In a symbolic move announced on August 1, King Mohammed VI of Morocco officially designated the Tiznit-Dakhla expressway as the Donald J. Trump Highway, solidifying a diplomatic milestone between both nations. The announcement was made through a letter from the monarch to the former U.S. president, dated July 2, expressing gratitude for Trump’s 2020 recognition of Morocco’s sovereignty over the disputed Sahara Western region—an act the king described as “a historic gesture etched permanently in Morocco’s collective memory.”

The infrastructure spans 1,055 kilometers, earning the distinction of being “Africa’s longest roadway,” as highlighted by Mohammed VI. The project connects southern Morocco to the contested territory, reinforcing the kingdom’s strategic development in the region.

Former U.S. President Donald Trump responded on his Truth Social platform, calling the honor “tremendous” and expressing excitement about traveling the highway: “I can’t wait to ride it someday in its entirety! What an honor!” Morocco has yet to confirm his travel plans.

Diplomatic significance of the naming

This decision underscores the deepening ties between Rabat and Washington, particularly following the U.S. recognition of Moroccan sovereignty over the Sahara Western region in December 2020. The move aligns with Morocco’s broader efforts to strengthen international partnerships while advancing infrastructure development in its southern provinces.

The 1,055-kilometer route, stretching from Tiznit to Dakhla, is a cornerstone of Morocco’s Vision 2030 development plan, aimed at enhancing connectivity and economic integration across the kingdom. The highway’s renaming serves as both a diplomatic tribute and a testament to the enduring legacy of U.S.-Morocco relations.