Dakhla transforms from green march legacy to economic hub connecting Africa

Nearly five decades after Morocco’s Green March, Dakhla and the wider southern regions of the country have been transformed into a thriving economic and investment hub.

As the region commemorates the 49th anniversary of the historic event, major infrastructure and development projects have brought prosperity and opportunity to once-remote desert areas.

The ambitious development initiatives, launched under the late King Hassan II and accelerated by King Mohammed VI, have garnered attention from international media.

Coverage highlighted Morocco’s commitment to transforming its southern provinces into a “pole of investment, progress, and development.”

Reports praised Morocco’s extensive investment in roads, ports, airports, and other modern infrastructure, which has elevated the region’s economic prospects.

A Spanish publication covering the anniversary described Morocco’s approach to the southern provinces as prioritizing infrastructure and fostering private investment to stimulate economic growth.

The region’s rapid transformation has been credited in large part to the Southern Regions Development Model, implemented in 2015.

This initiative, including the Atlantic Initiative championed by King Mohammed VI, aims to reshape economic ties among countries along Africa’s Atlantic coast.

Spanish media outlet Ataliyar highlighted significant achievements in renewable energy production, as well as advancements in agriculture, tourism, health, and education.

The development model has made sustainability, environmental conservation, and resource management central to Dakhla’s growth strategy.

Dakhla-Oued Eddahab has become a focal point for Moroccan and international investors.

Massive infrastructure projects are underway, designed to position Dakhla as a continental economic gateway linking Africa to Europe and the Americas.

With investments exceeding 17.75 billion dirhams, plans span the creation of business hubs, connectivity enhancements, and local capacity-building.

Major projects, such as the planned Turtle Bay tourism complex, will generate employment and boost tourism.

A new stadium is set to bolster Morocco’s preparation for the 2030 FIFA World Cup, and numerous healthcare facilities are in development, including an 80-bed international clinic and a 300-bed university hospital.

Dakhla’s strategic location has made it a hub for renewable energy, with French-backed projects aiming to produce synthetic fuel.

The Atlantic Port of Dakhla and other logistical projects continue to strengthen the city’s status as a bridge between Africa’s Atlantic coast and the global market.

The development surge is further enhanced by the ongoing construction of Dakhla Smart City, a sprawling urban center that aims to position Dakhla as a distinguished economic and tourism destination.

The expansion of road networks and the upgrading of Dakhla’s airport are also key to accommodating increased commercial and tourist traffic, bringing the city closer to becoming a vibrant hub in the region.