Marsa Maroc is expanding its African logistics presence with three new subsidiaries, including Marsa Djibouti and Marsa Benin. The company aims to optimize logistics services in East and West Africa, enhance its domestic operations, and solidify its financial standing through strategic investments and partnerships.
Marsa Maroc, Morocco’s premier port operator, is enhancing its African logistics presence by establishing three new international subsidiaries, as authorized by a recent government decree published in the Official Gazette. This expansion is led by Marsa Maroc International Logistics, which has a capitalization of MAD 300 million ($30 million) and is designed to manage international investment projects.
The newly formed entity will include specialized subsidiaries: Marsa Djibouti and Marsa Benin. Marsa Djibouti will take a stake in Damerjog Oil Jetty FZE, focusing on a petroleum terminal in Djibouti’s free zone. This position is strategically aimed at optimizing logistics related to petroleum storage and reloading, with a specific focus on the Ethiopian and Djiboutian markets.
Concurrently, Marsa Benin will manage terminals 1 and 5 at the Port of Cotonou through a management agreement with Benin Manutentions SA. This advantageous position on the Atlantic coast will allow Marsa Maroc to tap into critical West African markets, including Nigeria, Niger, and Burkina Faso.
Building on a robust domestic footprint, Marsa Maroc operates 25 terminals across 11 ports in Morocco, including the pivotal Tanger Med 1 and Casablanca facilities. They have recently finalized an agreement to manage a new container terminal at Nador West Med port, which is set to accommodate over three million twenty-foot equivalent units, anticipating operational commencement in mid-2026.
The company reported a strong financial performance with profits of MAD 852 million ($85.2 million) in the previous fiscal year, representing a 5% increase. Furthermore, Marsa Maroc has secured MAD 690 million ($69 million) from the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, aimed at enhancing its terminal capacity to support further growth.
Marsa Maroc, with a 25% state ownership and 35% stake from Tanger Med Port, is steadfastly committed to expanding its African footprint. The newly established subsidiaries, each capitalized at MAD 300,000 ($30,000), are vital components of the company’s continental growth strategy, emphasizing diversification and partnerships with local entities.
“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,” as reported by Les Inspirations Éco in its January 6 edition. The strategy not only focuses on portfolio diversification but also aims to identify additional partnerships across Africa.
In conclusion, Marsa Maroc is strategically expanding its influence in African logistics with the establishment of subsidiaries in Djibouti and Benin. This ambitious initiative reflects its dedication to enhancing port operations and logistics services throughout the continent. The company aims to leverage local partnerships and diversify its portfolio, thereby strengthening its role in the regional and international markets.
Original Source: www.moroccoworldnews.com
