The southern provinces of Morocco are becoming a driving force in deepening economic cooperation between Morocco and France, opening new prospects for shared growth and African integration, economic actors from both countries said on Thursday in Dakhla.
Speaking at the Morocco-France Economic Forum, participants agreed on the central role of Morocco’s southern regions in strengthening the strategic partnership between the two countries. They highlighted the region’s major investments, its agricultural and energy potential, and its strategic location as a gateway for African integration.
Mehdi Tazi, vice president of the General Confederation of Moroccan Enterprises (CGEM), described the event as an opportunity to showcase the “immense potential” of the southern provinces.
He recalled that the Dakhla-Oued Eddahab region has significant agricultural potential and ideal natural conditions for developing renewable energy, thanks to year-round sunshine and steady winds.
Fabrice Le Saché, vice president of the Movement of the Enterprises of France (MEDEF), said the presence of French business leaders in Dakhla reflected “a clear will for tangible economic cooperation built on dialogue and understanding.” He commended Morocco’s development model for the southern provinces, describing it as a “gateway to sub-Saharan Africa” that transcends national borders.
Mohamed El Kettani, co-president of the Morocco-France Business Leaders Club, underlined the symbolic importance of holding the forum in Dakhla, saying it marks France’s recognition of Morocco’s sovereignty over its southern provinces. He pointed to the participation of French investors already active in the region, notably in the seawater desalination project jointly developed by Nareva and ENGIE.
“This project reflects sustainable energy and agricultural cooperation between the two countries, rooted in strong partnerships and long-term vision,” El Kettani noted.
For his part, Ross McInnes, co-president of the same business club, emphasized the integrated industrial dimension of the Franco-Moroccan partnership, which spans the entire value chain, from design and investment to supply, manufacturing, and export.
He commended the quality of Moroccan engineering education, which supports the development of high-tech industrial projects in sectors such as automotive, aerospace, and energy. “These industries rely on the skill and reliability of Moroccan subcontractors,” he said.
Jointly organized by the CGEM and MEDEF through the Morocco-France Business Leaders Club, the Dakhla forum aims to deepen bilateral economic cooperation and identify new synergies between Moroccan and French business communities.
MWN with MAP
