Ep. 17 – Mounir Houari Described the Investment Strategy In Dakhla’s Region
On May 6th, 2024, during our official visit to Morocco, we recorded an insightful meeting between Silvia Boltuc, SpecialEurasia Managing Director, and Mounir Houari, the General Manager of the Regional Investment Center of Dakhla Oued Eddahab.
Houari elaborated on Morocco’s economic strategy in the region, focusing on Dakhla’s position as a key investment destination. Situated as a bridge between Europe and Africa, Dakhla offers enticing investment opportunities driven by its abundant natural resources and ambitious infrastructure projects. The region’s economy thrives on sectors such as agriculture, marine resources, and tourism, making it a compelling prospect for investors.
Morocco’s government is actively addressing challenges and fostering an investor-friendly environment in Dakhla. Measures such as tax exemptions and streamlined procedures aim to attract investors, particularly in renewable energy, where Dakhla’s wind and solar potential present lucrative prospects.
Investors stand to benefit from the region’s growth trajectory and contribute to its emergence as a leading trade and investment hub. With its extensive coastline and bay, spanning 667 and 400 square kilometers respectively, Dakhla offers a diverse range of water sports and eco-tourism activities, including kitesurfing, windsurfing, surfing, and birdwatching.
Dakhla’s key sectors, including agriculture, maritime fishing, aquaculture, tourism, renewable energy, and logistics, have been identified as drivers of growth.
Agriculture, bolstered by extensive land resources, will expand prime cultivation areas to 5,000 hectares with a potential cultivable area of 100,000 hectares. The fishing and aquaculture industries benefit from the region’s rich marine biodiversity, while tourism capitalises on Dakhla’s pristine beaches, unique landscapes, and cultural heritage.
Infrastructure development is a key focus in Dakhla, with projects such as the New Dakhla Atlantic Port, West Africa Free Zone logistics area, and Al Argoub Aerotropolis transforming trade and connectivity. These initiatives further enhance Dakhla’s appeal to investors, providing opportunities for collaboration and contributing to the region’s economic growth. With a strategic location, abundant resources, and government support, Dakhla is poised to become a significant player in regional trade and investment, offering attractive prospects for those seeking to capitalise on Africa’s economic potential.
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