The African Development Bank (AfDB) has solidified its commitment to Morocco with investments projected to reach a remarkable €1.3 billion by the year 2025. This significant financial engagement underscores the robust strategic partnership between the Moroccan Kingdom and the African financial institution, further supporting the nation’s structural economic transformation.
According to Ashraf Tarsim, the AfDB's regional representative in Morocco, these funds reflect a mutual determination to advance economic and social development projects across the kingdom. Notably, a substantial portion of this investment, amounting to €420 million, is earmarked for infrastructure and connectivity enhancements.
In this context, €270 million has been allocated for the modernization of airports in Marrakech, Agadir, Tangier, and Fes. This initiative includes expanding terminal facilities, constructing a new control tower at Marrakech Airport, improving transit pathways, and implementing advanced security and baggage handling technologies.
Furthermore, an investment of €150 million has been directed towards the Collective Equipment Fund, aimed at bolstering the investment capacities of local communities and supporting integrated territorial development programs. These programs focus on essential areas such as potable water supply, wastewater management, educational infrastructure, public transport, and public amenities, all while integrating climate resilience and environmental sustainability standards.
In terms of governance and economic resilience, the bank has allocated €182 million to enhance economic governance and bolster the water and energy sectors, thereby strengthening the country’s ability to withstand external shocks.
For business support, an amount of €119 million has been designated to foster entrepreneurship and develop very small, small, and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), with the goal of generating job opportunities and enhancing the competitiveness of the national economic fabric.
In the agricultural sector, €100 million has been mobilized to support inclusive and solidarity-based agriculture by promoting entrepreneurship among women and youth in rural areas, modernizing agricultural infrastructure, and improving access to financing.
Tarsim also revealed that the AfDB's Board of Directors recently approved a €200 million financing package for the “Skills 2030” program, which aims to enhance the employability of youth and women by aligning skills with market demands through skill development, strengthening professional integration mechanisms, and accelerating the digital transformation of the training sector.
In line with green transition support, the banking official noted the signing of a partial loan guarantee worth €450 million for the OCP Group. This mechanism is expected to mobilize up to €530 million in green financing from international partners, supporting its investment program aimed at establishing a low-carbon industrial model that relies on renewable energy, sustainable water management, and resilient agricultural practices.
As reported by casaoui.ma.
