Casablanca – Morocco’s strategic move to launch a direct maritime route between Agadir and Dakar marks a significant milestone in enhancing trade with Sub-Saharan Africa. Set to become operational in the coming months, this new sea link is poised to strengthen Morocco’s economic presence in the West African region and provide a more efficient alternative to land-based transport routes.

The initiative, a collaboration between the Moroccan government and the British firm Atlas Marine, focuses on facilitating faster and more reliable transportation of goods, particularly fresh produce like fruits and vegetables. With a direct connection from Agadir’s port to Dakar, the service aims to cut down transport time and costs, ensuring the preservation of product quality while opening new avenues for Moroccan exports to key African markets.

This maritime link is seen as a strategic response to the challenges faced by overland routes to Sub-Saharan Africa, including rising fuel costs, security concerns, and delays at borders. By bypassing these obstacles, the new route offers a smoother and more cost-effective alternative, benefiting both exporters and the broader economy.

In addition to improving trade efficiency, the project complements Morocco’s ongoing efforts to solidify its role as a logistics hub between Africa and Europe. With a focus on sustainability, the maritime service is expected to reduce the environmental impact of road transport while fostering regional integration and economic cooperation.

This new route is also a stepping stone ahead of the upcoming Dakhla Atlantic Port, which will further expand Morocco’s maritime infrastructure, increasing its capacity to serve West African markets and beyond. As the country continues to build its position as a key player in the global supply chain, this direct connection between Agadir and Dakar is a critical development for both nations and the broader African continent.