Morocco is spearheading a significant initiative to provide landlocked Sahel countries with direct access to the Atlantic Ocean, aiming to stimulate economic growth and regional integration. This project, championed by King Mohammed VI, is designed to offer Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger crucial trade routes utilizing Morocco's advanced port infrastructure.
During the Third United Nations Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDC3) in Awaza, Turkmenistan, Morocco's Ambassador Omar Hilale reaffirmed the nation's dedication to South-South cooperation and the accelerated development of landlocked nations. The initiative, first announced in December 2023, directly addresses the substantial challenges faced by landlocked countries, which typically incur trade costs more than double those of their coastal counterparts. On average, landlocked nations are approximately 1,370 kilometers from the nearest port, leading to increased transportation costs, delays, and reduced competitiveness.
The foreign ministers of Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger met with King Mohammed VI in April 2025, expressing strong support for expediting this vital initiative. This development aligns with the Sahelian nations' strategic realignment, particularly following their withdrawal from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the formation of the Alliance of Sahel States (AES). Morocco's offer presents a critical alternative, mitigating the impact of ECOWAS sanctions and facilitating smoother trade flows. Mali's foreign minister, Abdoulaye Diop, emphasized the initiative's importance for "diversifying our access to the sea," highlighting the strategic value of the Atlantic connection for the region's economies.
Morocco's commitment to enhancing regional connectivity is further evidenced by its substantial infrastructure investments across Africa. Moroccan exports to the continent have surged from $300 million to over $3 billion between 2004 and 2024, with a significant portion directed towards Sahel-Saharan countries. The nation is also a major investor in West Africa's financial and agricultural sectors, solidifying its role as a key economic partner. The Atlantic Initiative is poised to reshape trade dynamics, offering a more resilient and integrated economic future for the Sahel region, while simultaneously strengthening Morocco's position as a central logistical and diplomatic bridge for West Africa. The project is viewed as a move towards regional cooperation and infrastructure-led development, providing a pathway to greater economic prosperity and stability for millions.