengthen regional connectivity, support local development, and create employment opportunities.
One notable project within this broader infrastructure push is the Sakia El Hamra Bridge, a large-scale undertaking on Laayoune’s bypass road. The 1,648-meter-long and 21.4-meter-wide bridge, costing MAD 1.38 billion, is currently 30% complete. It is designed to ease traffic flow and mitigate disruptions caused by flooding, featuring two dual carriageways and a pedestrian walkway built to national safety and environmental standards.
The Tiznit-Dakhla expressway, which opened to traffic in , following a trial phase, is another key component of the infrastructure upgrades. These projects collectively aim to improve transportation links within the southern provinces and enhance Morocco’s connections with other African nations.
The Boujdour Wind Farm is also a significant project in the region, developed through a partnership between Nareva Enel Green Power Morocco and the Office National de l’Electricité et de l’Eau Potable. This wind farm is part of a larger 850 MW Integrated Wind Farm project encompassing five wind farms across Morocco, including sites in Midelt, Tangier, Jbel Lahdid, and Tiskrad.
These infrastructure investments reflect Morocco’s commitment to sustainable development and its ambition to become a regional leader in renewable energy and logistics. The completion of the Boujdour port and the associated infrastructure projects are expected to have a significant positive impact on the local economy and contribute to Morocco’s overall economic growth.
