The Dakhla seawater desalination plant is poised to revolutionize the region’s agriculture and economy through sustainable and inclusive development. Powered entirely by wind energy, the facility is designed to conserve groundwater resources while significantly boosting agricultural productivity and job creation in southern Morocco.
With a projected annual output of 37 million cubic meters of desalinated water, the plant will allocate 30 million cubic meters for the irrigation of 5,200 hectares of farmland. The remaining 7 million cubic meters will supply drinking water to Dakhla city and the upcoming Atlantic port. This ambitious project reflects a dual focus on environmental sustainability and regional development.
A major socioeconomic benefit of the project is its potential to generate employment. It is expected to create more than 25,000 permanent jobs, particularly benefiting the youth in the region. By transforming the Dakhla-Oued Eddahab region into a thriving agricultural hub, the initiative also aims to enhance water and food security, setting a precedent for sustainable rural development in arid areas.
With a total investment of MAD 2.6 billion (approximately $260 million), the project operates under a public-private partnership model. A key component is a 60-megawatt wind farm that will power the entire desalination process, ensuring a steady supply of clean energy and reinforcing Morocco’s commitment to renewable energy goals.
The project will directly benefit 219 farms, of which 100 are specifically designated for young local farmers. This provision is intended to encourage the emergence of a new generation of agricultural entrepreneurs who can drive innovation and productivity in the sector.
In addition to agriculture, the government is advancing efforts in modernizing infrastructure and promoting industrial development in the region. Two major commercial facilities the wholesale market and the local fruit and vegetable market are undergoing upgrades to improve distribution systems and hygiene standards. The wholesale market is reportedly 90% complete, signaling imminent operational readiness.
Significant progress has also been made in the fishing sector. A seafood processing facility with a capacity of 140 tons per day is 95% complete. With an investment of MAD 127 million, this facility is expected to create approximately 500 direct and indirect jobs. The plant is part of a broader initiative to establish Dakhla as a national center for seafood product development. Notably, the facility will also process byproducts into fish oil and meal, supporting a circular economy model.
Further investments in the fishing industry include a large-scale project focused on small pelagic fish, aimed at creating six industrial units in Dakhla. With a budget of MAD 1.16 billion, the program is set to generate 4,378 jobs while increasing local processing capacity and promoting high-value seafood industries.
Enhancing maritime safety is also a priority. A program funded with MAD 20.6 million will distribute radio beacons to 6,183 artisanal fishing boats, including 3,207 operating in Dakhla. This initiative is designed to improve safety and working conditions for fishermen along the southern Atlantic coast.
Overall, the series of integrated projects in Dakhla-Oued Eddahab underscores a broader national strategy to elevate the southern provinces to international standards while positioning Morocco as a gateway to Africa. Through sustainable resource management and inclusive economic development, the region is becoming a model for green growth and resilience.
