The African Development Bank (AfDB) has approved a €120 million funding package to support the development of the Nador West Med (NWM) port activity zone (PAZAP-NWM). This ambitious project aims to boost export-oriented value chains, helping Morocco transform its economic model, improve the business climate, and attract significant investments that will spur social and economic growth in the Oriental region, according to an AfDB statement.
The initiative is expected to create over 30,000 jobs by enhancing trade volumes and related activities in the Oriental region, particularly in the Nador province. This aligns with Morocco’s port strategy, which envisions, by 2030, integrating the port system into the regional transport network, strengthening the competitiveness of the port logistics chain, creating local value and jobs, and accelerating the region’s economic and social development.
In 2015, AfDB initially approved €112.8 million to contribute to the construction of the Nador West Med port. Following economic impacts from the COVID-19 pandemic, an additional €57 million was provided in 2022 to support the project’s continued development.
In 2023, AfDB also approved €200 million to construct the Guercif-Nador highway, further enhancing the Oriental region’s logistical attractiveness and competitiveness. This highway aims to connect the future Nador West Med port to Morocco’s highway network.
With the new €120 million funding for the port activity zone, AfDB’s total contribution to this integrated multimodal program reaches nearly €490 million. This comprehensive financial support underscores the Bank’s commitment to fostering regional integration and economic growth in Morocco.
