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Canary Islands' partnership with Dakhla port undermines Polisario's credibility
The Canary Islands’ active participation in Morocco's territorial development marks a significant shift in geopolitical dynamics, further isolating the Polisario Front. Once a recipient of Spain’s institutional backing, the separatist movement now faces a reality where former allies have transitioned into economic partners with Morocco, signaling the erosion of their ideological and geopolitical influence.
From political patronage to economic alignment
Spain’s role as a key supporter of the Polisario has unequivocally transformed into a partnership with Morocco that prioritizes territorial sovereignty and economic collaboration. The latest evidence of this shift comes from Proexca, a public company under the presidency of the Canary Islands government, which has organized a commercial mission to the Atlantic Port of Dakhla from November 29 to December 2. This initiative, conducted in partnership with the Canary Federation of Port Companies (Fedeport), aims to position Canary businesses within Morocco's ambitious port development strategy.
Under the banner “Port Dakhla 2025,” the mission focuses on promoting investment opportunities in the Atlantic Port of Dakhla, a €1.3 billion logistics project designed to connect Africa, Europe, and America. The initiative targets port and maritime sectors, as well as auxiliary industries such as ship maintenance, logistics, renewable energy, and sustainable economic activities, aligning with Morocco’s broader southern development strategy.
Proexca describes the mission as an opportunity for Canary businesses to invest in a “prosperous territory like Western Sahara, which is monitored by Morocco.” This framing underscores Spain’s increasing alignment with Morocco's sovereignty position, moving beyond rhetorical support to structured economic cooperation.
Strategic opportunities for Canary businesses
The Atlantic Port of Dakhla is poised to become a logistics hub for West Africa and the Sahel, offering a gateway to Africa and facilitating Morocco’s Africa-Atlantic initiative. The port will integrate regional markets, strengthen South-South cooperation, and foster African economic development. Situated 40 kilometers north of Dakhla in Ntireft, the port benefits from favorable nautical conditions and is already 25% complete, with over 1,600 workers engaged in its construction.
Once operational, the port will process up to 35 million tons of cargo annually, including over 5 million tons of liquid raw materials and 25 million tons of solid goods. It will handle over 1 million containers and store 5 million tons of petroleum each year. A 650-hectare industrial logistics zone will further enhance Morocco’s trade connections with Africa and beyond.
The Canary mission will provide participating businesses with strategic insights and opportunities, including technical visits to port facilities, logistics hubs, and investment zones. Institutional meetings with regional government officials, port authorities, and business associations aim to foster partnerships, while business-to-business meetings will facilitate direct collaboration between Moroccan and Canary firms.
The end of Spain’s ambiguity on the Sahara
Spain’s evolving stance on the Sahara conflict reflects a broader policy recalibration. What was once limited to Pedro Sánchez’s government is now echoed in regional administrations like the Canary Islands. Spain has moved from declarative alignment with Morocco’s sovereignty to operational collaboration, institutionalizing its support through economic initiatives such as Dakhla port development.
This shift further isolates the Polisario Front, which has relied on historical geopolitical support to legitimize its separatist agenda. With Spain’s transition from ideological patronage to structured economic partnership, the Polisario faces diminishing relevance in the geopolitical landscape.
The Atlantic Port of Dakhla symbolizes Morocco’s commitment to regional integration and economic progress, solidifying its position as a key player in Africa-Atlantic trade and cooperation. For the Polisario, the involvement of former allies like Spain in Morocco’s development projects highlights the collapse of their external validation and the growing irrelevance of their separatist aspirations.