Dakhla-Oued Eddahab Region: A Strategic Field Visit to Accelerate the Implementation of Major Agricultural and Marine Development Projects
In a vivid embodiment of the development momentum witnessed in the southern provinces, the Minister of Agriculture, Maritime Fisheries, Rural Development, and Water and Forests, Mr. Ahmed El Bouari, conducted a field visit today, Friday, May 2, 2025, to the Dakhla-Oued Eddahab region. The visit aimed to closely monitor the progress of a series of structuring projects aligned with the implementation of the “Green Generation” and “Halieutis” strategies, and to further consolidate the new development model for the southern provinces launched by His Majesty King Mohammed VI in 2016.
Accompanied by the Secretary of State in charge of Fisheries, Mrs. Zakia Drouich, the visit included various development projects that serve as real levers for stimulating economic and social growth, particularly in the agricultural and fisheries sectors, with a strong focus on innovation, technology, local investment, and job creation.
Seawater Desalination Project: A Sustainable Agricultural Lever…
At the forefront of the visit, Mr. El Bouari inspected the progress of the seawater desalination project in Dakhla—one of the region’s largest structuring initiatives. This strategic project, with an investment cost of 2.6 billion dirhams, aims to produce 37 million cubic meters of desalinated water annually, including 30 million cubic meters dedicated to irrigation and 7 million for reinforcing the supply of potable water.
The project is based on a sustainable environmental approach through the establishment of an integrated desalination plant powered by a 60 MW wind farm, ensuring full energy autonomy and a significant reduction in the carbon footprint. It also involves the development of an agricultural area covering 5,200 hectares, to be exploited through 219 farming units, 100 of which are allocated to young people from the region. This will contribute to the creation of thousands of jobs, the valorization of agricultural land, and the attraction of new investments.
Production of 37 Million Cubic Meters of Desalinated Water.
In a press statement, Mr. El Bouari affirmed that the desalination project in Dakhla aims to produce 37 million cubic meters of desalinated water per year, with 30 million cubic meters allocated to irrigate a newly developed agricultural zone of 5,200 hectares, and the remainder directed to supply the city of Dakhla and the Atlantic port with potable water.
The Minister emphasized that this strategic project will profoundly transform the region’s agricultural system by producing over 500,000 tons of vegetables annually and generating added value exceeding 1 billion dirhams per year, in addition to creating over 25,000 permanent jobs.
He pointed out that the project is entirely powered by wind energy, noting that the energy hub has been completed by 100%, while the overall project progress has reached approximately 75%, distributed between 60% for the desalination plant and 90% for the irrigation perimeter. He stressed that the agricultural component of the project is scheduled to begin operation before the end of the current year.
Developing Marketing Channels and Enhancing Food Security…
In a step aimed at modernizing the marketing channels of agricultural products and ensuring their quality, the Minister visited the wholesale market for fruits and vegetables, as well as the local market in the city of Dakhla, both implemented in partnership with the Dakhla municipality. This initiative aims to ensure fluid marketing and improved hygiene and food safety standards. The work progress in this project has reached about 90%.
Marine Resources Valorization: Investment and Job Creation…
The visit also included an inspection of an industrial unit dedicated to the valorization of marine resources, with a production capacity of 140 tons per day and a total investment of 127 million dirhams. This unit is expected to create 498 direct and indirect jobs.
In addition, a major project was presented for the valorization of small pelagic fish, which includes the establishment of six new industrial units with an investment exceeding 1.16 billion dirhams and an employment capacity reaching 4,378 jobs. This will enhance the region’s capacity to increase the rate of fish processing and strengthen value chains with high added value.
Maritime Safety: Technology to Protect Lives…
At the Southern Atlantic Chamber of Maritime Fisheries, the Minister and Mrs. Drouich launched the operation to distribute emergency satellite beacons for traditional fishing boats. This initiative aims to strengthen maritime safety and enable rapid intervention in case of accidents. The program targets equipping 6,183 boats, including 3,207 boats along Dakhla’s coasts, with a budget of 20.6 million dirhams.
A Far-Sighted Royal Vision for Integrated Development…
This field visit reinforces the far-sighted royal vision that seeks to transform the southern provinces into a driver of integrated development by creating comprehensive production hubs that combine modern agriculture, sustainable fisheries, renewable energy, and local industry.
Mr. El Bouari expressed his satisfaction with the progress of the projects, emphasizing the need to maintain coordination among all stakeholders to accelerate implementation and ensure timely completion. These projects will have a direct impact on improving the living conditions of the population, stimulating investment, and strengthening the economic appeal of the Dakhla-Oued Eddahab region.
#almouhitalfilahi