AGP Executive Report

Defense & Security Procurement: DefendTex declined to comment on a reported Drone40 sale under Japan’s JSDF Small Attack UAV Type 1 program; the quadcopter can be launched from a 40mm grenade launcher or manually, supports ISR and strike, and has been used in combat in the Western Sahara (2018), with the firm now manufacturing a newer V.12 variant. Foreign Policy Funding Pressure: South Africa’s foreign policy budget debate highlights a gap between ambition and capacity, citing a R7.23bn budget alongside a 26.3% vacancy rate across 114 missions—an issue that matters for regional diplomacy affecting Western Sahara. Corporate Accountability in Western Sahara: Catalonia for the Freedom of the Sahrawi People Collective and partners launched a campaign against AZURA Group, urging it to respect European court rulings, stop labeling Dakhla as “south of Morocco,” and ensure accurate origin labels for exports. Natural Resources & Trade: Western Sahara Resource Watch reports only three companies imported phosphate rock from occupied Western Sahara in 2025 (36 vessels, ~2.02m tonnes), the lowest number ever recorded, while volumes rose sharply versus 2024—fueling renewed scrutiny of the phosphate supply chain.

Western Sahara Trade & Resources: Western Sahara Resource Watch reports only three companies imported phosphate rock from occupied Western Sahara in 2025—the lowest on record—while 36 vessels shipped about 2.02 million tonnes, up from 2024, highlighting how port and Bou Craa investments keep the illegal supply chain moving. Corporate Accountability in Dakhla: Catalonia for the Freedom of the Sahrawi People Collective and partners have launched a campaign urging AZURA Group to stop marketing Dakhla as “south of Morocco,” and to ensure accurate origin labels for exports to Europe, citing European court rulings on Western Sahara’s separate status. Franco-Moroccan Strategic Push: Rabat and Paris are advancing a new “Partnership of Excellence” roadmap, with France’s new ambassador Philippe Lalliot taking up post as both sides frame Western Sahara support as central to a broader Atlantic-Gulf and Mediterranean security-and-investment agenda. Diplomacy at the UN: Morocco’s UN ambassador Omar Hilal says the Sahara issue is moving from a “conflict management” phase toward a definitive solution under Morocco’s autonomy plan, arguing the Security Council is now the key forum. Weather & Logistics Risk: Egypt’s meteorological authority warns of extremely hot, humid conditions and intermittent rainfall that includes Western Sahara, plus dust-stirring winds—conditions that can disrupt transport and field operations.

Western Sahara Resources Watch: Western Sahara Resource Watch says only three companies imported phosphate rock from occupied Western Sahara in 2025, the lowest on record, even as exports rose to about 2.02 million tonnes across 36 vessels—highlighting how the phosphate trade keeps feeding Morocco’s revenue stream. Sahara Rights & Trade Compliance: Catalonia for Freedom of Sahrawi People Collective and partners have urged AZURA Group to respect European court rulings, stop calling Dakhla “in Morocco,” and ensure accurate origin labels for products exported to Europe. Franco-Moroccan Atlantic-Gulf Push: Morocco and the UAE are framed as coordinating to protect Atlantic-Gulf trade and energy corridors amid Middle East tensions, while France’s new ambassador Philippe Lalliot signals a fresh push in Rabat-Paris ties with Western Sahara support in the background. UN Diplomacy on the Sahara: Morocco’s UN ambassador Omar Hilal argues the “conflict management” phase is over and calls the Sahara issue’s continued UN committee presence “obsolete,” pushing for a definitive solution tied to Morocco’s autonomy plan. Climate Pressure on the Region: Egypt’s meteorological authority forecasts extremely hot, humid weather with heat index spikes and intermittent rain chances that include Western Sahara—an operational reminder for logistics and agriculture planning. Middle East Deal Politics: Commentary argues Trump’s push to expand the Abraham Accords is hard to sell amid eroding US trust in the region, with knock-on effects for Gulf security and diplomacy.

Western Sahara Trade & Industry: Western Sahara phosphates remain a flashpoint for supply-chain scrutiny, with a new report saying only three companies imported phosphate rock from occupied Western Sahara in 2025—the lowest number on record—while shipments rose to about 2.02 million tonnes, underscoring how port and Bou Craa investments are scaling exports. Corporate Accountability: A Catalonia for Freedom of the Sahrawi People campaign is pressuring AZURA Group to stop marketing Dakhla as Moroccan and to align European origin labels with court rulings that treat Western Sahara as legally distinct. Diplomacy & Energy Corridors: Morocco’s push to deepen Gulf ties is highlighted by Mohammed VI’s meeting with UAE leadership, framed as coordination to protect Atlantic-Gulf trade and energy routes amid Middle East tensions. Climate & Operations: Egypt’s meteorology office warns of extremely hot, humid conditions and notes a chance of intermittent rainfall reaching Western Sahara—an operational reminder for logistics and agriculture planning. UN Politics: Morocco argues the Sahara issue is moving beyond the UN committee stage, saying the Security Council and autonomy-based approach should drive a definitive settlement.

