The World Bank has highlighted Tangier Med as one of the most successful examples in the Middle East and North Africa of using major infrastructure projects to stimulate economic growth and create jobs. In its latest report, “Cities That Work: Unlocking Jobs in Middle East and North Africa Cities,” the institution states that the port complex has evolved beyond its traditional maritime role to become a major driver of urban development and investment.
Tangier Med is featured in the report’s chapter on market connectivity, which emphasizes that stronger links between cities and domestic and international markets are essential for attracting investment, increasing business productivity and expanding employment opportunities.
According to the World Bank, the development of Tangier Med, located around 35 kilometers from the city of Tangier, was part of a comprehensive strategy supported by major investments in highways and railway infrastructure. This approach created an integrated multimodal transport network linking the port with industrial zones and the rest of Morocco.
The report notes that this connectivity has facilitated the movement of goods between manufacturing facilities and global markets, reduced transportation and logistics costs and accelerated export operations, significantly improving the competitiveness of companies operating in the region.
The World Bank also points out that these investments have improved workers’ access to newly developed industrial areas, contributing to job creation and supporting the expansion of industries related to manufacturing, logistics and transportation.
According to the report, Tangier Med demonstrates that successful job creation depends not only on building ports or industrial zones, but also on developing efficient road, rail and logistics networks that connect economic infrastructure with urban centers and international markets.
The report concludes that Tangier Med represents a valuable model for cities across the Middle East and North Africa, showing that stronger logistics connectivity can enhance trade, attract investment, create employment opportunities and support long-term, sustainable economic growth.