Casablanca – In a significant move to enhance Morocco’s educational, economic, and environmental sectors, the Moroccan government and the African Development Bank (AfDB) signed four major financing agreements worth over $660 million. The signing ceremony took place at the Ministry of Economy and Finance in Rabat and was attended by several high-ranking officials, including Fouzi Lekjaa, Minister Delegate in charge of the Budget, and Ashraf Tarsim, Resident Representative of the AfDB in Morocco.

The agreements are designed to support key initiatives across various sectors in Morocco:

1. Transformation of Moroccan universities: The first agreement, valued at $132 million, aims to support the transformation of Moroccan universities into digital, entrepreneurial, and inclusive institutions. This initiative aligns with Morocco’s broader strategy to improve the quality of human capital by providing inclusive access to innovative higher education that meets the needs of the labor market and supports territorial development.

2. Enhancement of territorial competitiveness: The second agreement, worth $220 million, focuses on improving territorial competitiveness across Morocco. The goal is to attract more investors, create local jobs, and strengthen socio-economic inclusion. By enhancing the competitiveness of various regions, the program aims to boost industrial activity and economic growth throughout the country.

3. Sustainable development of forest areas: The third agreement, amounting to $92 million, is dedicated to the sustainable and inclusive development of Morocco’s forest areas. This program will support the development of key forestry sectors, promote female and youth entrepreneurship in forestry and aquaculture, and foster ecotourism. Additionally, it aims to strengthen public-private partnerships and advance the digital transformation of the forestry sector, contributing to environmental sustainability.

4. Construction of the Guercif-Nador highway: The fourth agreement, valued at $220 million, will finance the construction of a 104-kilometer highway between Guercif and Nador. This project is expected to significantly improve connectivity and economic activity in the Oriental region by linking the new Nador West Med port complex to Morocco’s national highway network. The improved infrastructure will enhance the profitability and operational efficiency of the port, making it a key driver of regional economic growth.

During the ceremony, Minister Fouzi Lekjaa emphasized the importance of these agreements, which are part of a broader, integrated approach to development. He highlighted the long-standing and high-quality relationship between Morocco and the AfDB, praising the bank’s continued support for Morocco’s structural reforms and technical assistance in various sectors.

Ashraf Tarsim, representing the AfDB, underscored the strategic importance of these projects, which reflect the strong partnership between Morocco and the bank. He noted that these initiatives would not only transform Morocco’s educational landscape but also improve regional competitiveness, enhance connectivity, and support sustainable environmental practices.

The African Development Bank has been a key partner in Morocco’s development for over 50 years, providing crucial support in sectors such as health, human development, water, agriculture, energy, transport, and finance. These new agreements further cement the strong ties between the two entities and underscore their shared commitment to Morocco’s continued progress.