The benefits of King Mohammed VI’s Atlantic Initiative for the Sahel, as well as its role in strengthening regional integration and the economic development of Sahelian countries, were highlighted in N’Djamena.
This came in a meeting on the Royal initiative to promote access to the Atlantic Ocean for Sahel states, held on the sidelines of the Chad Infrastructure Development Forum convened in N’Djamena February 18-20.
The meeting, attended by Morocco’s ambassador to N’Djamena Abdellatif Erroja, emphasized the mutually beneficial nature of this initiative, which aims to unlock the vast economic potential of Sahel countries, accelerate their growth, encourage a greater presence of the private sector and promote sustainable development. In addition, the initiative aims to make economic growth a lever for regional and continental integration.
Taking the floor, the Moroccan diplomat recalled the launch of the initiative in 2023 as part of the “African Atlantic States Process,” and explained that this initiative is an extension of the African strategy initiated by the King, who spearheaded ambitious actions in Africa since the early 2000s.
He also recalled the structuring projects undertaken by Morocco as part of this initiative, notably the development of the Atlantic seaboard, the construction of the expressway linking Dakhla to the Kingdom’s highway network, and the Dakhla-Atlantique port, which will become a regional logistics hub.
The Nigeria-Morocco Gas Pipeline project, which will benefit several African countries, was also highlighted by the Moroccan diplomat as a lever of prosperity for the continent.
Praising N’Djamena’s active involvement in the process of operationalizing the Royal Atlantic Initiative, Erroja recalled that Chad had participated in ministerial meetings and in the “National Task Forces” in charge of its implementation.
The Chad Infrastructure Development Forum illustrates the common objectives of the two countries in terms of improving access and regional integration, he said.
The forum, a first in Chad, brought together experts, investors, policymakers and private sector representatives from around the world to discuss the challenges and opportunities related to infrastructure development in the country.
The forum sought to identify the challenges and opportunities related to infrastructure development in Chad; promote public-private partnerships and innovative financing models; explore technologies and innovations for modern infrastructure; and strengthen regional coordination and international cooperation.