Rabat: Morocco is ‘a major investment hub’, president of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) Odile Renaud-Basso said. “Since the beginning of 2024, the Bank has invested over pound 400 million,” Renaud-Basso told MAP during the Africa Investment Forum (AIF), held in Rabat until December 6, revealing that additional projects are currently in progress.

According to Agence Marocaine De Presse, Renaud-Basso described the relationship between Morocco and the EBRD as “excellent,” highlighting that the Bank has invested nearly pound 5 billion in Morocco since 2012, with 70% directed toward the private sector. “We recently redefined the 2024-2029 country strategy for Morocco, focusing on three main priorities: promoting private sector development, including SMEs; supporting the energy transition and advancing women’s inclusion,” she explained.

In terms of private sector development, the EBRD directly finances businesses, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) across various i
ndustries. It also works through Morocco’s leading banks to facilitate SME financing, including specialized programs targeting young and women entrepreneurs.

On the energy transition, Renaud-Basso emphasized EBRD’s commitment to supporting Morocco’s strategies, highlighting the Bank’s previously financed private investments in renewable energy within the Kingdom.

As for women’s inclusion, the Bank aims to improve women’s access to the workforce and increase their representation in leadership and governance roles within companies, Renaud-Basso concluded.