Historic Funding by the African Development Bank in Morocco
The African Development Bank (AfDB) has made unprecedented financial commitments to Morocco, reaching nearly €1.3 billion for the year 2025, as confirmed by Achraf Tarsim, the bank's country representative for Morocco. This substantial investment underscores the profound strategic partnership between the Kingdom and the bank, reflecting a shared commitment to support the structural transformation of Morocco's economy. Tarsim made these remarks during the AfDB's Annual Meetings, which are ongoing until May 29 in Brazzaville.
A significant portion of these commitments, amounting to €420 million, has been allocated for infrastructure and connectivity improvements. Notably, €270 million has been mobilized to modernize airports in key cities including Marrakech, Agadir, Tangier, and Fes. This ambitious project encompasses terminal expansions, the construction of a new control tower in Marrakech, the improvement of circulation routes, and the implementation of advanced security and baggage handling technologies.
Sustainable Development and Economic Resilience Initiatives
In alignment with these infrastructure developments, an additional €150 million has been granted to the Municipal Equipment Fund (FEC) to sustainably enhance the investment capacity of local communities and support integrated territorial development programs. According to Tarsim, these funds will primarily target potable water, sanitation, educational infrastructure, mobility, and public facilities, with a systematic integration of climate resilience and environmental sustainability criteria.
Furthermore, Tarsim highlighted the bank’s interventions aimed at governance and economic resilience, announcing that €182 million has been mobilized to bolster economic governance, as well as the water and energy sectors, while also enhancing resilience to external shocks. The bank has also dedicated €119 million to entrepreneurship and the development of micro and small enterprises, with the goal of stimulating job creation and enhancing the competitiveness of the national economy.
In a significant move to promote inclusive agriculture, Tarsim revealed that €100 million has been allocated to support rural entrepreneurship, particularly among women and youth, alongside modernization of agricultural infrastructure and improved access to financing. Addressing new operations approved by the bank, he noted that the AfDB's Board of Directors has recently approved €200 million for the “Skills for 2030” program, which aims to enhance employability for youth and women, aligning skills more closely with economic needs. This program will adopt an integrated approach that combines skill development, strengthening job placement mechanisms, and accelerating the digital transformation of the training sector.
On the front of green transition, Tarsim mentioned the signing of a partial credit guarantee of €450 million for the OCP Group, a mechanism expected to mobilize up to €530 million in green financing from international partners. This initiative will support OCP's investment program aimed at establishing a low-carbon industrial model based on renewable energy, sustainable water management, and resilient agricultural practices.
The 2026 AfDB Annual Meetings, themed "Mobilizing Resources at Scale for Africa's Development Financing in a Fragmented World," are set to gather over 3,000 participants, including Heads of State and Government, Finance Ministers, Central Bank Governors, private sector leaders, international financial institution representatives, philanthropists, civil society actors, and academics.
As reported by maroc-hebdo.com.
