Rabat: Speaking during question time at the lower house, Akhannouch indicated that the new development model for the southern provinces has contributed to the development of infrastructure and basic services, attracting investments and creating job opportunities with an initial budget of approximately MAD 77 billion.
According to Agence Marocaine De Presse, this Royal project constitutes a significant contribution to economic and social development efforts for the benefit of the population of the southern provinces, while simultaneously strengthening the ties between the north and south of the Kingdom and reinforcing Morocco’s anchoring in its African depth. The provinces have transitioned from a road network of barely 70 kilometers to more than 4,000 kilometers, notably thanks to the Tiznit-Dakhla expressway project, which spans nearly 1,100 kilometers for a total cost of close to MAD 10 billion, benefiting more than 2.5 million citizens in the various southern provinces.
The Dakhla Atlantic Port is among the structural infrastructure projects playing an important role in development by creating job opportunities, attracting foreign investment, and offering new prospects for territorial dynamism. The progress rate of work on this strategic project, whose cost exceeds MAD 13 billion, has reached approximately 50%. The southern provinces now boast a diversified network of ports, including Sidi Ifni, Tarfaya, Tan-Tan, Laayoune, Boujdour, and Dakhla, which support the maritime and commercial economy, particularly in fishing and exports.
Regarding the energy sector, the regions of the Moroccan Sahara are entering a new era of strategic investments in renewable energy due to their natural potential. This shift is part of the 2025-2030 Electrical Equipment Plan, with a total capacity exceeding 1,400 megawatts and investments of more than MAD 15 billion. Seven large-scale green hydrogen projects have been selected, making the South a major center for producing green hydrogen derivatives.
The OCP Group is implementing a large-scale industrial program at the Phosboucraa site, extending until 2026, aimed at diversifying production and promoting local economic development. This project includes the expansion of the mine, construction of a new washing plant, and a fertilizer and chemical production complex. Additionally, a new phosphate port in Laayoune is under construction, relying entirely on wind energy and desalinated water.
Concerning food security, the agricultural sector plays a crucial role in the development model with 55 projects, including those for solidarity agriculture, irrigation, and vocational training centers. The seawater desalination project in Dakhla is noted as a pioneering model for mobilizing non-traditional water resources.
In terms of tourism, the southern provinces are emerging as a significant force for Moroccan tourism, with the total number of beds increasing significantly between 2020 and 2025. This growth highlights the success of efforts to make the southern provinces an integrated tourism hub, aligning with the objectives of the new development model.