Casablanca – The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) is poised to significantly advance the Nador West Med port project with a new $120 million loan aimed at developing a major industrial and logistical zone adjacent to the port. This investment represents a crucial step in transforming the region into a leading economic hub.

The EBRD’s funding will support several key infrastructure projects, including land development for industrial platforms, construction of a wastewater treatment plant, a desalination facility, an energy-efficient lighting system, and a power distribution station. These projects are part of a broader regional development strategy designed to boost economic growth in Morocco’s Oriental region.

The latest loan builds on the EBRD’s previous contributions to the Nador West Med project. In 2015, the bank provided a $220 million loan for port infrastructure development, followed by an additional $110 million in 2022 to address a funding gap caused by increased activity and unforeseen technical and geotechnical challenges.

The new $120 million loan is expected to be approved in October and will be complemented by a $5 million investment grant from the EBRD Shareholder Special Fund. Additionally, the project will receive $3 million from the United Kingdom and $2.5 million from the Global Environment Facility, aimed at supporting green investments.

This investment is projected to attract foreign direct investment, enhance local business competitiveness, and foster the development of industrial ecosystems. It also aims to create job opportunities and reduce regional disparities, contributing to sustainable development in Nador and the wider Oriental region.

The development of the economic zone will focus on climate adaptation and efficient use of energy and natural resources, aligning with Morocco’s vision for comprehensive and sustainable regional development. This initiative reflects the kingdom’s strategic goals for sustainable growth and strengthened economic cooperation with international partners.

The Nador West Med port is expected to open in early 2025, with a container terminal featuring a quay of 1,520 meters and a depth of approximately 60 feet, enabling it to handle 3.4 million TEUs annually, with additional capacity planned. The project, which began planning and construction nearly a decade ago, aims to address growing demand and will complement the Tanger Med port and, eventually, the Dakhla Atlantique port.