Public Investments Worth 21 Billion Dirhams Boost Development Dynamics in the Drâa-Tafilalet Region
The Drâa-Tafilalet region continues to establish itself as one of the emerging development hubs in the kingdom, through the programming of structured public investment projects totaling 21 billion dirhams, covering the period from 2024 to 2026, as part of the national budget. The aim is to reduce regional disparities, improve living conditions, and enhance the economic and social potential that the region possesses.
The 2026 Finance Bill indicates that the region’s population reached approximately 1,655,623 in 2024, contributing 2.7% to the national gross domestic product, equivalent to 19,898 dirhams per capita. The region is among those targeted by the state for investment support to accelerate growth and create job opportunities, especially considering that the unemployment rate there is only 6.4%, compared to 9.6% nationally.
In 2023, the labor market recorded relatively balanced performance, with an activity rate of 40.1%. Agriculture remains the main economic activity, accounting for 61% of the regional GDP, followed by services at 22% and industry at 17%.
The education and early childhood sector tops the list of public investment programs for 2024, with plans to build 11 new educational institutions (seven schools and four additional facilities) at a total cost of 61 million dirhams, aiming to expand educational offerings and combat school dropout rates.
In the water sector, projects valued at 841.1 million dirhams have been executed, the most notable being the wastewater treatment project in the city of Ouarzazate, which spans 247 hectares, alongside the treatment of 332 hectares of Agadir forests.
Regarding infrastructure and transport, projects worth 1.033 billion dirhams have been launched to strengthen connections between urban and rural centers, improve the road network, and enhance tourism and economic attractiveness.
In the energy and mining sector, 9.5 million dirhams have been allocated to support renewable energy projects and energy efficiency, along with 1.26 million dirhams for the rehabilitation and equipping of youth institutions with sports and cultural equipment.
This period includes structural projects in health, higher education, agriculture, and roads, among which are:
- The regional hospital in Midelt (240 million dirhams / 500 beds)
- The healthcare facility in Tinghir (385 million dirhams / 145 beds)
- The regional hospital in Ouarzazate (328 million dirhams)
Additionally, the construction of the higher school of technology in Errachidia and the higher school of education and training in Midelt will be undertaken, with an investment exceeding 88 million dirhams to enhance university and technical offerings.
The work on upgrading and expanding the road network continues, particularly on Regional Road No. 706 between Boumalne Dadès and Amsemlal, National Road No. 10 between Tinghir and Takount, and the dualization of the road between Errachidia and Klamima.
The education sector re-emerges among priorities with an allocation of 71.8 million dirhams, while the health sector prepares a project for the University Hospital Center in Drâa-Tafilalet at a cost of 7.134 million dirhams, with a capacity of 1,000 beds.
In agriculture, projects to enhance production chains and expand irrigated lands have a budget of 113.8 million dirhams, while the completion of National Road No. 13 between Errachidia and Midelt is set at a cost of 1.183 million dirhams.
The energy and mining sector will see the launch of projects to develop renewable energies and electrical infrastructure at a cost of 49 million dirhams, while the higher education and scientific research sector continues to implement new university projects under Moulay Ismail University with a budget of 45 million dirhams.
The region is witnessing major projects executed by public institutions, led by the Office National de l’Électricité et de l’Eau Potable with an investment of 3.423 million dirhams to extend water and electricity networks, and the Moroccan Agency for Sustainable Energy with the “Noor 4” solar complex in Ouarzazate (2.730 million dirhams).
The General Directorate of Roads and Land Transport is financing projects of around 2.743 million dirhams aimed at upgrading transport corridors, while the National Office of Railways continues studies for the railway connection between Errachidia and Béni Mellal at a cost of 1.343 million dirhams.
These implemented and programmed projects underscore that the Drâa-Tafilalet region has become a strategic space for public investment, focusing on infrastructure and essential social services, particularly health, education, water, roads, and renewable energies, making it a key driver for balanced and sustainable development within the kingdom.
