Morocco nears completion of new border crossing with Mauritania

A vehicle of the royal Moroccan armed forces is seen on the Moroccan side of border crossing point between Morocco and Mauritania in Guerguerat located in the Western Sahara, on November 25, 2020, [FADEL SENNA/AFP via Getty Images]

Morocco is finalising construction of a new border crossing with Mauritania at Amgala, with work now over 95 per cent complete. This marks a strategic shift in regional trade routes and politics, strengthening Morocco’s position as a key gateway between Europe and sub-Saharan Africa.

According to Morocco World News, the 93-kilometre road linking Smara to Mauritania via Amgala and Tifariti has cost MAD 49.7 million ($5 million). The final 53-kilometre stretch of National Road 17 is nearing completion, with additional investments in signage and roadside facilities, including a service station with a mosque, housing and amenities.

A new border crossing between #Morocco and #Mauritania has been officially announced.

This new strategic post will enhance Morocco’s connection to its African depth & serve as an implementation of the Atlantic Gateway project with #Sahel countries. pic.twitter.com/obLH9E7yXr

— For Western Sahara (@WesternSaharaQ) February 18, 2025

Smara Province has also launched a new first-class taxi service to improve mobility. Meanwhile, Mauritania has designated eight official border crossings with Morocco, a significant expansion beyond the previous single route at Guerguerat.

The Amgala crossing aligns with King Mohammed VI’s “Atlantic Initiative”, providing landlocked Sahel countries access to the Atlantic Ocean. The move strengthens Morocco-Mauritania ties, following a meeting between their leaders in December and recent agreements on energy cooperation.

This corridor is expected to boost trade, create jobs and stabilise border communities, reinforcing Morocco’s sovereignty over the disputed Western Sahara. The separatist group, the Polisario Front, which opposes Morocco’s control, faces further isolation as Mauritania formalises new crossings.

Mali, Niger, Burkina Faso and Chad have all also reportedly expressed interest in the initiative, seeing it as a vital route to global markets.

READ: NATO, Mauritania discuss bilateral security, military cooperation

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