Sahara: U.S. investors explore business opportunities in Dakhla-Oued Eddahab region, gateway to Africa
An American delegation composed of elected officials & business leaders from Great Neck, Nassau County in the state of New York, visited this week the Moroccan Saharan city of Dakhla to tap into the region’s economic potential, identify its investment opportunities and strengthen cooperation ties between the twinned cities.
Members of the delegation held meetings with the Wali of Dakhla-Oued Eddahab region, governor of the province Oued Eddahab, President of Dakhla City Council, Director of regional investment Centre and Head of regional employers Union.
They were briefed on the local infrastructure projects, incentives offered to investors and huge business opportunities in renewables energies, agricultures, fisheries, tourism, desalination…
The American delegation was impressed by Dakhla’s wind & solar resources, with ongoing projects including 900 MW wind farm, and the giant Atlantic port, a $1.6 billion deep-water port under construction, aimed at boosting trade with West Africa, Europe, and the Americas.
The American investors were also interested by Dakhla’s plan of expanding irrigated farmlands (via a desalination plant for 5,000 hectares) and potentials of aquaculture in the fertile coastal zone.
US investor Lior Cohen told the media the mission is meant to develop joint projects and identify new regional investment opportunities. The delegation seeks to establish sustainable economic relationships with local stakeholders, envisioning long-term partnership development rather than isolated transactions, he said.
Health sector investor Edwin Cohen Azarkian noted that favorable conditions observed during his initial Dakhla visit, combined with the region’s remarkable economic momentum, encouraged his return for deeper examination of investment prospects and high-potential development sectors. His repeated engagement signals genuine business interest beyond preliminary exploration.
In its 2025 Investment Climate report, the US government highlighted Morocco’s emergence as a gateway to Africa, Europe, and the Middle East, positioning the country as a preferred destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) and regional manufacturing.
Morocco’s geographic location at the crossroads of three continents is complemented by world-class infrastructure, including Africa’s largest commercial port, Tanger-Med, and the upcoming Nador West Med and Dakhla Atlantic ports. These projects are part of Morocco’s “Atlantic Initiative,” aimed at connecting landlocked Sahel countries to global trade routes.
Morocco remains the only African country with a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with the United States. The FTA supports Morocco’s ambition to become a regional financial and trade hub.