Accra, Jan. 29, GNA – King Mohammed VI on Wednesday chaired a high‑level strategic meeting at the Royal Palace in Casablanca to review progress on the Nador West Med port and industrial complex, as Morocco intensifies preparations for the project’s operational launch slated for the fourth quarter of 2026.
The session forms part of the King’s broader economic vision aimed at deepening Morocco’s integration into global value chains through the expansion of modern port infrastructure. It also highlights the strategic weight attached to Nador West Med as a new driver of competitiveness, industrial development and balanced regional growth.
Briefing the meeting, Mr. Fouad Brini, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Nador West Med, outlined major achievements recorded to date. The project builds on the international success of Tanger Med—now ranked as the leading port hub in Africa and the Mediterranean—and extends similar ambitions to the eastern seaboard.
Authorities say the project is designed to strengthen Morocco’s economic resilience, stimulate job creation and support the emergence of a more complementary national port system.
Developed as an integrated platform, Nador West Med combines a next‑generation port with industrial, logistics and energy zones. Total public and private investments committed so far amount to MAD 51 billion.
According to officials, all primary port infrastructure has been completed. These include 5.4 kilometres of breakwaters, 4 kilometres of quays, and four power stations. Concession agreements for two container terminals have been signed and are expected to take effect progressively within the year.
A central feature of the project is the creation of an energy hub incorporating Morocco’s first liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminal, with an annual capacity of 5 billion cubic metres, as well as a hydrocarbon terminal. This initiative responds directly to Morocco’s long‑term energy security and sovereignty priorities.
At full launch capacity, the port is projected to handle 5 million containers per year, in addition to 35 million tonnes of liquid and solid bulk cargo. In the long term, officials estimate potential growth of up to 12 million additional containers and 15 million tonnes of liquid bulk cargo annually.
The wider development programme also includes the establishment of activity zones covering 700 hectares in the first phase. These zones have already begun receiving installations by international operators, with private investments reaching MAD 20 billion. Authorities describe this as a strong sign of confidence from global maritime and industrial players in Morocco’s economic prospects.
At the close of the meeting, King Mohammed VI instructed all stakeholders to ensure the project enters service under optimal conditions. He further called for the rapid rollout of sector‑specific training initiatives to support investor needs, promote youth employment and enhance workforce skills.
The King emphasised that the benefits of the investment must extend to all provinces within the port’s area of influence.
He therefore urged the implementation of territorial upgrading programmes aimed at improving local living conditions and safeguarding the project’s long‑term contribution to regional development.
The meeting was attended by the Minister of the Interior, Mr. Abdelouafi Laftit; the Minister of Economy and Finance, Mrs. Nadia Fettah; the Minister of Equipment and Water, Mr. Nizar Baraka; the Minister of Industry and Trade, Mr. Ryad Mezzour; the Minister of Energy Transition and Sustainable Development, Mrs. Leila Benali; and Mr. Fouad Brini, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Nador West Med.
GNA
Kenneth Odeng Adade