Morocco has opened its Atlantic ports to landlocked Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger, in a move poised to reshape West African trade.
This landmark agreement, finalized in 2023, grants these Sahel nations access to the newly constructed Port of Dakhla, offering a direct gateway to global markets and reducing reliance on neighboring coastal states.
The initiative, discussed yesterday in Rabat between King Mohammed VI and the foreign ministers of the newly formed Alliance of Sahel Countries (AES), signifies a potential shift in regional trade routes and alliances.
Moroccan Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita emphasized the initiative's potential, stating the discussions would provide an opportunity for the Sahel countries to access vital trade routes.
While specific details regarding implementation remain undisclosed, the Moroccan foreign ministry confirmed the AES ministers' commitment to rapid action.
Analysts suggest this agreement could significantly alter the geopolitical landscape of West Africa, potentially fostering economic growth in the Sahel region and strengthening ties between Morocco and the AES.
This move also underscores Morocco’s growing influence in the region and its strategic focus on economic partnerships, the Indian Times reported.