In the evolving landscape of African infrastructure, few organizations have had as significant an impact as Tanger Med Engineering (TME).
With roots in the success story of Tanger Med, the leader port in Africa and the Mediterranean, TME has grown into a continental force, driving port, maritime, and industrial transformation across over 20 countries. Port Strategy engaged with Mr. Nasser Tlassellal, Managing Director of Tanger Med Engineering, to discuss how this Moroccan-based powerhouse is helping shape the future of Africa’s logistics and industrial landscape.
Port Strategy: Tanger Med Engineering has developed a strong reputation across Africa. Can you start by giving us an overview of what TME does and what sets it apart in the market?
Nasser Tlassellal: Tanger Med Engineering operates as a full-spectrum engineering partner for maritime, port, logistics, and industrial infrastructure projects. What really distinguishes us is our integrated approach: we accompany clients across the entire project lifecycle—from initial consulting and design to coordination, technical assistance, and long-term maintenance. With a multidisciplinary team of over 250 experts and a portfolio that spans more than 20 African countries, we are deeply committed to delivering customized, high-performance solutions that support our partners’ ambitions and regional development goals.
Port Strategy: That’s an impressive range. How did your experience with the port complex of Tanger Med influence the creation and positioning of TME?
Nasser Tlassellal: Tanger Med’s port complex was instrumental, not just in shaping TME, but in demonstrating what’s possible on the continent. The scale and success of that project provided a live laboratory of excellence in design, construction, and operations. It gave us the tools and credibility to scale our expertise and export it. Today, Tanger Med remains a benchmark, and our role in its development laid the foundation for TME to support similar large-scale infrastructure projects across Africa.
Port Strategy: You mentioned operating in over 20 African countries. What are some of the flagship projects you’re most proud of, and how do they reflect your approach to engineering?
Nasser Tlassellal: We’ve had the privilege of working the development of 40 ports and more than 20 Industrial and Special Economic Zones across the continent. In Benin, for instance, we supervised and controlled the extension works of the western port basin in Cotonou. In Djibouti, we contributed technical expertise to the rehabilitation of the Doraleh container terminal. In Nigeria, we conducted technical studies and master planning for a future container terminal in Lagos. We also developed the sustainable master plan for the port and industrial complex in Kribi, Cameroon, and led operational planning for the Diass Integrated Industrial Zone in Senegal. Each of these projects reflects our tailored, agile approach, one that respects local contexts, anticipates future needs, and emphasizes long-term impact.
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Port Strategy:What do you think is driving the increasing demand for advanced port and industrial infrastructure across Africa?
Nasser Tlassellal: Africa is undergoing an extraordinary phase of growth and industrialization. With that comes a critical need for modern infrastructure, particularly in logistics and port operations, which are the lifelines of trade and industrial development. There’s a growing recognition among African governments and investors that efficient, sustainable infrastructure is not a luxury, it’s a necessity for economic transformation. Our role at TME is to help build that foundation, using innovation, sustainability, and operational excellence as core drivers.
Port Strategy: Finally, how would you describe TME’s long-term vision and its role in shaping Africa’s development?
Nasser Tlassellal: Our vision is forward-looking. We’re not just engineering physical structures—we’re engineering the future of Africa’s logistics corridors and industrial zones. Through a proactive, innovation-led approach, we aim to support the continent’s rise by delivering infrastructure that is both inclusive and sustainable. Our projects are designed not only to perform today, but to adapt and thrive in the decades to come. That’s our commitment to Africa, to our partners, and to the communities we serve.
As Mr. Tlassellal makes clear, Tanger Med Engineering is not just exporting expertise, it’s exporting a model of excellence rooted in African success. With its wide reach and deep specialization, TME is uniquely positioned to help shape a future where infrastructure is a driver of economic opportunity and continental integration. From ports to industrial zones, its impact is already visible, and growing.
