New funding to boost rail and road safety in Morocco
In a significant move to upgrade national transport systems, Morocco and the European Investment Bank (EIB) have formalized financing agreements worth 365 million euros. Signed in Rabat, these funds are earmarked for enhancing the durability and security of both the railway and highway networks across the Kingdom.
The first part 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 specific allocation is dedicated to the Office national des chemins de fer (ONCF) to support its railway rehabilitation program. The agreement was finalized by Lionel Rapaille, Deputy Director of EIB Global, and Mohamed Smouni, Deputy Director General of the ONCF, alongside Daniele Dotto representing the EU delegation in Morocco.
Strengthening highway resilience
A second major agreement was reached with the Société nationale des Autoroutes du Maroc (ADM). This involves a 300 million euro loan from the EIB specifically designed to improve the resilience of the Moroccan highway network. The signing ceremony was attended by Nadia Fettah, Minister of Economy and Finance, and Nadia Calviño, President of the EIB.
During the event, Nadia Calviño described Morocco as a vital long-term partner, noting the country’s essential role in maintaining stability and driving economic growth within the region. Minister Nadia Fettah echoed these sentiments, highlighting the deep-rooted nature of this strategic alliance, which has spanned 50 years of cooperation and two decades of permanent EIB presence on Moroccan soil.
A commitment to sustainable mobility
The 365 million euro investment is aimed at delivering tangible improvements for citizens by fostering a more modern and sustainable mobility framework. These projects reflect a shared vision for economic development and climate action, reinforcing the EIB‘s role as a primary investment driver for the EU in the region.
For nearly half a century, this partnership has been instrumental in promoting social cohesion and infrastructure advancement in Morocco, ensuring the country’s transport networks meet international standards of safety and efficiency.
