Dakhla hosts first international forum on cooperation for project development

16:30

By: Sahili Aya

Dakhla hosts first international forum on cooperation for project development

The first edition of the International Forum on “Cooperation in Support of Project Development” opened on Friday in Dakhla, bringing together experts, policymakers and stakeholders from several countries to discuss new pathways for sustainable and inclusive development.

Organized through February 8 by the Helvetia-Sahel Association, an NGO focused on strengthening cooperation between Switzerland, Morocco and Sahel and West African countries, the forum aims to promote dialogue, investment and knowledge-sharing across regions.

Speaking at the opening session, Helvetia-Sahel President Souad Moumou said the initiative seeks to lay the foundations for long-term cooperation by positioning Dakhla as a strategic hub for ideas, expertise and joint projects. She highlighted the city’s growing role as a bridge between North Africa, Europe and Sub-Saharan Africa.

The forum’s agenda is structured around four key themes: education, training and social development; sustainable development; transport and logistics; and investment attractiveness. According to the organizers, these priorities reflect both regional needs and emerging opportunities in the Dakhla-Oued Eddahab region.

Participants from Saudi Arabia, France, Guatemala, Jordan, the United Kingdom, Senegal, Switzerland and Morocco are taking part in the discussions, underscoring the international interest in the region’s development potential.

Senegal’s Consul General in Dakhla, Babou Sène, described the region as a model of territorial development, noting that strategic investments launched under the vision of HM King Mohammed VI have helped transform Dakhla into one of Morocco’s most dynamic economic hubs. He also emphasized the city’s strategic role in strengthening South-South cooperation and African integration.

The forum is expected to conclude with the adoption of the “Dakhla Declaration 2026,” committing participants to establish a permanent cooperation platform, promote public-private partnerships and place youth, training and culture at the heart of trilateral cooperation between Morocco, Switzerland and the Sahel.