Marsa Maroc Expands African Presence with New Subsidiaries in Djibouti and Benin
Marsa Maroc, Morocco’s leading port operator, is expanding its African operations by establishing three new subsidiaries, namely Marsa Djibouti and Marsa Benin, under Marsa Maroc International Logistics. This expansion aims to enhance logistics capabilities in East and West Africa, with investments focused on petroleum terminal management and key port operations. The company continues to build on its strong domestic presence and financial performance as it seeks to tap into emerging African markets.
Marsa Maroc, Morocco’s premier port operator, is poised to enhance its African logistics network by establishing three new international subsidiaries, as disclosed in the Official Gazette. This strategic expansion is anchored by the creation of Marsa Maroc International Logistics, with a capital of MAD 300 million ($30 million), earmarked for managing international investment projects across the continent.
The parent company will supervise two specialized subsidiaries: Marsa Djibouti and Marsa Benin. In East Africa, Marsa Djibouti is set to acquire a stake in Damerjog Oil Jetty FZE, tasked with developing and managing a petroleum terminal within Djibouti’s free zone, aimed at engaging with the Ethiopian and Djiboutian logistics markets for petroleum product storage.
Simultaneously, Marsa Benin will take charge of terminals 1 and 5 at the Port of Cotonou under a management agreement with Benin Manutentions SA. This advantageous position along the Atlantic coast will facilitate access to key West African markets such as Nigeria, Niger, and Burkina Faso.
Building on its robust domestic operations, Marsa Maroc currently manages 25 terminals across 11 Moroccan ports, including strategic hubs like Tanger Med 1 and Casablanca. Furthermore, the company is set to expand its local operations with a new agreement to manage a container terminal at Nador West Med port, which will cater to over three million twenty-foot equivalent units, with operations expected to commence in mid-2026.
Financially, Marsa Maroc continues to showcase its market resilience, reporting profits of MAD 852 million ($85.2 million) in the previous year, representing a 5% annual increase. To bolster its expansion efforts, the company has successfully secured MAD 690 million ($69 million) from the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, aimed at enhancing terminal capacities.
Marsa Maroc’s expansion into Africa through the establishment of new subsidiaries in Djibouti and Benin reflects its commitment to strengthening its logistics foothold on the continent. By leveraging its existing domestic stronghold and securing significant funding, the company intends to improve its operational capacity while tapping into lucrative markets in East and West Africa. The strategic roadmap positions Marsa Maroc as a pivotal player in African port infrastructure management.
Original Source: moroccoworldnews.com
