US official highlights investment opportunities in Morocco’s Sahara

Wednesday 29 October 2025 - 14:50

By: Dakir Madiha

US official highlights investment opportunities in Morocco’s Sahara

Morocco’s Sahara region is emerging as a hub for American investment, with significant opportunities across key sectors, according to Gerard Philippeaux, Executive Director of the International Trade Coalition of Miami-Dade County. Speaking after a meeting with a Moroccan economic delegation in Miami, Philippeaux emphasized the region’s potential for US businesses.

“We are working to encourage our investors and business leaders to explore opportunities in the Moroccan Sahara, which offers immense possibilities in various fields,” Philippeaux told MAP News Agency on Tuesday. He highlighted Morocco’s strategic position as an international trade platform and gateway to Africa, praising large-scale infrastructure projects such as the Tanger Med Port, Africa’s largest and a major global maritime hub.

The Moroccan delegation, led by Abdellatif Maazouz, President of the Casablanca-Settat Regional Council, included representatives from the Casablanca-Settat Chamber of Commerce, Industry, and Services, the Regional Investment Center, and Moroccan business leaders. During their visit, they held discussions with officials from the Miami World Trade Center and the Miami-Dade International Trade Coalition. The meetings focused on strengthening trade ties, promoting the “Made in Morocco” brand in the US, and increasing exports of Moroccan products.

Chafika El Hebti, who accompanied the delegation, stressed the importance of the mission in enhancing the global visibility of Moroccan industries and fostering stronger economic partnerships with the US.

Morocco’s autonomy plan for Sahara continues to gain international recognition as a viable solution to the regional dispute. Since the US recognized Morocco’s sovereignty over the Sahara in 2020, American officials have encouraged investment in the region. Cities such as Dakhla and Laayoune have attracted interest from US companies in renewable energy, logistics, and fisheries.

Beyond the US, other nations, including the UK, Belgium, and Poland, have endorsed Morocco’s proposal as a credible path to resolving the Sahara issue. In 2024, French President Emmanuel Macron recognized Morocco’s sovereignty over its southern provinces. The European Union also continues to import agricultural and fishery products from the Sahara under agreements with Morocco.

As Morocco continues to position itself as a global trade and investment hub, its Sahara region offers a promising platform for economic growth and sustainable development, attracting attention from international investors.