Rabat: The African Development Bank (AfDB) has pledged £100 million to support women and youth entrepreneurship in agriculture, with a focus on inclusivity and sustainability. The project aims to create sustainable economic opportunities, enhance food security, and increase the resilience of small-scale farming against climate change. It plans to stimulate entrepreneurship through tailored financing, incentives, and by strengthening technical and financial support systems.

According to Agence Marocaine De Presse, the program will also facilitate the deployment of new agricultural production and service infrastructure. This initiative is expected to integrate women into local value chains, enhance their skills, and improve productivity. The efforts will encourage the emergence of women entrepreneurs in agriculture, agro-processing, and digital technologies, while promoting rural entrepreneurship as part of a new employment roadmap.

Achraf Tarsim, head of the African Development Bank country office in Morocco, stated, “Through this new operation, we will support women step by step to build a modern, inclusive, and resilient agriculture, capable of revealing the full potential of those who aspire to innovate and create value and employment in their territories.”

The program is aligned with Morocco’s strategic priorities, including the Green Generation 2020-2030 Strategy, the National Solidarity Agriculture Program, and the National Youth Entrepreneurship Program. These initiatives aim to transform agriculture into a more inclusive, sustainable, and efficient sector.

For over 50 years, the African Development Bank Group has maintained a partnership with Morocco, contributing nearly £15 billion to over 150 high-impact projects. These projects span various strategic sectors such as transport, water, energy, agriculture, social protection, governance, and finance.