A Historic Milestone for Morocco: Completion of the Tiznit-Dakhla Highway (video)
The Tiznit-Dakhla highway, completed at 1,055 kilometers and costing around $1 billion, connects Morocco's Souss-Massa region to Western Sahara. This project enhances regional connectivity, stimulates economic growth for over 2.2 million residents, and underscores Morocco's sustainable development efforts, despite previous challenges like sandstorms and the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Tiznit-Dakhla highway, spanning 1,055 kilometers, has officially been completed, marking a significant achievement for Morocco. This extensive infrastructure project, which took over a decade and cost approximately $1 billion, connects the Souss-Massa region to the southernmost parts of Western Sahara. Its completion is expected to enhance Morocco's position in international discussions regarding its autonomy plan for Western Sahara under Moroccan sovereignty.
Morocco is unique in Africa for its ambitious development of ultra-modern cities in desert regions. The country is investing heavily in state-of-the-art infrastructure and green energy initiatives, attracting attention from global powers including the UK, US, China, and France.
Key Benefits of the Highway
- Enhanced Connectivity: The highway aims to improve connections with major national production and distribution centers, significantly reducing travel times and minimizing accident risks.
- Economic Growth: It is projected to attract investments and stimulate economic activity across four regions: Souss-Massa, Guelmim-Oued Noun, Laâyoune-Sakia El Hamra, and Dakhla-Oued Ed-Dahab, benefiting over 2.2 million residents.
- Traveler Amenities: The highway includes rest areas and truck stops designed for traveler convenience.
Mbarek Fencha, the project’s central director, highlighted that this initiative is crucial for developing southern provinces and strengthening Morocco's ties with its African neighbors. Despite facing challenges such as sandstorms and disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the project has made significant progress.
Completion Status and Future Outlook
With an overall completion rate of 97%, many sections of the highway are already operational. This project is anticipated to have a transformative impact on regional investments and socioeconomic growth. The Tiznit-Dakhla highway not only represents a major infrastructure advancement but also underscores Morocco's commitment to sustainable development in the region.
Additional Insights
- Strategic Importance: The highway plays a vital role in connecting various regions within Morocco and enhancing its international standing.
- Overcoming Challenges: The construction faced numerous obstacles that were successfully navigated.
- Future Development: The highway is expected to facilitate future growth and development in the region.
This report provides a comprehensive overview of the Tiznit-Dakhla highway project, emphasizing its significance for Morocco's ongoing development and regional integration efforts. Further details may be tailored to meet specific publication needs or audience interests.