Dakhla's Growing Role in African Diplomacy and Economic Development
In a significant move towards enhancing diplomatic relations and economic collaboration, diplomats from various English-speaking African nations have recently visited Dakhla, Morocco. This visit, which took place on April 20, was part of the International Diplomacy Training Programme, designed to immerse participants in the ongoing development initiatives within the Dakhla-Oued Eddahab region. The focus of this programme is to familiarize delegates with the transformative projects across several strategic sectors that are reshaping Dakhla into a central hub for both economic cooperation and diplomatic training across the continent.
The two-day exploration included visits to pivotal sites such as the Craft Centre, Souk Lakdim, the Dakhla Atlantic Port, and the Dakhla Learning Centre. These excursions were facilitated with the collaboration of the Moroccan Institute for Training, Research and Diplomatic Studies (IMFRED) and the Moroccan Agency for International Cooperation (AMCI). The objective was to showcase the extensive infrastructure projects that are currently in progress, highlighting Dakhla’s potential as a beacon of development in Morocco.
Chaired by Abderrazak El Gourji, Secretary-General of the region’s wilaya, and attended by the Director-General of the Regional Investment Centre (CRI), the discussions underscored Dakhla’s strategic position as a reflection of Morocco’s commitment to fostering African relations through South-South cooperation. El Gourji articulated that Dakhla is being transformed into a strategic junction that connects Morocco with its African counterparts, enhancing its significance as a center for sustainable growth driven by robust infrastructure, energy resources, and economic stability.
Building Bridges for African Development
The Zambian diplomat and economist Titus Mumba emphasized the valuable insights gained during the visit, particularly regarding Morocco’s effective approaches to territorial development and its national branding strategies. He commended Morocco’s forward-looking vision, which has significant implications for the economic and strategic potential of the Dakhla region. This exchange serves as a catalyst for shared prosperity among African nations, with the Atlantic Opening initiative launched in 2023 standing out as a pivotal royal initiative aimed at supporting landlocked African countries like Zambia, Botswana, Ethiopia, and others.
During their stay, the diplomats were presented with information on significant infrastructure projects, investment prospects, and various development initiatives, particularly in logistics, the blue economy, and renewable energy sectors. The discussions also involved a meeting with El Khattat Yanja, the President of the Dakhla-Oued Eddahab region, focusing on enhancing regional development opportunities that promise improved connectivity and cooperative frameworks.
Dakhla’s strategic importance is further amplified by its ability to host regional, continental, and international events, reinforcing its role as a dynamic diplomatic center. This city, often referred to as the “Pearl of the South,” has facilitated numerous bilateral meetings between Morocco and various African nations, solidifying its position in strengthening relationships and opening consular representations of several sister states.
By 2026, Dakhla is projected to become a pivotal diplomatic hub for Africa, highlighted by its hosting of the International Diplomacy Training Programme aimed at equipping African diplomats with essential skills and knowledge. The city’s diplomatic aspirations have been acknowledged by Morocco’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Nasser Bourita, who noted the successful hosting of joint cooperation committees with countries such as Comoros, Sierra Leone, Burkina Faso, and Guinea.
In addition to its growing role in economic cooperation, Dakhla is emerging as an institutional center, now hosting the headquarters of the Pan-African Institute for Development (PID), which has relocated from Geneva to provide training for African civil servants and diplomats. This development further establishes Dakhla as a vital bridge for communication, understanding, and cultural exchange among Mediterranean and Atlantic leaders.
As reported by atalayar.com.
