The Kingdom of Morocco has honored former US President Donald Trump by naming a major highway in his honor, a decision announced by King Mohammed VI himself. The 1,055-kilometer expressway, stretching from Tiznit to Dakhla, now bears the name Autoroute Donald J. Trump.

In a formal letter dated July 2, the Moroccan monarch explained that this tribute recognizes Trump’s “historic recognition of Morocco’s sovereignty over the Sahara in 2020”, a move he described as “forever etched in the memory of Moroccans”. The project, spanning the entire length of the disputed territory, is being hailed as the longest road infrastructure in Africa.

Why this highway?

The Tiznit-Dakhla route cuts through the heart of the Western Sahara, a region claimed by both Morocco and the Polisario Front, which advocates for independence. By linking coastal cities to this contested area, the infrastructure plays a key role in Morocco’s regional development strategy. The decision to name it after Trump follows his administration’s 2020 decision to recognize Morocco’s claim over the territory—a policy shift that significantly strengthened diplomatic ties between Rabat and Washington.

A symbolic gesture

King Mohammed VI’s announcement highlighted the symbolic significance of the tribute. In his letter to Trump, he emphasized that the gesture was a way to “express gratitude for the historic recognition of Morocco’s sovereignty”. The Moroccan government has repeatedly underscored the importance of this recognition in consolidating its position on the international stage.

Meanwhile, Trump took to his social media platform, Truth Social, to express his enthusiasm. “What a tremendous honor! I can’t wait to drive this incredible highway someday soon,” he wrote on July 26, though Rabat has not confirmed any official invitation for the former president to visit.

A landmark infrastructure project

The Autoroute Donald J. Trump is more than just a symbolic gesture—it is a critical piece of Morocco’s national infrastructure. Running through some of the country’s most arid and remote regions, the highway is expected to boost economic activity by connecting key cities and facilitating trade. Its completion marks a milestone in Morocco’s ongoing efforts to modernize its transportation network and integrate the Western Sahara more closely into its national economy.