Western Sahara Corporate Accountability: Catalonia for Freedom of the Sahrawi People Collective and French civil groups urged AZURA Group to follow European court rulings, stop marketing Dakhla as “Moroccan,” and ensure correct origin labels for products exported to Europe—framing it as a legal and ethical issue tied to the territory’s separate status. Resource Trade Watch: Western Sahara Resource Watch reported a record low of just three companies importing phosphate rock from occupied Western Sahara in 2025, while exports still rose to about 2.02 million tonnes via 36 vessels—highlighting ongoing industrial extraction tied to Morocco’s port and Bou Craa investments. UN Diplomacy & Industry Impact: Morocco’s UN ambassador said the Sahara issue is “obsolete” on the UN agenda and pushed for a definitive autonomy-based solution under Morocco’s sovereignty, pointing to a shift toward the Security Council as the main forum—an environment that can shape investor and trade decisions. Education & Regional Links: Tifariti University joined the second Bridge to Africa program at the University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, reinforcing academic and research cooperation pathways relevant to future skills and development projects. Climate Pressure on Trade: Forecasts of very hot weather and possible light rainfall including Western Sahara add operational risk for logistics, agriculture, and port-linked supply chains.

Western Sahara Trade & Industry: Western Sahara Resource Watch says only three companies imported phosphate rock from occupied Western Sahara in 2025—the lowest on record—despite 36 vessels shipping about 2.02 million tonnes, underscoring how fertilizer supply chains keep benefiting from the occupation. Corporate Accountability: Catalonia for the Freedom of the Sahrawi People Collective and partners have launched a campaign and petition against AZURA Group, urging it to respect European court rulings, stop marketing Dakhla as Moroccan, and ensure correct origin labels for exports. Diplomacy & Investment Flows: Morocco’s UN envoy Omar Hilal argues the Sahara issue should move off the UN committee agenda and into the Security Council framework tied to Morocco’s autonomy plan—framing a shift that could affect how investors and partners treat Western Sahara-linked projects. Regional Business Climate: A reported Morocco–Gulf partnership highlights Gulf investment in infrastructure, tourism, logistics and energy, with consulates opened in Laayoune and Dakhla—signals that trade and services expansion are tightly linked to the dispute. Weather Risk for Operations: Egypt’s forecast includes very hot conditions and a chance of light rainfall extending to Western Sahara, a reminder for logistics planning and field operations across the region.

Corporate Accountability: Catalonia for the Freedom of the Sahrawi People Collective and French partners have launched a campaign against AZURA Group, urging it to respect European court rulings, stop marketing Dakhla as “Moroccan,” and ensure accurate origin labels for products exported to Europe. Sahara Trade & Agriculture: Western Sahara Resource Watch reports only three companies imported phosphate rock from occupied Western Sahara in 2025—the lowest on record—while 36 vessels shipped about 2.02 million tonnes, highlighting how phosphate exports keep feeding the occupation economy. Diplomacy & UN Track: Morocco’s UN ambassador Omar Hilal says the Sahara issue is moving beyond “conflict management,” calling the UN committee agenda “obsolete” and pushing the autonomy initiative as the sole realistic path. Education & Research Links: The University of Tifariti joined the second Bridge to Africa program at the University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, focusing on sustainable development, energy resources, and knowledge exchange between African universities and the Canaries. Regional Business Climate: Egypt’s forecast flags hot, humid conditions across the country, with possible light rain including over Western Sahara—an operational reminder for logistics and agriculture planning.

UN Desertification & Climate Pressure: A new report warns the Sahara is expanding, with drylands getting “permanently drier” and the desert pushing southward—an issue that directly affects livelihoods and agriculture across the Western Sahara region. Morocco–Gulf Investment & Trade Links: Morocco’s deepening ties with Saudi Arabia, UAE and Qatar are bringing Gulf capital into infrastructure, tourism, logistics and energy, including support for Morocco’s Western Sahara autonomy approach and consulate openings in Laayoune and Dakhla. UN Sahara Diplomacy: Morocco’s UN ambassador says keeping the Western Sahara dispute on the UN agenda is “obsolete,” arguing the Security Council should move toward a definitive autonomy-based solution under Moroccan sovereignty. Phosphate Exports Under Scrutiny: Western Sahara Resource Watch reports only three firms imported phosphate rock from occupied Western Sahara in 2025—the lowest recorded—while shipments rose to about 2.02 million tonnes, highlighting ongoing extraction and revenue pressure. Tourism as an Economic Strategy: Morocco-administered Western Sahara tourism is surging, with arrivals up sharply since 2019 and more direct flights feeding demand—raising questions about how branding intersects with the territory’s unresolved status. Regional Weather Watch: Egypt’s heatwave conditions include possible light rainfall in parts of Western Sahara, with sand-and-dust risks from winds.

