The presentation ceremony for this work was organised at the initiative of the National School of Commerce and Management (ENCG) of Dakhla, in partnership with the Dakhla-Oued Eddahab Regional Council, in the presence of a host of academics, researchers, students, elected officials and associative actors, as well as consuls general accredited in Dakhla.
This 352-page book is divided into six chapters, namely "Historical Landmarks", "The Southern Provinces", "An Astonishing Potential", "Infrastructures that boost development and planning", "An economic dynamic driven by competitiveness clusters", and "Moroccan Sahara, Atlantic hub and leader of a prosperous Africa - Great projects for the Morocco of tomorrow".
The illustrated work offers a new look at the Sahara and the ongoing development dynamic. The author presents himself as an "observer" of public policies who discovers the scale of the achievements contributing to the better living of local populations.
In his work, Mr. Heydt began by retracing the historical landmarks of this geographical area since its millennial origins, before painting a picture of the current situation in light of advanced regionalisation, stressing that the Sahara now constitutes a land of growth, social inclusion and regional solidarity.
The author also highlights the importance of the road, airport and port infrastructures built, as well as the region's potential in terms of renewable energies and green hydrogen development.
He focuses above all on the impact of certain major projects such as the Dakhla Atlantic Port, which is set to play an important role, particularly in the transport of green electricity, making Dakhla an Atlantic hub and leader of a prosperous Africa.
In a statement to the press, Mr. Heydt said he was happy to be in Dakhla to present his new work on the Moroccan Sahara, noting that this book highlights the virtuous dynamic that the Southern provinces are experiencing.
The book highlights the significant developments that the Kingdom's southern provinces are experiencing, based on reliable historical elements attesting to the Moroccan nature of the Sahara, he continued.
Likewise, he made it known that his work highlights the remarkable boom that the Moroccan Sahara is experiencing on all levels, particularly in the economic field, and in terms of renewable energy production.
Jean-Marie Heydt is a teacher-researcher, observer and international expert for public organisations. He is the author of several recent works, including "Mohammed VI, The Vision of a King: actions and ambitions" (Éditions Favre, 2019).
