The New Development Model for the Southern Provinces
Origins in 2015
The New Development Model for the Southern Provinces was launched by King Mohammed VI in 2015, announced from Laâyoune around the anniversary of the Green March.
It set out a comprehensive plan covering infrastructure, energy, agriculture, fisheries, social services and connectivity across the three southern regions.
The Scale of Investment
The programme mobilised a very large budget, with figures cited in the range of tens of billions of dirhams for its core plan and far higher totals when broader regional development investments are included.
Hundreds of projects have been launched or completed under its umbrella, spanning roads, ports, hospitals, universities, water and energy facilities.
Flagship Projects
Several headline projects fall under or align with the model, including the Tiznit-Dakhla expressway, the Dakhla Atlantic Port, the Dakhla desalination plant and renewable-energy installations.
Together these form an integrated push to upgrade transport, water, power and industry simultaneously rather than piecemeal.
Goals and Governance
The model emphasises participatory, region-led governance, involving large numbers of local stakeholders in planning and implementation across the southern regions.
Its stated aim is to raise living standards, diversify the economy beyond raw resources, and integrate the south fully into national and continental trade networks.
Frequently asked
When was the New Development Model launched?
It was launched by King Mohammed VI in 2015, announced from Laâyoune.
How much investment does it involve?
It mobilises tens of billions of dirhams for its core plan, with much larger totals across the wider regional development effort.
What kinds of projects does it fund?
It funds roads, ports, desalination, energy, agriculture, fisheries, health and education projects across the southern provinces.