Morocco's strategic inland port project receives $140 million boost

Wednesday 22 January 2025 - 07:50

By: Dakir Madiha

Morocco's strategic inland port project receives $140 million boost

A significant milestone in Morocco's logistics infrastructure development was reached as the Agadir Atlantic Hub dry port project secured a $140 million investment. The groundbreaking protocol agreement was signed on January 20 in a ceremony overseen by Morocco's Head of Government, Aziz Akhannouch.

Located in the Drarga commune's export free zone, this 100-hectare facility represents the Souss-Massa region's most substantial logistics initiative to date. The project aims to alleviate pressure on Morocco's maritime ports while optimizing import and export operations.

Driss Boutti, president of the General Confederation of Moroccan Enterprises (CGEM) for the Souss-Massa region, described the facility as an inland logistics infrastructure equipped with maritime port capabilities, despite lacking direct sea access.

The development is expected to generate 10,000 direct and indirect employment opportunities. The facility's comprehensive infrastructure will feature an international customs-bonded logistics zone, refrigerated and dry storage conditioning stations, administrative offices for customs and ONSSA, container storage facilities, and a cabotage line connecting to maritime ports.

Transport and Logistics Minister Abdessamad Kayouh emphasized that this project is part of a broader initiative to enhance the Souss-Massa region's infrastructure. The agreement brought together key figures including Karim Achengli, President of the Souss-Massa Regional Council, and Khalid Safir, Director General of the Deposit and Management Fund (CDG).

Additional signatories included Ghassane El Machrafi of the Moroccan Logistics Development Agency, Mustapha Farès from the National Ports Agency, and Fouad Brini of the Tanger-Mediterranean Special Agency's Supervisory Board.

The ceremony also marked the inauguration of the new Drarga 3 industrial zone, spanning 27.11 hectares, and unveiled Meditech Gloves' new production facility, representing a $46.1 million investment.