The French Development Agency (AFD) has announced its plans to expand its investments into Morocco’s southern Sahara region, a move underscored by AFD’s Director General, Rémy Rioux. In an upcoming visit to Laâyoune and Dakhla, Rioux aims to engage with local communities, reflecting AFD’s commitment to regional development as a bridge between Morocco and its neighboring countries in Africa.
Rioux explained that this decision aligns with AFD’s “All Africa” approach, which emphasizes regional cooperation, a vision Morocco actively shares. This partnership, he noted, leverages Morocco’s influential role in Africa, positioning it as a key player in the continent’s transition toward sustainable growth.
Key areas of collaboration
Rioux highlighted several major initiatives symbolizing Morocco’s commitment to regional leadership. One significant example is Morocco’s focus on the Atlantic axis to enhance port cooperation, crucial for bolstering trade within the region. Additionally, Rabat’s initiatives in sustainable blue economy and food security underscore Morocco’s pioneering role. Through the Agrifinance platform, driven by the OCP Group with AFD support, Morocco is financing the transformation of agricultural value chains across Africa, strengthening food resilience and economic self-sufficiency. Cultural exchange has also grown, with collaborations like the partnership with Morocco’s National Museum Foundation, fostering expertise and knowledge-sharing across African borders.
In addition to agriculture and cultural cooperation, Rioux pointed to sectors such as sports and vocational training, where Morocco has been a trailblazer, sparking innovation in several African nations.
Reinforcing the strategic France-Morocco partnership
AFD’s expanded investment in Morocco’s Sahara also coincides with a broader strategy to solidify Morocco-France ties. This partnership was bolstered by French President Emmanuel Macron’s recent state visit to Morocco, where he reinforced a commitment to a sustainable development roadmap for the Kingdom, aiming to deepen cooperation across Africa. Rioux described six key agreements signed with Morocco’s government, totaling over €900 million for projects over the next five years, targeting regional development and shared growth.
AFD’s focus includes specific regions like Casablanca-Settat and Guelmim-Oued Noun, where funds will be directed toward inclusive and sustainable development initiatives. Notably, AFD and OCP recently partnered to support Morocco’s ambitious efforts in decarbonizing its economy, a model of resilience that extends across the African continent.
Sustainable resource management and social inclusion at the core
A top priority in the Morocco-AFD partnership is natural resource preservation, which Rioux emphasized as critical to the country’s future. AFD will support Morocco’s national water strategy, aimed at alleviating water stress, alongside efforts to sustainably manage forest areas in regions such as the Toubkal mountain range. The agency is also committed to promoting sustainable agriculture, boosting resilience in rural communities.
Socio-economic inclusion of youth and women is another cornerstone of AFD’s partnership with Morocco, as the agency works with the Kingdom to advance social reforms that empower these groups. AFD’s private sector financing arm, Proparco, along with Expertise France and other French partners, is collaborating with the Mohammed VI Fund for Investment to launch the “Morocco-France Investment Accelerator,” fostering private investment and entrepreneurship to boost economic recovery.
Finally, energy transition remains central to this cooperation. AFD will continue its support for cutting-edge research and technology, including advancements in green hydrogen and sustainable mobility, to fuel Morocco’s clean energy ambitions.
A partnership thirty years in the making
Morocco has been AFD’s primary partner worldwide, with over €7 billion invested in the past three decades to support innovative reforms and development projects across the Kingdom. The agency’s commitment to Morocco’s southern provinces reflects a deepening of this enduring partnership, as France and Morocco join forces to create a more resilient and interconnected Africa. Through this bold initiative, AFD not only strengthens Morocco’s regional influence but also fosters sustainable growth and shared prosperity across the continent.
