Morocco is about to receive its biggest ever funding package from the African Development Bank, with nearly $1.5bn set to go into airports, jobs, farming, green energy and local services across the country.
The money comes as Morocco prepares to co-host the 2030 FIFA World Cup and pushes ahead with plans to become one of Africa’s leading industrial and business hubs.
Speaking at the bank’s annual meetings in Brazzaville, the AfDB’s Morocco director Achraf Tarsim said the funding showed the “strong partnership” between Morocco and the bank and their shared ambition to modernise the economy.
A large part of the package, around $490m, will be spent on transport and infrastructure projects.
About $314m will go towards upgrading airports in Marrakech, Agadir, Tangier and Fez as passenger numbers continue to rise. The work includes expanding terminals, building a new control tower in Marrakech, adding new aircraft taxiways and improving baggage and security systems.
Another $175m has been allocated to Morocco’s Municipal Equipment Fund to help cities and local councils improve services people use every day.
The projects include drinking water systems, sanitation networks, schools, transport and public facilities. Mr Tarsim said environmental and climate standards would be included in all developments.
The bank has also committed around $212m to help Morocco strengthen its water and energy sectors and protect the economy from global shocks and climate pressure.
Another $138m will support small businesses and entrepreneurs in an effort to create jobs and improve competitiveness.
Rural farming projects will receive about $116m, with a focus on helping women and young entrepreneurs. The funding will also support modern farming infrastructure and improve access to finance.
The AfDB recently approved another $233m for Morocco’s “Cap Compétences 2030” programme, which aims to help young people and women find work by better matching training with employers’ needs.
In the green energy sector, the bank signed a $524m credit guarantee agreement with OCP Group.
The deal is expected to unlock another $617m in green financing from international lenders including Société Générale and BNP Paribas.
The money will help OCP invest in renewable energy, desalination plants and low-carbon fertiliser production as Morocco faces growing water shortages linked to climate change.
The announcement comes as Morocco tops the African Development Bank’s Industrialisation Index for the first time, narrowly overtaking South Africa.
Morocco’s rise was driven by years of investment in industries such as car manufacturing, aerospace and textiles. The AfDB expects Morocco’s economy to grow by 4.2% in 2026 and 4.3% in 2027, helped by strong tourism, manufacturing and consumer spending despite global inflation and energy market uncertainty.
