Dakhla, the pearl of Southern Morocco, is going to have its leisure port. The port is a crucial part of Morocco’s plans to uplift development projects in its southern provinces. Morocco’s Ministry of Equipment, Transport, and Logistics recently made the announcement that two Morocco-based companies SGTM and Somagec construction firm are the final candidates of the tender for Dakhla Atlantic Port construction.

The SGTM, Somagec consortium, beat the world’s renowned companies French contractor Eiffage, Greek-owned Archirodon Group, and Egypt’s Arab Contractors, in the tendering process to win the contract. However, before the contract can be completed, SGTM must undergo a technical and financial stability assessment. The port is one of the Moroccan government’s mega-development projects aimed at improving infrastructure and boosting tourism in the southern province. Six ports are to be built under the 2030 National Port Strategy. The Dakhla Atlantic Port will be divided into three sections: a 16m/Zh deep commercial port with a capacity of 2.2 million tonnes.

The second is a coastal and deep-sea fishing port with a capacity of one million tonnes of seafood per year, while the third is a ship-building port. This port will be backed up by a massive industrial-logistic zone of 1,650 hectares. This zone will offer the most up-to-date industrial and logistical services. The Dakhla Atlantic Port project is strategically important for North Africa and Morocco’s southern provinces, including Dakhla-Oued Eddahab, because it will support the region’s economic, social, and industrial development through the sectors of fisheries, agriculture, mining, energy, tourism, trade, and industry.

The project is expected to create 183,000 jobs by 2030. The Atlantic Port of Dakhla is projected to become a regional tourism centre. It will also provide a contemporary logistical tool to the region, as well as contribute to Morocco’s goal of becoming an international “gateway to Africa,” as it will be the initial point of entry for international shipping companies targeting the North African region and beyond.