Casablanca – The Nador West Med project has reached a new milestone in its development after receiving a $2.3 million grant from the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD). The funding is part of broader efforts to strengthen the operational readiness of the industrial and port complex and ensure its launch in line with international standards of efficiency and sustainability.

The grant will finance a comprehensive technical cooperation program designed to support preparations for the operational phase of the complex, particularly within the Bétoya Industrial and Logistic Zone, a key component of the project. The program aims to enhance the competitiveness of the emerging economic zone and position it as an attractive destination for both domestic and international investors.

This grant complements a previous $131 million financing package provided to the project in 2025, reflecting continued international support for strategic infrastructure initiatives aimed at strengthening Morocco’s industrial and logistics capacity. The new program focuses on three main pillars: digital transformation, sustainable infrastructure development, and human capital strengthening.

Accelerating digital transformation

Digital modernization represents a central element of the initiative. A fully automated one-stop-shop system will be developed to support investors seeking to establish operations within the industrial and logistics zone. This system is intended to simplify administrative procedures, reduce processing times, and provide a centralized digital platform for permits, registrations, and operational management.

By streamlining administrative processes and improving transparency, the digital platform is expected to significantly enhance the business environment within the complex. This approach aligns with global best practices in industrial and port zone management and is designed to increase investor confidence and accelerate the implementation of industrial and logistics projects.

Building sustainable and climate-resilient infrastructure

In parallel with digital upgrades, the program will support the development of a comprehensive sustainable infrastructure plan. The objective is to integrate climate-resilient infrastructure and clean energy solutions from the earliest stages of planning, ensuring the long-term environmental and operational resilience of the complex.

The plan includes the development of energy-efficient port facilities, modern transportation and logistics infrastructure, and industrial utilities designed to support a wide range of industrial activities. This approach reflects growing global and national priorities to align industrial expansion with environmental sustainability and climate adaptation goals.

By incorporating sustainable design principles, the project aims to reduce environmental impact while improving operational efficiency and ensuring long-term reliability.

Strengthening human capital and institutional capacity

Alongside physical and technological investments, the program places strong emphasis on human capital development. Targeted training and capacity-building initiatives will be implemented to strengthen the technical, managerial, and operational skills of personnel involved in the project.

These efforts will help ensure efficient management and operation of the port complex and its surrounding industrial zones. The program also aims to strengthen institutional capabilities, improve governance practices, and establish a culture of continuous performance improvement.

Human capital development is considered essential to maximizing the long-term success and competitiveness of large-scale infrastructure projects. By investing in workforce skills and institutional capacity, the initiative supports sustainable operations and enhances the project’s ability to attract and retain investors.

Strategic economic and regional impact

Located in northeastern Morocco, Nador West Med is strategically positioned to serve as a major industrial, logistics, and maritime hub connecting Morocco to global trade routes. The project is expected to play a key role in strengthening the country’s industrial base, improving logistics efficiency, and supporting export-oriented industries.

The complex is also expected to attract significant foreign direct investment, stimulate industrial activity, and generate employment opportunities at both regional and national levels. By improving infrastructure, enhancing digital systems, and strengthening human capital, the project will contribute to long-term economic growth and regional development.

Since Morocco became a country of operations for the EBRD in 2012, the institution has invested approximately $6.5 billion in more than 125 projects across key sectors including infrastructure, industry, energy, and regional development. Continued support for Nador West Med highlights the project’s strategic importance within Morocco’s broader economic development framework.

With the new $2.3 million grant, the Nador West Med complex is advancing toward full operational readiness. The combination of digital modernization, sustainable infrastructure planning, and workforce development is expected to position the project as a competitive industrial and logistics platform serving both regional and international markets, while supporting Morocco’s long-term economic transformation.