Agadir-Dakar Maritime Route: A Game Changer for Morocco-Africa Trade
The Agadir-Dakar maritime route, launching in February 2025, is set to enhance trade between Morocco and Sub-Saharan Africa. Anticipated benefits include a 31% increase in Moroccan citrus exports by 2025, improved logistical efficiency, and a vital link fostering economic cooperation across approximately 350 million people in West Africa and the Sahel.
HASSAN BENYOUB 
The recent announcement of the Agadir-Dakar maritime route is generating significant excitement, promising to transform trade relations between Morocco and Sub-Saharan Africa. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has reported that Moroccan citrus exports could increase by 31%, reaching 597,000 tons by 2025. This growth is attributed to favorable weather conditions and improved water management techniques.
Strengthening Trade Relations
The USDA also emphasizes that the strengthening of trade relations between Morocco and West African countries will be further enhanced by this new maritime connection. Inaugurated on December 11, 2024, the route, set to commence operations in February 2025, is designed not only to serve Dakar but also to connect several countries in West Africa and the Sahel, representing approximately 350 million inhabitants.
Driss Boutti, president of the Agadir Souss-Massa region, noted that this line could handle up to 6,000 trucks annually, out of a total potential of 60,000 trucks needed to meet demand.
Impact on the Citrus Market
Kacem Bennanni Smires, president of the Moroccan Interprofessional Citrus Federation (Maroc Citrus), pointed out that the Moroccan citrus market has undergone significant changes in recent years, including a decline in exports to Russia and increased diversification towards African markets. He stated that this new maritime route comes at a crucial time to boost these exchanges.
The USDA's optimistic forecasts are supported by a favorable agricultural season, which bodes well for exports.
Economic and Logistical Opportunities
The partnership between the Moroccan government and British company Atlas Marine marks an important step in maritime transport between Morocco and its African partners. This initiative aims to reduce transportation costs while improving logistical efficiency. Compared to land transport, which can take up to ten days, this new maritime route will allow for much quicker delivery times, thereby preserving the quality of perishable products such as fruits and vegetables.
Karim Achengli, president of the Souss-Massa Regional Council, emphasized that this line represents a direct link that will open new opportunities for importers and exporters while strengthening intra-African trade.
Conclusion
The Agadir-Dakar maritime route is viewed as a strategic project that will not only facilitate trade between Morocco and West Africa but also reinforce Morocco's position as a key logistics hub on the African continent. This initiative aligns with a broader vision aimed at invigorating economic relations within the region.
