Marsa Maroc, Morocco’s leading port operator, is expanding its African logistics presence by establishing three new subsidiaries, including Marsa Djibouti and Marsa Benin. The initiative aims to enhance operations related to petroleum logistics and access key West African markets. With positive financial performance and strategic plans, Marsa Maroc is poised for significant growth in the continent’s logistics sector.
Marsa Maroc, Morocco’s premier port operator, is poised to enhance its logistical operations across Africa by establishing new international subsidiaries in Djibouti and Benin. This strategic initiative, officially authorized by the government and detailed in the Official Gazette, reflects the company’s commitment to expanding its reach throughout the continent.
The cornerstone of this expansion is the formation of Marsa Maroc International Logistics, which is capitalized at MAD 300 million ($30 million) and will oversee the company’s international investment ventures. This parent organization will also manage two focused subsidiaries: Marsa Djibouti and Marsa Benin.
Marsa Djibouti will acquire a stake in Damerjog Oil Jetty FZE, which is tasked with developing a petroleum terminal in Djibouti’s free trade zone. This strategically located terminal is intended to facilitate significant logistic flows pertaining to petroleum product storage and reloading, particularly catering to the markets of Ethiopia and Djibouti.
Simultaneously, Marsa Benin will take charge of managing terminals 1 and 5 at the Port of Cotonou, following an agreement with Benin Manutentions SA. This advantageous position on the Atlantic coast is set to enhance Marsa Maroc’s access to essential West African markets, including Nigeria, Niger, and Burkina Faso.
Marsa Maroc currently boasts a formidable domestic presence, managing 25 terminals across 11 ports in Morocco, including the critical Tanger Med 1 and Casablanca facilities. They are further strengthening these domestic operations through a recent agreement to manage a container terminal at the Nador West Med port, with a projected capacity exceeding three million twenty-foot equivalent units set to commence operations in mid-2026.
The financial outlook for Marsa Maroc remains positive, with profits recorded at MAD 852 million ($85.2 million) last year, representing a 5% annual increase. To facilitate this expansion, the company has secured MAD 690 million ($69 million) in funding from the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development to augment terminal capacities.
Marsa Maroc is a partially state-owned entity, holding a 25% state ownership share and a 35% stake in the Tanger Med Port. The establishment of the new subsidiaries, each with capital of MAD 300,000 ($30,000), marks a pivotal development in Marsa Maroc’s strategic growth across the continent.
“From a strategic perspective, the creation of these subsidiaries aligns with Marsa Maroc’s roadmap to become a key player in port infrastructure management and logistics services across the African continent,” stated Les Inspirations Éco in its January 6 edition. The company’s strategy underscores portfolio diversification while encouraging partnerships with local entities. Moreover, Marsa Maroc continues to explore new opportunities, including public-private partnerships focused on port management across additional African nations.
Marsa Maroc is actively broadening its horizons in the African logistics sector by establishing subsidiaries in Djibouti and Benin. This expansion, spearheaded by Marsa Maroc International Logistics, underscores the company’s commitment to becoming a prominent player in African port management and logistics services. With robust financial backing and a strategic focus on partnership development, Marsa Maroc’s growth trajectory appears promising.
Original Source: www.moroccoworldnews.com
