Major investment boost for Moroccan rail and road networks
In a significant step toward modernizing national connectivity, Morocco and the European Investment Bank (EIB) formalized financing agreements totaling 365 million euros this Tuesday in Rabat. These funds are specifically designated to enhance the safety and structural resilience of the country’s essential transport corridors.
The first component of this financial package involves a 50 million euro loan from the EIB, supplemented by a 15 million euro grant from the European Union. This allocation is dedicated to the Office National des Chemins de Fer (ONCF) for an extensive railway rehabilitation project. The agreement was signed by the Minister of Economy and Finance, Nadia Fettah, and EIB President Nadia Calviño, with participation from Lionel Rapaille of EIB World, Mohamed Smouni of ONCF, and Daniele Dotto from the EU delegation.
Strengthening the highway network
A second major agreement was reached with the Société Nationale des Autoroutes du Maroc (ADM). This 300 million euro loan focuses on the “ADM – Highway Resilience” project, designed to upgrade the national motorway infrastructure to withstand modern environmental and traffic challenges.
During the signing ceremony, Nadia Calviño described Morocco as a long-standing strategic partner and a primary driver of investment for the EU in the region. She emphasized the kingdom’s pivotal role as a center for stability and economic progress. Minister Nadia Fettah echoed these sentiments, noting that the partnership is built on fifty years of cooperation, including two decades of a permanent EIB presence within the country.
These new agreements underscore a shared commitment to sustainable and efficient mobility. By investing in these large-scale projects, the partnership aims to provide tangible improvements for citizens while promoting economic development and climate-conscious infrastructure. For nearly half a century, the EIB has remained a cornerstone of Morocco’s development strategy, supporting social cohesion and modernizing the national economy.
