Casablanca – The African Development Bank (AfDB) has approved a new financing package of $316 million for Morocco to support a nationwide program aimed at expanding and modernizing airport infrastructure. The loan reflects the deepening cooperation between the Kingdom and the continental lender and comes as Morocco accelerates preparations for rising air traffic and major international events expected by the end of the decade.

The funding will be used to implement the Airport Infrastructure Expansion and Modernization Program, a strategic initiative designed to enhance the competitiveness, capacity, and efficiency of Morocco’s air transport sector. The program responds to sustained growth in passenger and cargo flows and aligns with Morocco’s broader development priorities, including tourism expansion, logistics modernization, and regional connectivity.

Airports at the center of a long-term transport strategy

The modernization program focuses on four of Morocco’s most important airports: Marrakech, Agadir, Tangier, and Fez. These platforms play a central role in both international tourism and domestic mobility and are expected to experience strong growth in demand over the coming years.

Planned works include the expansion of passenger terminals, the construction of a new air traffic control tower in Marrakech, and the development of approximately 1.5 million square meters of aircraft parking areas, along with 7.6 kilometers of new taxiways. These upgrades are intended to improve operational fluidity, reduce congestion, and strengthen safety standards.

In parallel, the program provides for the installation of advanced security equipment, automated baggage handling systems, and modern passenger mobility solutions. Together, these investments aim to deliver a smoother, safer, and more efficient travel experience that meets international aviation standards.

Preparing for growth toward 2030

Morocco has set ambitious targets for its airport network by 2030. Under the current program, passenger handling capacity is expected to increase significantly, with Marrakech projected to reach 14 million passengers annually, Agadir 5 million, Tangier 3.6 million, and Fez 3 million. These capacity gains are designed to accommodate rising tourist arrivals, growing diaspora travel, and increased regional and intercontinental connectivity.

The timing of the investment is closely linked to Morocco’s role as a co-host of the 2030 FIFA World Cup, an event expected to place exceptional pressure on transport infrastructure while also offering long-term economic and visibility benefits. Beyond this milestone, the upgrades are intended to serve structural growth in aviation well beyond the event itself.

Morocco has already recorded strong tourism momentum in recent years, with international arrivals reaching historic highs. Air transport has become a key pillar of this performance, reinforcing the importance of sustained investment in airport infrastructure.

A broader framework of Morocco–AfDB cooperation

The new airport loan is part of a wider financing relationship between Morocco and the African Development Bank. With the latest approval, total AfDB financing to Morocco this year reaches approximately $1.3 billion, making the Kingdom one of the bank’s largest partners on the continent.

Beyond aviation, AfDB funding supports projects in territorial development, infrastructure, climate resilience, and inclusive growth. Earlier approvals include a $176 million credit line dedicated to financing sustainable and inclusive investment projects at the local level, further highlighting the multi-sector nature of the partnership.

This long-standing cooperation reflects shared priorities around economic competitiveness, regional integration, and social impact. For the AfDB, Morocco is seen as a key gateway between Africa, Europe, and global markets. For Morocco, the bank provides long-term financing and technical support aligned with national development strategies.

Economic and social impact

In addition to improving transport efficiency, the airport modernization program is expected to generate significant economic spillovers. In the short term, construction and equipment installation are projected to create thousands of jobs, with particular opportunities for young people and women. In the medium term, improved air connectivity is expected to stimulate tourism, trade, and private investment across transport-related sectors.

The program also places strong emphasis on digitalization and operational efficiency, contributing to lower delays, improved safety performance, and enhanced passenger satisfaction. These factors are increasingly critical in a competitive regional aviation environment.

Strengthening Morocco’s regional aviation role

With sustained growth in air traffic and continued investment in its national airline fleet, Morocco is positioning itself as a regional aviation hub connecting Africa with Europe, the Americas, and the Middle East. The airport modernization program supported by the AfDB is a central pillar of this ambition, reinforcing Casablanca’s hub function while strengthening secondary gateways across the country.

Aligned with Morocco’s Tourism Vision 2030 and national development model, the program underscores the strategic role of infrastructure in supporting long-term economic transformation. As air transport continues to shape tourism, trade, and mobility patterns, the partnership between Morocco and the African Development Bank is expected to remain a key driver of infrastructure-led growth in the years ahead.