On October 19, 2026, significant developments are underway in Morocco as the African Development Bank (AFDB) announces an ambitious program aimed at the expansion and modernization of airports across the nation. This initiative is projected to generate approximately 49,000 new job opportunities, with a strong emphasis on the inclusion of women and youth, thereby addressing critical employment challenges in the region.
The AFDB's recent evaluation report outlines that of the estimated 48,722 jobs, around 19,000 will be direct positions while 29,722 will be indirect, associated with various investments made in the airport sector. Notably, it is anticipated that 30% of these jobs will specifically benefit women, and 34% will be allocated to young individuals. These employment opportunities are expected to materialize in the short term, coinciding with the construction and operational phases of the new infrastructure. Furthermore, in the medium term, the program is poised to invigorate tourism, commercial activities, and logistics, significantly boosting the Moroccan economy.
Key Airports Undergoing Transformation
The expansion efforts will primarily focus on four major airports: Marrakech, Agadir, Tangier, and Fès. The planned upgrades include enlarging terminals, modernizing security equipment, automating baggage handling processes, and enhancing facilities utilized by aircraft. By the year 2030, Marrakech aims to accommodate an impressive annual capacity of 14 million passengers, up from 9.2 million in 2024. Similarly, Agadir's capacity is set to increase from 3.1 million to 5 million, Tangier from 2.4 million to 3.6 million, and Fès from 2 million to 3 million passengers.
This extensive program is being supported by a substantial loan of 270 million euros from the AFDB to the National Airports Office (ONDA), formalized in an agreement signed on September 29 in Casablanca. This funding will play a pivotal role in transforming Morocco's airport platforms in preparation for the upcoming 2030 World Cup.
The number of air passengers in Morocco has seen exponential growth in recent years, soaring from 7.7 million in 2005 to an expected 32.5 million by 2024. In response to this remarkable increase, the Moroccan government has committed a significant investment aimed at enhancing airport infrastructures to meet the evolving demands of air travel.
As reported by bladi.net.
