Diplomatic Engagement in Dajla: A Gateway to African Development
In a significant diplomatic initiative, representatives from various Anglophone African nations recently visited Dajla, aiming to explore the region's dynamic development landscape, which is transforming the city into a pivotal platform for economic cooperation and diplomatic training across the continent. This visit, held on April 20, is part of an international training cycle in diplomacy designed to familiarize participants with the developmental momentum currently underway in the Dajla-Oued Eddahab region across several strategic sectors.
Spanning two days, the diplomatic delegation engaged in a comprehensive tour of key sites within Dajla, including the Handicraft Center, the Souk Lakdim marketplace, the Atlantic Port of Dajla, and the Dajla Learning Center. Organised with the backing of the Moroccan Institute for Training, Research, and Diplomatic Studies (IMFRED) and the Moroccan Agency for International Cooperation (AMCI), the visit's primary objective was to unveil the major structuring projects being implemented in the Dajla-Oued Eddahab region.
The event was presided over by Abderrazak El Gourji, the Secretary-General of the region's Wilaya, alongside the General Director of the Regional Investment Center (CRI). During the discussions, it was emphasized that Dajla's strategic location epitomizes a vision of Morocco that is proud of its African roots and committed to fostering South-South cooperation rooted in solidarity, co-development, and regional integration. El Gourji articulated that this dynamic, propelled by King Mohammed VI, positions the southern provinces as a key strategic nexus between Morocco and the African continent, thereby establishing Dajla as a center for sustainable development and a catalyst for significant partnerships with Africa, supported by its infrastructure, energy potential, economic openness, and stability.
Furthermore, El Gourji underscored that Dajla represents a platform for shared prosperity, the enhancement of economic sovereignty, and future-oriented African cooperation, highlighting the necessity of a shared vision grounded in trust, realism, and aligned ambitions. Zambian diplomat and economist Titus Mumba, in a press statement, remarked on how the visit significantly enriched participants' understanding of the Moroccan experience in territorial development and national branding, praising Morocco's foresight and the valuable insights gleaned regarding the economic and strategic potential of the Dajla region.
This Moroccan experience is poised to serve the entire African continent across numerous development sectors. Noteworthy is the Atlantic Initiative launched in 2023, which is designed to assist landlocked African nations such as Zambia, Botswana, Ethiopia, Chad, Mali, Malawi, Niger, Rwanda, and Uganda, among others.
During their visit, the delegation also attended a presentation about the major structural projects initiated in the region, uncovering investment opportunities and development projects across various sectors, particularly in infrastructure, logistics, blue economy, and renewable energy. Additionally, the diplomats engaged with El Khattat Yanja, the President of the Dajla-Oued Eddahab Regional Council, discussing ways to enhance regional development that offers substantial connectivity, logistical, and cooperative opportunities.
As a host for regional, continental, and international events, Dajla continues to reinforce its role as a primary driver of a diplomatic dynamic that advocates for Morocco's territorial integrity while strengthening the foundations for a lasting and fruitful partnership with African nations. Known as the 'Pearl of the South,' Dajla has facilitated a series of bilateral meetings between Morocco and various countries on the continent, further solidifying the Dajla-Oued Eddahab region's prominent role in strengthening ties between Morocco and its African depth through the establishment of consular representations from numerous brotherly states in the city.
By 2026, Dajla has emerged as a key diplomatic center for Africa, hosting an 'international training cycle in diplomacy' aimed at educating and supporting African diplomats. This diplomatic vocation has been reaffirmed by Nasser Bourita, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation, and Moroccans Living Abroad, who noted that the city recently welcomed four mixed commissions for cooperation between Morocco and the Comoros, Sierra Leone, Burkina Faso, and Guinea.
In addition to its strategic position for consolidating economic cooperation, Dajla is evolving into an institutional platform by hosting the headquarters of the Pan-African Institute for Development (IPD), relocated from Geneva, focusing on the training of African officials and diplomats. For Mediterranean and Atlantic leaders, Dajla aspires to be a bridge for communication, information, and understanding among cultures.
As reported by atalayar.com.
