Morocco’s National Ports Agency (ANP) and the French Development Agency (AFD) have signed a €100 million financing agreement to support port development and promote greener infrastructure.
The agreement was signed in Rabat on November 3. It marks the third financing arrangement under the strategic partnership between the two agencies.
The signing ceremony was attended by Equipment and Water Minister Nizar Baraka, French Ambassador to Morocco Philippe Lalliot, and other senior officials.
The loan will support the ANP’s investment programme for 2023–2030. It will focus in particular on port infrastructure in the southern regions.
The planned projects cover several locations, including Tan-Tan, Tarfaya, Laayoune, Boujdour, Dakhla and Mhiriz.
These projects aim to improve port facilities and strengthen their role in regional economic development. They are also expected to improve connections with Atlantic markets and support trade with other African countries.
Focus on greener port infrastructure
The investment programme covers four main areas. These include the rehabilitation and modernisation of port infrastructure, as well as the development of renewable energy and desalination projects.
It will also support the expansion and modernisation of fishing ports. In addition, the programme aims to reduce carbon emissions and provide electricity to ships at port berths.
The financing takes the form of a preferential loan with a 13-year repayment period. It is granted without a state guarantee.
Speaking at the ceremony, Philippe Lalliot highlighted the importance of port infrastructure to Morocco’s economy. He also stressed the need to make coastal facilities more resilient to climate change, particularly rising sea levels and strong waves.
The agreement follows commitments made during French President Emmanuel Macron’s visit to Morocco in October 2024. It reflects continued cooperation between the two countries in infrastructure and economic development.
- Source: MAP