Tourism & Branding: Morocco is leaning hard on tourism to strengthen its grip on Western Sahara, with arrivals to Morocco-administered areas rising from about 490,297 in 2019 to over 743,133 in 2025, helped by new air links from Madrid, Paris and the Canary Islands to places like Dakhla—an approach critics say reframes occupied territory as a normal destination. Climate & Operations: Egypt’s meteorological authority warns of hot, humid conditions and heat-index spikes, with intermittent light rain possible including in Western Sahara—an issue for travel, logistics and outdoor work. Resource Trade Pressure: Western Sahara Resource Watch reports a record low of just three companies importing phosphate rock from occupied Western Sahara in 2025, even as total shipments reached about 2.02 million tonnes—highlighting ongoing pressure on the phosphate supply chain. Diplomacy & UN Track: Morocco’s UN ambassador says the Sahara issue is moving beyond “conflict management” toward a definitive solution under its autonomy plan, arguing the Security Council is now the key forum and calling for Algeria and the Polisario to adopt a practical approach. Regional Security Context: A report links Algeria’s Russia-backed Su-34M fighter jet deliveries to broader North Africa arms competition, underscoring the wider security backdrop around the Sahara.

Green Hydrogen Economics: A new study flags Morocco’s Dakhla-Oued Ed-Dahab and Laayoune-Sakia El Hamra as the cheapest spots for solar-and-wind green hydrogen, with costs around $5.42–$5.57 per kg—lower than northern regions—strengthening the case for scaling renewables-linked industry in the territory. Phosphate Trade Pressure: Western Sahara Resource Watch reports only three companies imported phosphate rock from occupied Western Sahara in 2025, the lowest on record, while exports rose to about 2.02 million tonnes—highlighting how the phosphate supply chain keeps expanding despite scrutiny. Tourism as Control Strategy: Morocco’s tourism push is accelerating in Western Sahara, with arrivals up more than 50% since 2019 and new air links feeding Dakhla’s branding—raising concerns that travel marketing is being used to normalize occupation. UN Diplomacy on the Sahara: Morocco’s UN ambassador says the “conflict management” phase is over and calls the UN agenda “obsolete,” urging a definitive autonomy-based solution under Moroccan sovereignty. Academic Links: Tifariti University joined the second Bridge to Africa program in Las Palmas, reinforcing university-to-university cooperation around research, environment, and sustainable development. Livestock Subsidy Dispute (Morocco): A renewed political fight over Eid al-Adha sheep prices and livestock import subsidies is reigniting debate on market oversight and state support.

UN Diplomacy: Morocco’s UN ambassador Omar Hilal says the Sahara issue is now “obsolete” on the UN agenda and urges a definitive solution through the autonomy framework, with the Security Council as the key forum. Phosphate Trade Watch: Western Sahara Resource Watch reports only three companies imported phosphate rock from occupied Western Sahara in 2025—the lowest on record—while 36 vessels shipped about 2.02 million tonnes, underscoring how port and Bou Craa investments keep the industry flowing. Tourism & Control: Morocco is pushing tourism in the territory, with arrivals up over 50% since 2019 and new air links to Dakhla; critics warn branding Western Sahara as Moroccan raises legal concerns. Green Energy Economics: A study finds Morocco’s Dakhla-Oued Ed-Dahab and Laayoune-Sakia El Hamra regions have the lowest green hydrogen production costs, strengthening the case for investment in the south. Academic Links: Tifariti University joined the second Bridge to Africa program in Las Palmas, expanding research and cooperation ties between Saharan and Canary institutions. Livestock Politics: An Eid al-Adha sheep price crisis has reignited Morocco’s debate over livestock import subsidies and state support, with lawmakers clashing over oversight and market manipulation.

Phosphate Trade Watch: Western Sahara phosphate imports hit a record low in 2025, with only three companies importing—while 36 vessels still shipped about 2.02 million tonnes of rock, up from 2024, underscoring how Bou Craa port investment keeps extraction flowing. Tourism & Control: Morocco is pushing tourism hard in Morocco-administered Western Sahara: arrivals rose from about 490,297 in 2019 to over 743,133 in 2025, with new air links to Dakhla—though critics warn branding the territory as Moroccan raises legal concerns. Green Energy Push: A new study flags Dakhla-Oued Ed-Dahab and Laayoune-Sakia El Hamra as the cheapest spots for solar-wind green hydrogen, with costs around $5.42–$5.57 per kg, strengthening the region’s industrial case. Academic Links: Tifariti University joined the second Bridge to Africa program at the University of Las Palmas, expanding research and education cooperation between African universities and the Canaries. Security & Risk Narrative: Commentary on the Western Sahara dispute highlights rising geopolitical attention and fears of escalation, as external backers and regional rivalries shift. Regional Politics Spillover: Morocco’s livestock subsidy dispute after Eid al-Adha price spikes adds pressure to food and supply chains tied to broader state support and import rules.

