Laayoune: The French Development Agency (AFD) group is preparing to make substantial investments totaling approximately 150 million euros in the southern provinces of the Kingdom, as revealed by the Agency’s CEO, Rémy Rioux, during a press briefing in Laayoune.
According to Agence Marocaine De Presse, Rioux emphasized that the AFD Group aims to extend its reach into the southern regions by investing and providing financing. This announcement came following his discussions with key officials, including Abdeslam Bekrate, the Wali of the Laayoune-Sakia El Hamra region and Governor of the Laayoune Province, as well as Sidi Hamdi Ould Errachid, the President of the Regional Council, and Moulay Hamdi Ould Errachid, the President of the Municipal Council.
Rioux, who led a high-level delegation on a working visit to Morocco, underscored the significant investments already accomplished in the southern provinces. He pointed out that AFD can offer further expertise and financial support. Additionally, he noted the imp
ressive infrastructure developments in the Laayoune-Sakia El Hamra region, which facilitate job creation and address the expectations of young people in Morocco’s southern regions.
Rioux also acknowledged the establishment of private enterprises and industrial zones in Laayoune-Sakia El Hamra, stating that AFD’s financial investments in the southern provinces convey a strong message to economic stakeholders. Furthermore, Rioux mentioned plans to enhance cooperation with the OCP Group in applied research, particularly in agriculture, referencing a recent financing agreement aimed at decarbonizing the Group’s value chain.
During the visit, the AFD delegation participated in presentations on the regional and municipal development programs. They were informed about various development initiatives under the new Development Model for the Southern Provinces, launched by His Majesty King Mohammed VI in 2015.
The meetings in Laayoune offered the French delegation a comprehensive understanding of the region’s dynami
c development efforts, as well as the projects designed to establish it as a strategic hub.
While in the region, the French delegation visited several social, educational, and economic projects, witnessing the extensive efforts towards integrated development in the Laayoune-Sakia El Hamra region. They toured the port of Laayoune to learn about commercial activities and future expansion plans. At the African Sustainable Agriculture Research Institute (ASARI), linked to Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P), they received insights into the institution’s objectives.
This visit by AFD’s CEO is part of the Enhanced Exceptional Partnership between His Majesty King Mohammed VI and French President Emmanuel Macron, highlighting a mutual commitment to bolstering bilateral cooperation and fostering inclusive and sustainable development across all regions of the Kingdom.