Casablanca – In a pivotal move to enhance Morocco’s logistics infrastructure, a memorandum of understanding (MoU) was signed on January 20, 2025, to launch the Agadir Atlantic Hub, a state-of-the-art dry port project. The ceremony, attended by key governmental and business figures, marks a significant step forward for the region of Souss-Massa and the national economy at large.
Major investment and economic impact
The Agadir Atlantic Hub represents a substantial investment of over $145 million. This investment is expected to generate around 10,000 jobs, thereby bolstering the local economy and providing new employment opportunities.
Strategic location and facilities
Spanning 100 hectares within the export free zone of Drarga, the Agadir Atlantic Hub will serve as a crucial logistical center. Its facilities will include storage and packaging areas, a TIR park, spaces for empty and full containers, and dedicated zones for administrative and customs services. The initial phase will utilize 50 hectares of the designated land, with the site expected to be partially operational by early 2026.
Enhancing regional and national connectivity
The dry port aims to alleviate congestion at Agadir’s maritime port and streamline logistics operations. By providing a transshipment hub where importers and exporters can complete all necessary formalities, the port will facilitate quicker and more efficient cargo handling. A special gateway at Agadir’s maritime port will ensure direct and rapid access to shipping docks.
Collaboration and governance
The project is a collaborative effort between major Moroccan institutions, including Tanger Med (TMSA), the Caisse de Dépôt et de Gestion (CDG), the National Ports Agency (ANP), the Moroccan Agency for Logistics Development (AMDL), and the Souss-Massa region. The partnership has established a joint venture named Agadir Atlantic Hub to oversee the project’s management and marketing.
Complementary developments
The signing of the MoU coincides with the launch of the new Drarga 3 industrial zone and the inauguration of Meditech Gloves’ glove manufacturing plant. Additionally, the German cable giant Leoni is set to open a new unit in Agadir, creating an estimated 5,000 jobs by 2026. These initiatives collectively underscore the region’s burgeoning role as a logistics and industrial hub in Morocco.
The Agadir Atlantic Hub dry port project is poised to significantly enhance Morocco’s logistical capabilities, reduce transportation costs, and improve trade efficiency. It exemplifies the country’s commitment to infrastructural development and economic diversification, setting the stage for sustained growth and increased competitiveness on the global stage.
