Marsa Maroc Expands African Presence with New Subsidiaries in Djibouti and Benin
Marsa Maroc, Morocco’s leading port operator, is expanding its African logistics presence through three new subsidiaries, Marsa Djibouti and Marsa Benin, backed by MAD 300 million ($30 million) in funding. This expansion will enhance its access to key markets in East and West Africa, reflecting a strong growth strategy supported by robust financial investments.
Marsa Maroc, Morocco’s premier port operator, is enhancing its presence in African logistics with the launching of three new international subsidiaries, as authorized by the government and noted in the Official Gazette. This initiative is primarily driven by the establishment of Marsa Maroc International Logistics, which is funded at MAD 300 million ($30 million), tasked with overseeing various investment initiatives abroad.
The newly formed parent company will encompass two specialized subsidiaries: Marsa Djibouti and Marsa Benin. Marsa Djibouti will engage in acquiring a stake in Damerjog Oil Jetty FZE, which is responsible for the development and management of a petroleum terminal situated within Djibouti’s free zone, focusing on petroleum product logistics catering to Ethiopia and Djibouti.
On the other hand, Marsa Benin is set to manage terminals 1 and 5 at the Port of Cotonou, leveraging a management agreement with Benin Manutentions SA. This strategic positioning along the Atlantic coast positions Marsa Maroc to access vital West African markets such as Nigeria, Niger, and Burkina Faso, amplifying its operational scope.
With a robust domestic presence, managing 25 terminals across 11 Moroccan ports—including the critical Tanger Med 1 and Casablanca facilities—Marsa Maroc is poised for additional growth. The firm has recently entered into an agreement to operate a container terminal at Nador West Med port, anticipated to open in mid-2026, with a capacity exceeding three million twenty-foot equivalent units.
Financially, Marsa Maroc is strategically sound, reporting profits of MAD 852 million ($85.2 million) in the previous year, reflecting a 5% annual increase. To underpin this expansion, the company has secured MAD 690 million ($69 million) in funding from the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development intended for increasing terminal capacity.
Being 25% state-owned and with a 35% ownership stake in Tanger Med Port, Marsa Maroc demonstrates robust commitment to broadening its African footprint. The establishment of the two subsidiaries, with each capitalized at MAD 300,000 ($30,000), is a vital advancement in Marsa Maroc’s continental expansion strategy that includes portfolio diversification and local partnership synergies.
The strategy aims to position Marsa Maroc as a significant player in the management of port infrastructure and logistics services throughout Africa. The company is also exploring further growth through public-private partnerships in port management in various other African nations.
Marsa Maroc’s strategic expansion into Djibouti and Benin illustrates its commitment to becoming a key logistics player in Africa. With substantial financial backing and a robust growth strategy, the company is positioned to enhance its operational capabilities and access vital markets on the continent. Through the establishment of new subsidiaries and partnerships, Marsa Maroc aims to solidify its leadership role in port and logistics management.
Original Source: www.moroccoworldnews.com