Phosphate Trade Watch: Western Sahara phosphate exports hit a record low in 2025, with only three companies importing phosphate rock from occupied areas, even as 36 vessels shipped about 2.02 million tonnes—up from 2024—highlighting how Bou Craa port upgrades keep the resource flow going. Academic Links: Tifariti University joined the second Bridge to Africa program at the University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, bringing together researchers and policymakers around sustainable development and energy transition themes. Tourism Push in Disputed Territory: Morocco’s Western Sahara tourism drive is accelerating, with arrivals rising sharply since 2019 and new air links feeding Dakhla’s “adventure” branding—raising legal and rights concerns over marketing the territory as Moroccan. Green Hydrogen Costs: A study flags Dakhla-Oued Ed-Dahab and Laayoune-Sakia El Hamra as among Morocco’s cheapest green hydrogen sites, with lower production costs than northern regions, strengthening the case for investment in the southern economy. Security Budget Briefs: South Africa’s International Relations and Cooperation and State Security budget votes were tabled, underscoring ongoing regional security and intelligence priorities.

Education & Research Links: A delegation from the University of Tifariti joined the second Bridge to Africa program at the University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, with the event focusing on cooperation across research, environment, energy use, and sustainable development. Tourism & Regional Branding: Morocco is pushing deeper into Western Sahara’s economy through tourism, with Dakhla marketed as an “untapped adventure” destination and visitor numbers rising sharply over recent years—raising fresh questions about control and legitimacy as infrastructure and air links expand. Energy Transition: A new techno-economic study flags Dakhla-Oued Ed-Dahab and Laayoune-Sakia El Hamra as among Morocco’s lowest-cost green hydrogen production zones, driven by strong solar and wind mixes. Security & Trade Risks: A major cocaine haul—reported as one of Europe’s biggest—was linked to a Comoros-flagged vessel intercepted off the coast of Western Sahara, underscoring how the region’s shipping routes can be exploited. Livestock Economy Pressure: An Eid al-Adha dispute over sheep import subsidies and herd management in Morocco is reigniting political fights over market oversight and state support, with prices and supply shortages at the center.

Tourism Push in Western Sahara: Morocco is leaning hard on travel to strengthen its grip on the disputed territory, with tourist arrivals to Morocco-administered Western Sahara up more than 50% since 2019 (about 490,297 in 2019 to 743,133 in 2025), helped by new air links to Dakhla and other hubs—though critics warn the marketing risks legitimising occupation. Green Hydrogen Costs: A new techno-economic study flags Dakhla-Oued Ed-Dahab and Laayoune-Sakia El Hamra as Morocco’s cheapest green hydrogen zones, with estimated production costs of about $5.42/kg and $5.57/kg respectively, driven by strong solar and wind potential. Livestock Subsidy Clash: An Eid al-Adha sheep crisis has reignited political fighting in Morocco over livestock import subsidies, market oversight, and state support—amid anger over rising prices and accusations of profiteering. Sahara Security & Regional Tensions: Commentary and reporting this week also point to heightened sensitivity around Western Sahara as Morocco-Algeria rivalry and external influence fears keep escalation risks in focus.

Tourism Push in the Disputed Sahara: Morocco is marketing Western Sahara as a fast-growing travel destination, with tourist arrivals to Morocco-administered areas rising from about 490,297 in 2019 to over 743,133 in 2025, helped by new air links to Dakhla and other hubs—an approach critics say tightens Rabat’s control while supporters frame it as development. Green Hydrogen Economics: A new techno-economic study flags Dakhla-Oued Ed-Dahab and Laayoune-Sakia El Hamra as Morocco’s lowest-cost green hydrogen zones, with estimated costs of $5.42/kg and $5.57/kg respectively, strengthening the case for investment in renewable power supply chains. Sahara Narrative & Diplomacy: Morocco used Africa Day in Rabat to underline an “African identity” foreign policy and push tangible South-South projects, while separate commentary argues King Mohammed VI’s messaging is reshaping the Sahara dispute’s legitimacy and framing. Security & Regional Tensions: Coverage also points to heightened risk of escalation around Western Sahara, amid shifting North Africa alliances and international concern over incidents near Es-Smara. Livestock Pressure at Home: A separate Morocco domestic dispute over Eid al-Adha sheep import subsidies and herd management is reigniting debate on market oversight—relevant for understanding how state support and trade exemptions affect livelihoods in the wider region.