Eight and a half years after leaving Laâyoune on his bicycle, Youssef Sahsah is back where it all began. Setting off in January 2018 with limited means but firm resolve, he has now completed an exceptional journey that took him through dozens of African countries.
His return to his hometown marks the end of an unusual odyssey. But beyond the thousands of kilometers traveled, it is above all a changed man who has come home. From his long journey across the continent, Youssef brings back far more than memories: a new understanding of Africa, of others, and of himself.
For him, Africa was never just a destination. It was a promise of encounters, learning, and self-discovery. His journey took him through 36 African countries, giving him a rare immersion in the continent’s diversity of peoples, cultures, and ways of life.
Since childhood in Laâyoune, Youssef had been drawn to vast landscapes and distant horizons. But unlike many travelers who look to other continents for adventure, he chose to turn south.
“I chose to discover Africa, a continent that is often misunderstood despite its immense human and cultural wealth,” he said.
Before even crossing Morocco’s borders, the young adventurer traveled through different regions of the Kingdom. For him, it was a way to better understand the cultural diversity of his own country before exploring that of the wider continent. This first stage prepared him for a far more ambitious journey.
“Crossing Africa allowed me to discover the customs of many peoples, their ways of life and their human values,” he said. “Almost everywhere I went, I was welcomed with warmth and generosity.”
The road was not easy. Long days under the crushing heat of the desert, illness, periods of solitude, administrative hurdles and, at times, closed borders all tested his endurance.
When he left Laâyoune, Youssef had only limited resources. He had managed to gather 10,000 dirhams before setting off. Despite those constraints, he said the greatest wealth of his journey came from the acts of solidarity he encountered along the way.
“The welcome I received from local communities confirmed to me that solidarity remains one of the most beautiful strengths of the African continent,” he said.
Over time, his adventure began to resonate beyond the countries he crossed. Without major resources or any quest for sporting records, Youssef became a familiar figure in several parts of Africa, where his story inspired young people.
“I met many people who told me that my journey made them want to believe in their dreams,” he said.
The message he wants to share today is simple: perseverance can open unexpected paths.
“With enough determination, no dream is out of reach. Everything begins with a first step,” he said.
As he drew closer to Morocco, another feeling began to take hold. His return was not only the end of a geographical journey but also a return to himself.
“I am not only returning to my country. I am also coming back to myself and to the warmth of my homeland,” he said.
Now back in Laâyoune, Youssef Sahsah wants to share his experience with a wider audience. He is currently working on a documentary titled “The African Dream,” retracing his journey across the continent.
“This project aims to offer a bright image of Morocco while helping to challenge some persistent clichés about Africa,” he said. “Africa deserves to be told differently, through its people, its solidarity, and its successes.”
