The agreement was signed in Laayoune by USTDA Deputy Director for Operations Thomas Hardy and ORNX CEO Peter A. Gish, in the presence of U.S. Ambassador to Morocco Duke Buchan III. The grant will finance the technical studies required to advance the project as part of a partnership between American and Moroccan companies.

Speaking on the occasion, Ambassador Buchan described the agreement as a "significant milestone," noting that it represents the first U.S. government funding for a private-sector project in the Moroccan Sahara.

He said that bilateral relations between Morocco and the United States are "stronger than ever," thanks to the vision and leadership of His Majesty King Mohammed VI and President Donald Trump.

Ambassador Buchan also reaffirmed U.S. support for Morocco's autonomy plan as the basis for achieving a just and lasting solution to the regional dispute over the Moroccan Sahara. He stated that the time has come to reach a resolution that will promote stability and prosperity throughout the region and across Africa.

He added that this landmark grant reflects the U.S. commitment to the Moroccan Sahara through a project driven by advanced technology, world-class engineering expertise, and private investment, with significant potential to create jobs and stimulate economic growth.

The Ambassador emphasized that the partnership combines Morocco's strengths—including its natural resources, skilled workforce, and development potential—with American innovation and expertise to advance the shared prosperity of both countries.

For his part, Mr. Hardy said that the U.S. Trade and Development Agency is supporting Morocco's sustainable economic growth by fostering partnerships between American and Moroccan companies to develop strategic infrastructure projects.

He explained that the grant awarded to the ORNX consortium will finance an engineering study addressing the key technical issues at this stage of the project's development, helping to accelerate implementation and facilitate the mobilization of the necessary financing.

He added that the project, developed through a partnership between American and Moroccan companies, has the potential to become a major driver of industrial development in the Moroccan Sahara, further strengthening the Kingdom's position as a regional energy and industrial hub.

Mr. Hardy also noted that the agreement forms part of USTDA's broader program in Morocco and reaffirmed the Agency's commitment to continuing its work across the Kingdom, including in Laayoune, to promote inclusive economic growth and deepen U.S.-Morocco cooperation.

Mohamed Amine Belhaj, Director of Economic Diplomacy at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation and Moroccan Expatriates, noted that the signing coincides with the 250th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Morocco and the United States, underscoring a historic partnership founded on mutual respect, trust, shared values, and common interests.

Mr. Belhaj also welcomed the continued expansion of Moroccan-American cooperation in the technology and energy sectors, as well as the growing interest of American companies in the investment opportunities available throughout the Kingdom, including in the southern provinces.

He added that the grant agreement between USTDA and ORNX reflects this momentum in bilateral cooperation in the energy sector and demonstrates the two countries' ability to translate their strategic partnership into tangible investments.

The ORNX investor consortium was selected by the Moroccan government to develop a flagship green ammonia production project in Laayoune as part of Morocco's national green hydrogen strategy, implemented in line with the vision of His Majesty King Mohammed VI.

The signing ceremony was attended by the Wali of the Laayoune-Saguia El Hamra Region and Governor of Laayoune Province, Abdeslam Bekrate; the President of the Laayoune-Saguia El Hamra Regional Council, Sidi Hamdi Ould Errachid; elected officials, diplomats, representatives of public and private institutions, and members of civil society.

News and events on Western Sahara issue/ CORCAS