Dakhla desalination plant enhances sustainable agriculture and regional economy

Morocco’s Agriculture Minister Ahmed El Bouari emphasized the significance of the Dakhla seawater desalination plant during his recent visit to the region. The minister characterized the project as innovative, environmentally sustainable, and socially inclusive.

This initiative aims to establish a robust agricultural hub that will have a considerable economic impact on both the region and the country. Notably, the facility is designed to operate entirely on wind energy while safeguarding groundwater resources.

In terms of socioeconomic benefits, the project is expected to generate substantial job opportunities for local youth. “This project will create over 25,000 permanent jobs,” El Bouari stated.

During his visit to assess the progress of agricultural and fishing-related developments in the Dakhla-Oued Eddahab region, the minister noted that the plant also seeks to “strengthen the region’s water and food security.”

Anticipated to produce 37 million cubic meters of water annually, the desalination plant will allocate 30 million cubic meters for irrigating 5,200 hectares of farmland, while the remaining 7 million cubic meters will provide drinking water to Dakhla city and the future Atlantic port.

The government has earmarked a total investment of MAD 2.6 billion (approximately $260 million) for this public-private partnership, which includes a 60-megawatt wind farm to ensure a sustainable energy supply.

The initiative will benefit 219 farms, with 100 designated for young farmers from the region, supporting land development and the emergence of a new generation of agricultural entrepreneurs.

El Bouari also inspected two commercial facilities being modernized in collaboration with the Dakhla municipality: the wholesale market and the local fruit and vegetable market. These enhancements are aimed at improving distribution networks and health standards, with the wholesale market already 90% complete.

In the fishing sector, El Bouari and the Secretary of State for Sea Fishing, Zakia Driouch, visited a seafood processing facility nearing completion. With a capacity of 140 tons per day, this MAD 127 million ($13.707 million) project is set to create approximately 500 direct and indirect jobs.

“Dakhla is now establishing itself as a national hub for seafood product development, fostering a growing industrial ecosystem,” Driouch remarked. She highlighted that byproducts from processing are utilized to produce fish oil and meal, aligning with a circular economy approach.

The officials also toured an integrated project focused on small pelagic fish, which plans to create six industrial units in Dakhla with a budget of MAD 1.16 billion ($125.202 million), generating 4,378 jobs. This program aims to enhance locally processed resources and bolster high-value industries.

At the headquarters of the South Atlantic Maritime Fisheries Chamber, the minister and secretary launched a program to distribute radio beacons to artisanal fishing boats operating along the southern Atlantic coast. Funded by the Maritime Fishing Department with MAD 20.6 million ($2,232), this initiative will equip 6,183 boats, including 3,207 in Dakhla, to improve safety at sea and working conditions for fishermen.

The visit underscores Morocco’s commitment to developing its southern provinces, ensuring they meet international standards while reinforcing the country’s role as a gateway to Africa.