How Morocco won a record $1.5 billion AfDB funding package

Morocco has secured a record €1.3 billion ($1.49 billion) in financing from the African Development Bank (AfDB) in 2025, highlighting the country's growing importance in the lender's development strategy and its ambitions to accelerate economic transformation.

Jun 1, 2026 - 07:21

How Morocco won a record $1.5 billion AfDB funding package

Moroccan flags are seen at the Jemaa el-Fnaa in Marrakesh, Morocco, on April 25, 2026. [Photo by Jakub Porzycki/NurPhoto via Getty Images]

Morocco has secured a record €1.3 billion ($1.49 billion) in financing from the African Development Bank (AfDB) in 2025, highlighting the country's growing importance in the lender's development strategy and its ambitions to accelerate economic transformation.

Morocco has secured a record €1.3 billion ($1.49 billion) in financing from the African Development Bank, marking the lender's largest annual commitment to the country.
The funding package includes major investments in airport upgrades, local infrastructure, entrepreneurship, agriculture and economic resilience.
More than €200 million has also been earmarked for skills development programmes to improve the employability of youth and women.
The financing underscores Morocco's growing role as a strategic development partner while accelerating its green energy and climate resilience ambitions.

The funding, the largest annual commitment the AfDB has made to Morocco, spans infrastructure, entrepreneurship, agriculture, governance, skills development and climate-focused investments.

Speaking on the sidelines of the AfDB Annual Meetings in Brazzaville, AfDB Country Manager for Morocco, Achraf Tarsim, said the financing reflects a shared commitment to supporting Morocco's long-term economic growth and resilience.

A significant portion of the package is aimed at modernising key transport infrastructure. The Bank allocated €420 million ($481 million) to infrastructure and connectivity projects, including €270 million ($309 million) for upgrades at the airports of Marrakech, Agadir, Tangier and Fez.

The airport programme will fund terminal expansions, a new control tower in Marrakech and advanced technologies designed to improve passenger movement, baggage handling and operational safety as Morocco prepares for rising tourism and business travel demand.

Beyond aviation, €150 million ($172 million) has been channelled through the Municipal Equipment Fund to help local authorities finance projects ranging from water and sanitation systems to schools, mobility initiatives and climate-resilient public infrastructure.

The AfDB also committed €182 million ($208 million) to strengthen economic governance, water and energy systems, and the country's ability to withstand external economic shocks. Another €119 million ($136 million) will support entrepreneurs and small businesses, sectors widely viewed as critical to job creation and private-sector growth.

Agriculture remains another priority. The Bank allocated €100 million ($115 million) to support rural development, women- and youth-led enterprises, agricultural infrastructure and access to financing.

In a further boost to employment prospects, the AfDB recently approved €200 million ($229 million) for Morocco's "Skills for Jobs 2030" programme, which seeks to equip young people and women with skills that better match labour market needs.

The green economy is also emerging as a major beneficiary. Through a €450 million ($515 million) partial credit guarantee to OCP Group, Morocco's phosphate giant is expected to mobilise up to €530 million ($607 million) in additional green financing for renewable energy, water sustainability and climate-resilient agriculture projects.