Azura to invest US$21M in expanding agribusiness operations in Dakhla

MOROCCO – Azura, one of Morocco’s largest agribusiness companies, has announced plans to invest 200 million dirhams ($21.4 million) in Dakhla to expand its farming and aquaculture activities.

The group confirmed the news on November 1, marking another major step in its regional growth strategy.

Founded in 1988, Azura is a key player in Morocco’s horticulture industry, which remains one of the country’s top contributors to agricultural GDP. The group supplies major supermarket chains in France and other European markets, and it has built a reputation as one of the world’s leading producers of cherry tomatoes.

According to the local daily LeDesk, the company plans to use this new investment to grow its operations in the southern provinces and provide new employment opportunities. “This investment will strengthen our presence in Dakhla and support local job creation,” a company representative said.

Azura already cultivates over 1,200 hectares of land, including 436 hectares in Dakhla. The company also runs a 200-hectare aquaculture station in the area, which focuses on producing European clams. The site includes a hatchery and 15 grow-out pens that help sustain year-round production.

Supporting national and regional goals

The announcement comes shortly after the United Nations Security Council reaffirmed Morocco’s autonomy plan as the foundation for future talks on Western Sahara. The timing signals confidence in Morocco’s stability and growing appeal as an investment destination.

Azura’s expansion also aligns with the new trade agreement between Morocco and the European Union. The deal extends preferential customs treatment to products from Western Sahara and introduces new rules for labeling horticultural goods from the region.

Azura reports a total cumulative investment of 1.5 billion dirhams ($161 million) in Western Sahara, creating more than 7,000 direct jobs in Dakhla. The company exported 188,000 tons of cherry tomatoes in 2024 and recorded a consolidated turnover of 5.5 billion dirhams ($590 million).

A spokesperson from Morocco’s Ministry of Agriculture noted that private sector investment continues to shape the country’s agricultural growth. “Companies like Azura play a vital role in driving production and exports, especially in regions such as Dakhla,” the official said.

The new $21 million investment reflects Azura’s long-term commitment to Dakhla and signals continued confidence in the region’s agricultural and aquaculture potential.

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