In the context of Morocco’s growing infrastructure ambition in its southern regions, one of the most monumental projects that has been set in motion is the construction of Tiznit-Dakhla highway. Announced in 2015, during the 40th commemoration of the Green March, the highway stands as a development key to Morocco’s commitment to regional integration, economic growth, and sustainable development for the southern provinces. This ambitious infrastructure project promises not only to connect the southern and northern regions of Morocco but also to create an economic and social transformation in both Morocco and the broader West African region.
Tiznit-Dakhla highway, stretching over 1,000 kilometers and crossing some cities such as Laayoune and Guelmim, is a vital transportation way that aims to fundamentally link the southern cities of Morocco such as Dakhla and Laayoune, to the central and northern regions of Morocco. This strategic infrastructure will shorten travel time significantly, which will be facilitating the movement of goods and people. This highway will contribute to the integration of the remote southern provinces into the broader economic fabric of Morocco, providing direct access to key markets and boosting trade.
One of the key features of the project is its potential to stimulate the social and economical development of new business opportunities in sectors such as agriculture, fisheries, tourism, and manufacturing. Moreover, this highway will facilitate the mobility of Moroccan citizens and migrants in the south to other regions in Morocco.
On the other hand, Tiznit-Dakhla highway is not only a key regional development project within Morocco but also a critical fundamental need and unique linking of Morocco’s view and strategy to strengthen its ties with the rest of West Africa. Given its location, the highway will eventually act as a bridge linking Morocco to sub-Saharan Africa, allowing for easier access to West African markets crossing Guergerat borderland towards Morocco and vice-versa. Morocco’s efforts to improve its bilateral relations with African countries have been historically increasing over the past decade since many centuries to Morocco’s return to African Union.
As part of Moroccan policy in its African home, which focuses on south-south cooperations, in enhancing intercontinental shared trade, the highway will also contribute to boosting trade and social mobility routes between Morocco and West Africa, fostering both regional economic cooperation and intercontinental trade. This new road, according to some expert reports, will enhance trade flows and social mobilities and movements, making it as a reliable route for south-south cooperation.
In addition to its economic, social and international impacts, Tiznit-Dakhla highway project is also designed to facilitate the movement of company workers whos subjected to create clean electriciy lines between the Kingdom of Morocco and United Kingdom in Guelmim area according to agreements between these two nations. Moreover, this highway will enhance and help the plannings of seawater desalination plants’ pipelines between the southern regions’ coasts to other areas.
To wrap up, Tiznit-Dakhla highway is more just an infrastructure project. It is an important step towars a social, economical and sustainable development for Morocco and its African depth. Therefore, this project is an important symbol for Morocco in its development efforts in its southern regions.
