The development of port infrastructure on the Moroccan Atlantic facade could strengthen trade with West Africa. But for the Moroccan Association of Intercontinental Road Transport (AMTRI), this ambition cannot be achieved without a modernisation of road transport, a better flow of customs procedures and a strengthening of regional cooperation.
As Morocco invests in the ports of Agadir and Dakhla Atlantic, AMTRI believes that road transport must evolve to accompany this new logistics dynamic.
According to its president, Amer Zghinou, this infrastructure could promote the emergence of new corridors linking the Kingdom to West African markets, provided that it ensures a better link between ports, logistics platforms, industrial areas and road networks.
The association considers that the competitiveness of these corridors will depend as much on the organisation of the supply chain as on investment in infrastructure.
It also calls for reform of the sector to improve the competitiveness of Moroccan carriers. Among the priorities mentioned are more structured access to the profession, fleet renewal, digitisation of operations and the establishment of mechanisms to reduce operating costs.
The association also believes that the development of new shipping lines between Morocco and West Africa could complement land transport by reducing pressure on the El Guergarat corridor, while strengthening the fluidity of trade.
Beyond infrastructure issues, industry professionals highlight several operational obstacles. Difficulties in obtaining visas for international drivers make it difficult to rotate between Morocco and Europe, while customs procedures, administrative formalities and traffic restrictions on certain African routes continue to lengthen transport times.
In this way, the AMTRI calls for harmonization of regulations and strengthening of bilateral agreements to facilitate travel and logistical operations.
For the association, the development of future African corridors will be based on both regional and infrastructure cooperation.
It believes that investments in Moroccan ports will only have a full impact if national companies strengthen their financial capacity, modernise their services and develop services with higher added value.
The aim is to bring out Moroccan operators capable of competing with major international players while supporting the logistical and commercial integration of the African continent.
