A US business delegation from Great Neck, New York, recently visited Dakhla, in Morocco’s southern Sahara, to explore investment prospects and strengthen cooperation between the twinned cities. The visit, led by Great Neck Mayor Pedram Bral, underscores growing American interest in Morocco as a gateway for regional trade and investment.
The delegation’s agenda included site visits, meetings with local business leaders, and interactions with students at Mohammed VI University of Science and Health. Officials also toured the Mohammed VI International University Hospital Center project, a flagship initiative offering advanced medical services and positioning Dakhla as a rising destination for medical tourism. Mayor Bral highlighted Morocco’s geostrategic advantages, political stability, and investment-friendly environment as key attractions for US investors.
The Dakhla-Oued Eddahab region is increasingly recognized for its economic potential. Its geographic location at the crossroads of Africa, Europe, and the Middle East, combined with expanding trade networks, makes it a prime target for foreign direct investment (FDI). Morocco’s government has invested heavily in infrastructure, including Africa’s largest commercial port, Tanger-Med, as well as the upcoming Nador West Med and Dakhla Atlantic ports. These initiatives form part of Morocco’s “Atlantic Initiative,” aimed at connecting landlocked Sahel countries to global trade routes and strengthening Morocco’s position as a regional logistics hub.
According to the US government’s 2025 Investment Climate report, Morocco offers a stable and attractive business environment. The report highlights the Kingdom’s modern infrastructure, robust governance, and open economy, positioning it as a preferred destination for regional manufacturing, financial services, and trade facilitation. In particular, Morocco remains the only African country with a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with the United States, a framework that supports bilateral trade and investment and reinforces the country’s ambitions to become a regional economic and financial hub.
The American delegation’s visit also emphasized the potential for public-private partnerships in the region. With the Trump administration earmarking $5 billion in funding for the development of the Moroccan Sahara, Dakhla is poised to become a key economic corridor for renewable energy, tourism, fisheries, and logistics. The delegation explored opportunities in sectors ranging from healthcare and education to sustainable tourism and port services, signaling interest in long-term investment engagement.
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Morocco’s Southern Provinces benefit from a combination of favorable conditions, including abundant natural resources, a skilled labor force, and supportive legal and regulatory frameworks. Investments in infrastructure and human capital have enhanced the region’s attractiveness for international investors seeking stable and profitable ventures in Africa. By highlighting these assets, the visit aims to foster stronger commercial ties between Morocco and the United States while facilitating knowledge transfer and capacity-building initiatives.
The delegation’s engagement with students and universities reflects a commitment to human capital development, ensuring that local communities can benefit from expanded economic activity. Collaborative programs in science, technology, and healthcare are expected to complement broader economic initiatives, enhancing innovation and sustainability in regional development projects.
The visit is also aligned with Morocco’s broader economic vision to decentralize development, promote inclusive growth, and strengthen the southern regions. By integrating Dakhla into national and international trade networks, the Kingdom seeks to create jobs, enhance local entrepreneurship, and diversify the regional economy. Strategic partnerships with international cities like Great Neck help bring expertise, investment, and visibility to these objectives.
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In conclusion, the US delegation’s exploration of Dakhla-Oued Eddahab highlights Morocco’s growing role as a regional economic hub. With strategic infrastructure, favorable policies, and a robust FDI framework, the southern Sahara region is attracting global interest. The collaboration between Moroccan authorities and US investors promises to accelerate development, enhance trade, and foster sustainable growth in this strategically important part of the Kingdom.
