Major Funding Agreement to Enhance Morocco's Airport Infrastructure
Dr. Sidi Ould Tah, the President of the African Development Bank Group, along with Morocco’s Minister of Economy and Finance, Nadia Fettah, presided over the signing ceremony of a significant funding agreement worth €270 million in Casablanca on Tuesday. This agreement aims to bolster the capacity of Morocco's airport infrastructure through the Airport Infrastructure Expansion and Modernization Program (PEMIA). The financing agreement was signed by Achraf Tarsim, the country office manager of the African Development Bank Group in Morocco, and Adel El Fakir, the Director General of the National Airports Office (ONDA). The event was attended by Saïd Jabrani, the General Director of Tamwilcom, the national financial institution backing this initiative.
Dr. Sidi Ould Tah remarked, "With this loan of €270 million provided to the National Airports Office, the African Development Bank supports Morocco’s ambition to modernize and enhance its airport capacities, particularly in strategic hubs such as Marrakech, Agadir, Fez, and Tangier. The Bank is also contributing to Morocco's efforts in preparing for major international events." He further explained, "This initiative aligns with the continental dynamics that the African Development Bank is determined to drive through the Integrated Aviation Transformation Program (IATP). This program aims to assist African states in modernizing, financing, and integrating their air transport systems to create a safer, more competitive, sustainable, and well-connected sector."
In her remarks, Nadia Fettah emphasized, "There is no major reform or project that has not been financed by the African Development Bank. I express my gratitude to the institution for its involvement, especially in the airport sector." This operation marks a significant milestone in transforming Morocco's airport sector and supports the Kingdom’s ambitions to strengthen its position as a premier air hub between Africa, Europe, and the rest of the world.
In line with the Four Cardinal Points, the operational vision of the Bank Group, and Morocco’s strategic priorities, this project supports the implementation of the Kingdom's "Tourism Vision 2030." The PEMIA aims to sustainably enhance the competitiveness of Moroccan air transport through the modernization and expansion of the country's primary airport platforms. The program is set to increase the operational capacities of airports by upgrading infrastructure, expanding air navigation systems, and reinforcing safety and security measures.
These investments will equip airports with state-of-the-art security equipment, automated baggage handling systems, and digital solutions designed to streamline the travel experience and enhance passenger satisfaction. These improvements will ensure that travelers receive safer, faster, and more comfortable services that comply with the highest international standards.
With sustained growth in passenger and freight traffic expected in the coming years, the project will prepare Morocco's airport infrastructure for future mobility and connectivity needs. By 2030, the program aims to increase passenger handling capacities to 14 million in Marrakech, 5 million in Agadir, 3.6 million in Tangier, and 3 million in Fez. These investments will solidify Morocco's position as a regional air hub.
Beyond modernizing infrastructure, the program is expected to generate significant economic and social benefits. In the short term, it will enhance the security of airport operations and create thousands of jobs, particularly for youth and women. In the medium term, it will promote the development of tourism, trade, and logistics activities while stimulating associated public and private investments in the air transport sector.
As reported by fnh.ma.
