Dakhla: Agriculture Minister Visits Seawater Desalination Project

19:30

Morocco is approaching a major milestone in its efforts to strengthen water security and expand agricultural production in the Dakhla-Oued Eddahab region, as construction progresses on a large-scale seawater desalination and irrigation project.

On October 30, 2026, Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Sovereignty Minister Khalid Hatimy visited the project site in the region to assess progress and review the implementation of its various components. The visit was conducted alongside the regional Wali, the Governor of Oued Eddahab Province and senior ministry officials.

The project forms part of Morocco's broader development strategy for its southern provinces and was initially launched by King Mohammed VI on the occasion of the 40th anniversary of the Green March.

With an estimated investment of 2.6 billion Moroccan dirhams, the initiative is designed to provide a sustainable water supply for agricultural irrigation and drinking-water consumption, addressing one of the region's most important development challenges.

Annual Production Capacity of 37 Million Cubic Metres

At the heart of the project is a desalination facility expected to produce approximately 37 million cubic metres of water annually.

Of this volume, 30 million cubic metres will be allocated to agricultural irrigation, while the remaining seven million cubic metres will supply drinking water.

The additional water resources will support the development of an agricultural perimeter covering 5,000 hectares. By reducing dependence on groundwater, the project is also expected to help preserve Dakhla's underground water reserves and encourage more sustainable resource management.

The initiative reflects Morocco's growing focus on alternative water sources as part of its response to water scarcity and the increasing demands of agricultural development.

Renewable Energy and Irrigation Infrastructure Near Completion

Located in the commune of Bir Anzarane, the project is built around three main infrastructure components: a seawater desalination plant, a wind farm and an extensive irrigation network.

The renewable energy facility, with an installed capacity of 60 megawatts, has already been completed. Meanwhile, construction of the desalination plant has reached 97%, while the irrigation network, extending over 130 kilometres of pipelines, stands at 99% completion.

During his visit, Minister Khalid Hatimy reviewed the progress achieved across these facilities, highlighting the importance of coordinating water production, renewable energy and agricultural infrastructure to ensure the project's operational effectiveness.

New Opportunities for Young Agricultural Entrepreneurs

Beyond its infrastructure dimension, the project is expected to create new economic opportunities for local communities, particularly young people interested in agricultural investment.

A dedicated programme предусматриes the allocation of 100 small agricultural projects to young beneficiaries from the region. Each project will cover between five and 10 hectares.

The selected beneficiaries are expected to receive comprehensive technical and professional support to facilitate the establishment and development of their agricultural businesses.

The initiative aims to encourage local entrepreneurship, strengthen agricultural skills and enable younger generations to participate directly in the region's economic development.

30,000 Permanent Jobs Expected

Once fully operational, the agricultural development programme is expected to generate approximately 500,000 tonnes of early-season agricultural produce.

Its broader economic impact is projected to include the creation of 30,000 permanent jobs and more than one billion dirhams in added value.

The project is also intended to encourage greater diversification of agricultural production, particularly through crops with higher commercial value, while attracting private-sector expertise and investment.

During the visit, the minister also held discussions with private investors who had been awarded agricultural plots under the programme. The discussions focused on their investment experiences, operational difficulties and the measures needed to facilitate the development of sustainable agricultural activities.

With its combination of desalination technology, renewable energy and agricultural investment, the Dakhla project represents a major component of Morocco's efforts to link water management with long-term economic development.